Download the 2009 Choral brochure here

Conservatory Dates
June 29 - July 17, 2009 (three weeks)
Please see the Concert Info page for performance dates

Daily Hours
8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Tuition
$575 (scholarships are available)

Areas of Study
all voice types and ranges

Ages
Graduating 9th - graduating 12th grades

Department Description
Now in its seventh year, AFA’s Choral and Voice program provides Houston area voice students with a unique opportunity to hone their vocal skills and technique while performing a rich and diverse variety of Classical, American and World repertory. Similar to the orchestra/chamber music model, students perform in both large and chamber ensembles in both accompanied and a cappella settings. Students also participate in a joint performance with the AFA Conservatory Orchestra. Choral students also have the opportunity to develop their solo repertory as well as take part in enrichment courses that enhance their vocal skills at all levels.

AFA Mixed Chorus
All students participate in the AFA Mixed Chorus, performing a wide variety of repertory in a cappella and accompanied settings, as well as a performance with the AFA Conservatory Orchestra. Recent joint performances with the orchestra have included Haydn’s Little Organ Mass, Purcell’s Come Ye Sons of Art and Fauré’s Requiem. In 2009, the AFA Mixed Chorus will be lead by Dr. Lawrence Kaptein and will perform Mozart's Regina Coeli, among other works.

Chamber Choir (Men’s and Women’s ensembles)
All vocalists participate in chamber choirs. Chamber choir focuses on performance of repertory designed for smaller groups and helps students develop important vocal and aural skills in this context. Chamber choir workshops emphasize teamwork, active listening skills, communication skills and leadership as students work together to perform in more of an individual context.

Madrigals (Elective Class by audition only)
AFA features an auditioned madrigals group, emphasizing early music and contemporary repertory. Students audition for madrigals during the first week of the program if they wish to participate. Enrollment is at the sole discretion of the AFA Choral Director.

Voice Lessons
All voice students receive a minimum of three half-hour private lessons during the conservatory. Due to the limited amount of time students have with private teachers, AFA suggests that students come prepared to address any specific issues with which they may wish assistance. Items students may wish to address with private teachers include, but are not limited to, rehearsing and preparing chorus or chamber choir repertory, specific technical questions or concerns, receiving coaching on a solo they are rehearsing or preparing for upcoming contests and/or competitions. This type of focused, one-on-one interaction between working musicians and AFA students is specifically designed to help AFA students address individual musical goals.

Studio Class
As part of their private voice lessons, all students participate in studio class where they gain valuable performance experience in front of groups and receive coaching from the AFA faculty. Voice lessons and studio class both culminate in a Solo Voice Recital.

Diction & Sight-Singing
AFA believes in the development of a “total musician” by providing important academic training in voice taught by AFA’s accomplished choral and voice faculty. Diction and sight-singing classes assist students in improving their individual skills as well as their contributions to the singing groups in which they take part. These skills are considered essential to both effective solo and group performance.