Other Opportunities
Mr. Grau and Mrs. Thompson are happy to provide the students in our curricular choirs many extra opportunities throughout the year that help them challenge themselves, push them to build their skills, and give them wonderful memories. All of the opportunities below are 100% optional.
7th and 8th Grade Mixed Choir
The 7th and 8th Grade Mixed Choir is an extra-curricular, auditioned ensemble that meets twice a week. Auditions will be held in September. Mr. Grau directs the 7th and 8th Grade Mixed Choir and auditions are open to any 7th or 8th grade student already enrolled in a curricular choir. The 7th and 8th Grade Mixed Choir participates in all of the curricular choir concerts as well as the yearly choir tour to the elementary schools.
The Iowa OPUS Honor Choir Festival is a long standing Iowa tradition that consists of four separate honor choirs; a 5th-6th Grade mixed choir, a 7th-8th Grade treble voice ensemble, a 7th-8th Grade bass voice ensemble, and a 9th Grade SATB mixed ensemble. Any incoming 5th - 9th grade student who will be singing in a PV school choir during the current school year may participate. Auditions for these groups consist of submitting a recording of the student singing a scale, a section of “America,” and one selection from the festival music. The entire audition must be prepared without accompaniment . Once the recording is finished, the director submits the recording to the OPUS adjudication panel for consideration. Selected students travel to Ames, Iowa in November for the festival. Look for more information at the start of the year via eNews and email communication from Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Grau.
SEICDA Honor Choir
The Southeast Iowa Choral Directors Association hosts an honor choir for elementary and junior high aged students each year. This is usually in January or February at Assumption High School. More information will be shared in class and via email from Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Grau as details are determined by the association.
ACDA Honor Choir
The American Choral Directors Association has a conference in Cincinnati, Ohio February 16-19 where there will be honor choirs for grade 5-12. Auditions are similar to auditions for the Opus Honor Choir and will also be in September. Unlike Opus, selected participants must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is in charge of their travel, lodging, and getting them to and from rehearsals and the concert. There is also a significant financial commitment for this opportunity. More information will be shared in class and via email from Mrs. Thompson and Mr. Grau.
Solo/Ensemble Festival
Each spring every student will learn a solo in their weekly voice lesson. They have the opportunity to perform their solo for a judge and receive feedback on May 25th. Depending on student interest small ensembles can also prepare performances for this event. More information will be communicated in class, voice lessons, and via email as the event approaches.
7th and 8th Grade Musical
The 7th and 8th Grade Musical is an extra-curricular, auditioned activity that takes place every spring. Isabel Conner and Christina Myatt are the directors of the Junior High Musical. You can contact Ms. Conner at connerisabel@pleasval.org for more information.
High School Choir
We hope our 8th graders will continue singing in choir in High School. Visit their website to learn more!