Voices of Carolina

Darcy Ryerson (High School Director – The Notables)

Kelly Bowker (Accompanist)

Claire Incorvati (Middle School Director)

Rhian Schultz (Accompanist)

Eirik Shevy (Elementary School Director)

Rebecca Jensen (Accompanist)

Suzanne Jewett (Handbell Choir)

Sharon Takai (VOC Administrator)

Students in grades 3 – 5 are encouraged to participate in this youngest primary vocal ensemble. Students will begin learning proper vocal techniques, sight-reading skills, theory, and the practice of working as a team to reach a common goal. Music selections may include historically sacred music, traditional folk, or also modern Broadway, jazz, or pop numbers. Students will gain experience in unison singing as well as two-part singing.

Students in grades 6 – 8 are welcome in this choir of hard workers. This primary vocal ensemble has proven to be a group of young people who concentrate during rehearsal and apply great effort to improve their vocal technique and listening skills. Music-reading and sight-singing continue to receive attention, and students apply their knowledge to the singing of two-part and also three-part choral songs in many musical styles.

Experienced 9 -12th grade students in this primary vocal ensemble focus their energy and enthusiasm toward applying their acquired vocal techniques to the singing of more advanced and varied literature. Four-part singing requires added concentration and listening skills in order to make lovely music. Sight-reading and theory understanding are increasing in importance at this level. Students continue to hone their vocal skills and musicianship in this choir.

Unaccompanied Minors “UNAM” (audition only): THURSDAYS, 2:15 – 3:45 p.m.

After singing with the Notables for at least one year, students in grades 9-12 may audition for this advanced group.
Students are expected to show competency in sight-reading skills; demonstrate confident, independent singing; and make contributions to a unified sound as a team.
Simultaneous participation in The Notables required.

Handbell Choir: 1 – 2:15 p.m.

VOC’s Handbell Choir members each make valuable and necessary contributions to the ensemble as a whole, and as such, must make every effort to be present at all rehearsals. Students strive to work as a cohesive group, all the while learning how each bell part interacts with every other part and becoming acquainted with a variety of ringing techniques.
The choir will perform in two concerts each school year: the VOC Christmas and Spring Concerts. Weekly rehearsals will take place at WPC in the PMA music wing on Tuesdays.
Members must be in 8th grade or higher; have previously participated in a PMA ensemble for at least a full semester; and must be able to read music proficiently. Interested new students must contact the director before registration in order to determine placement.