Expectations

Voices Of Color and Chorus are two completely different classes. They have similarities but there are many more differences. In both classes you sing and practice proper technique.

However, the differences between the two is the fact that the difficulties are different. Before the start of each class we learn how to sight read by doing our “High School Sight Singers” or “Rounds”. In chorus these are much easier because you do not have to skip as much between notes and the counting is much easier. In both classes we also learn how to count music to help with pulsing in the songs, and to help us read the music so we can learn them at home.

The music choices between the two groups is completely different. In V.O.C. we sing songs that are more difficult and force us to change our “tone” or color of our voices. This is one of the reasons we are known as the Voices Of Color. We can go from singing a pop song, to a rock song, to a slow love song, to a latin piece in one concert. The chorus does not do that, they usually range from a latin song, to a slow song, to a fun upbeat song in one concert.

The V.O.C. also has a lot of other concerts outside of class and school. We have performed at a Portland Pirates game, sang with the Androscoggin Chorale, sang on memorial day in Litchfield and Sabattus, put together an alumni concert and a couple of other things. The chorus does not sing in concerts outside of school besides music festivals.

The maturity levels for these classes are different as well. Chorus is kind of meant to learn the basics where V.O.C. is meant to really learn how music works. To be in V.O.C. one must be reliable and be there for just about every class so they do not miss anything. You are also expected to be there for every concert unless there is an extenuating circumstance.

In both classes there are times when we are able to joke around and have fun, but as soon as we start singing is when we have to recollect ourselves and focus on what we are really there for. That one thing is music. Music is the real reason we are there, to learn it and practice proper singing technique. Anyone can sing, it is all about the technique.