This is a primer that may be helpful if you are new to Walton Chorus. Everything you want to know about Walton Chorus from A Cappella to Zwischenspiel.
All-State Chorus:
The Georgia All-State Chorus is run by the GMEA, Georgia Music Educators Association. Singers from all over the state audition in regional auditions held in November. The highest scoring singers earn a place in one of the All-State Choirs, 9th/10th Mixed, 11th/12th Mixed, High School Treble or High School Tenor/Bass. To retain the place in the choir, singers must pass another music check audition in January. Being selected to participate in the Georgia All-State choirs is one of the highest honors a student may achieve.
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA):
Mr. Stoner and Alison Mann are active members of this world-wide organization whose purpose is to promote choral excellence.
Braves Game:
Students may sign up to go with us to a Braves game in the fall. Students in grades 10-12 will sing the National Anthem.
Booster Board:
The Booster Board is a group of parent volunteers responsible for aiding in the success of the choral program.
Booster Club:
The Walton Chorus Booster Club is the parent organization that supports the chorus.
Chaperones:
Parent volunteers attending events to help manage & organize students.
CHARMS:
The Chorus Directors and Booster Board members uses software called CHARMS to keep track of students, lettering points, contact information, calendar events, volunteers, and much more.
Choral Directors:
Choral Directors are the Walton faculty members in charge of the choral program.
Chorus: What Chorus am I in?
There are 8 performing choirs in the Walton Chorus program, plus special choirs. For a listing of all choirs click here.
Concerts:
There are usually three concerts a year, and everyone also sings at the Homecoming pep rally. The Fall and Winter concerts will be held in the Lassiter Concert Hall, 2601 Shallowford Rd, Marietta, GA 30066, while the Spring concert is held at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Ga 30068. Students wear chorus t-shirts to school on concert days.
Students arrive at the assigned time for their choir to rehearse before the concert. Rehearsal is closed door, meaning no audience. Doors open for audience seating about 15 minutes before the concert.
Fine Arts Diploma Seal:
Seniors who have been in chorus, band, or orchestra all four years are eligible to earn the State of Georgia’s Fine Arts Diploma Seal. This impressive designation is helpful for colleges to appreciate a well-rounded student.
JFBC:
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, Ga 30068 where some of our concerts are held.
Lettering Points:
Chorus students have the opportunity to earn points throughout the year toward a letter in Chorus. The Handbook has details about earning lettering points.
LGPE:
Large Group Performance Evaluations (Choral Evaluations) are held in February/March by the Georgia Music Educators Association. These evaluations are the equivalent of an “end of course” exam. This is mandatory for every choral student and counts as an exam grade.
National Association for Music Education:
The National Association for Music Education is the organization of music educators in the United States that promotes excellence in all music education. GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) is a part of this national group. Mr. Stoner and Mrs. Allyn are active members.
Scholarships:
The Robert Shaw Choral Scholarship is awarded each year to one senior choral student, $1000. The Walton Choral Booster Club Scholarships are awarded to two seniors each year. All scholarships are announced at the Year-end Celebration.
Student Leadership:
Student officers that assist in choral events, daily chorus classroom activities and the encouragement of other chorus students. Student leaders help make many decisions and are an integral part of the success of Walton Chorus.
Tour Choir:
Singers in grades 10-12 in good standing are eligible to be part of Walton Tour Choir. We alternate between international and domestic performance opportunities. Students who have been a part of Walton Tour Choir often say the experience was the highlight of their high school career.
Treasurer’s Box:
The Treasurer’s Box is located inside the Chorus room. If you need to turn in payment for any activity, please completely fill out the provided envelope, and seal your cash or check and deposit into the lock box.
Tri-M:
National Music Honor Society of the National Association for Music Education. Seniors who have been in chorus, band, or orchestra all four years are eligible for membership and earn an honor cord to wear at graduation.
Uniforms:
The informal uniform is the chorus t-shirt. The formal uniform for ladies is the gown, black concert shoes, and pearls. The formal uniform for men is the tux, tie, black socks & dress shoes. For more information about Uniforms click here.
Volunteers:
Volunteer parents are essential in making our 400+ chorus students have the best year possible. For more information and details to find a volunteer role that fits your schedule click here.
End-of-Year Celebration/Banquet:
The End-of-Year Celebration or Banquet is our annual awards night held in May. Any chorus student and parent may attend with a paid ticket. Awards, letters, and scholarships are presented, followed by a dance.
Zwischenspiel: Interlude. Short music used to bridge the acts of a play, or the verses of a hymn.
For more detailed information about Walton Chorus, please review the Handbook.