Whether you are an experienced chorister, a lead singer in the band, or a crooner in the shower, SRJC has the right voice class for you.
SRJC has a rich tradition in choral music, currently represented by our Concert Choir and Chamber Singers. Additional courses are available in vocal technique and diction. Applied Voice (private instruction) is available for students intending to major in music.
NOVICE
Elementary Voice (MUSCP 17A)
No audition necessary. This course is designed to give you a thorough basis of healthy singing technique. The course will cover a range of styles of vocal music, including folksong and traditional ballad, English and foreign language art song, and Musical Theatre. Topics include tone production, breath control, diction, and interpretation of musical notation. While open to all students, prior singing experience and the ability to read music is recommended. This course is repeatable for up to two semesters. (CSU/UC)
EXPERIENCED
Intermediate Voice (MUSCP 17B)
Audition required. This program of study is designed for the serious vocal student. The class will focus on vocal technique and the practical application of vocal skills in the preparation and performance of standard college-level repertoire. Classes will also include demonstrations and practice of vocal exercises to develop technical skill. Each semester focuses on the study of classical repertoire in a particular language. The course is closely tied to MUSCP 18 Diction for Singers, where students learn proper pronunciation and vowel modifications for the languages of the repertoire examined in this class. This course may be repeated for up to two semesters. (CSU/UC)
Diction and Repertoire for Singers (MUSC 18.1 - 18.4)
Audition required (conducted in class). This course focuses on the study and practice of language preparation and performance in standard college-level vocal repertoire. Each semester focuses on repertoire in one of four languages: Italian, French, German, or English. Students are introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet and correct language pronunciation. Further study of foreign-language translation of the assigned repertoire helps the student develop a deeper individual artistic character. (CSU/UC)
CHORAL
CONCERT CHOIR (MUSCP 21A–D)
Darita Seth, Director
Audition not required. Concert Choir meets on Mondays from 7 pm-10 pm. Students should be familiar with the choral experience and should be able to match pitch, learn, and perform vocal parts in an SATB ensemble. Some accepted students are not strong music readers, but the first weeks of class focus on music-reading exercises, allowing them to learn and/or polish this skill. Most students who meet these expectations will pass the Concert Choir audition.
CHAMBER SINGERS (MUSCP 23A–D)
Darita Seth, Director
Audition required. Chamber Singers meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 12 – 1:30. This is a select (more advanced) ensemble of experienced choral singers, many of whom are voice majors. Members of Chamber Singers are expected to co-enroll in Concert Choir, with some exceptions at the discretion of the director. Non-majors are welcome, but the time commitment to both Concert Choir and Chamber Singers is expected (MW 12:00 – 1:30).
Students who wish to audition for this ensemble must be capable music readers and should enroll only upon instructor approval. Those interested in enrolling in Chamber Singers should attend the Concert Choir class at 12:00 p.m. on the first day of classes.
For more information, contact Darita Seth [dseth@santarosa.edu|707.527.4665]