Dr. Rayburn's Teacher Bio.

The Briarcrest Christian High School Singers is the high school’s premier vocal ensemble. The Briarcrest Singers provide auditioned vocal students a medium of advanced musical expression. This honors level choir accomplishes this by studying and performing sacred and secular literature from the Renaissance through the current century as well as music from other cultures. Membership will be open to a limited number of sophomores, juniors and seniors based on audition and the approval of the director. The Singers are expected to perform at a higher musical level than other choral ensembles. Each year the choir performs many concerts including those in chapels, churches, and various festivals. Occasionally the choir will perform for other schools in the Briarcrest Christian School system. In addition, this choir tours during the spring semester. Choir members must purchase their own Singers clothing (tux or dress).

Course Goals/Objectives:

1. Students will sing a varied repertoire of music alone, and with others.
2. Students will perform on instruments a varied repertoire of music alone, and with others.
3. Students will improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.
4. Students will compose and arrange music within specified guidelines.
5. Students will read and notate music.
6. Students will listen to, analyze, and describe music.
7. Students will evaluate musical performances.
8. Students will begin to understand the relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts.
9. Students will understand music in relation to history and culture.

Instructional Methods:

1. Students will sing appropriate repertoire and exercises.
2. Students will perform in public.
3. Students will read and write musical notation.
4. Students will analyze and evaluate performances of themselves and others.
5. Students will observe and learn from appropriate vocal models.
6. Students will research appropriate musical topics.
7. Students will write papers and make presentations.

The goal of Briarcrest Christian School is to provide students with a medium of musical expression. The choir accomplishes this by studying and performing sacred and secular literature from the Renaissance through the current century as well as music from other cultures. Music performed for this group is generally four-part music. In addition, the Concert Choir members will receive training in musical fundamentals preparing them for placement in the Chamber Choir or a life making music. Audition is not required. This ensemble is open for freshmen through seniors. Each year the choir performs for chapel, churches, and local festivals. Choir members must purchase their own Concert Choir clothing (tux or dress).