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 Dr. 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 spring. 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 use software called CHARMS to keep track of students, lettering points, contact information, calendar events, volunteers, and much more.Â
Choral Directors:
Choral Directors are the Walton faculty members in charge of the choral program.
Chorus: What Chorus am I in?
There are 6 performing choirs in the Walton Chorus program, plus special choirs and opportunities to sing.
Concerts:
There are usually three concerts a year, everyone also sings at the Homecoming pep rally, and the Homecoming Game. Concerts typically fall in the months of October, December, and April (locations TBD). 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 Dr. Mann are active members.
Scholarships:
The Robert Shaw Choral Scholarship is awarded each year to one senior choral student who will pursue a degree in the music field. The Walton Choral Booster Club Scholarships are awarded to two seniors each year. All scholarships are announced at the Year-end Celebration.
Senior Celebration:
The Senior Celebration is our annual awards night held in May. Seniors are invited to attend with their parent (s)/guardian. We ask adults attending to purchase a ticket to the event but seniors are invited to attend for free. Dinner is provided and awards, letters, and scholarships are presented, followed by a dance
Student Leadership:
Student officers who 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:
There are three (3) uniforms options for Walton Chorus Students.For more information about Uniforms click here.
Volunteers:
Volunteer parents are essential to our rapidly growing program of 350+ students.
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.