Choirs

Men’s Ensemble

An elective course open to male students in Grades 9-12 interested in participating in a choral group. The Men’s Ensemble, one of four performing groups at the high school, is designed to accommodate new students entering the Choral Department, as well as upperclassmen who enjoy the camaraderie of singing in an all-male choir. Members study basic singing techniques and the basic elements of music. The repertoire ranges from music of the Renaissance, Barbershop and popular styles of music. All coursework is completed in class during rehearsal, except for occasional evening rehearsals (if necessary), and a minimum of three mandatory annual concerts. Students receive regular grades as in academic subjects. Students in this ensemble are required to pay a Wardrobe Fee of approximately $30.00. The Men’s Ensemble always provides an entertaining addition to USC’s Choral Concerts, and often performs in the community on field trips. No audition is necessary.

  • When Wearing Choir Tuxedo Ensemble: black (or very dark) dress shoes with dark socks

  • To Be Worn Under Choir Robe: black (or very dark) dress slacks, black (or very dark) dress shoes with dark socks, white-collared dress shirt with tie of your choice

Women’s Choir

An elective course open to female students in Grade 9 who are interested in participating in a choral group. Members study basic singing techniques and the basic elements of music. The repertoire is of a varied nature including classical, secular, musical theatre, and popular songs. All coursework is completed during rehearsals in class, except for occasional evening rehearsals (if necessary), and a minimum of three mandatory annual concerts. Students receive grades as in academic subjects. Performance field trips may be taken. Students in this ensemble are required to purchase a shirt at the cost of approximately $20.00 that will serve as concert attire. No audition is necessary.

  • black dress pants

  • black dress shoes (heel no more than 2”, no open toes)

  • red cotton/lycra shirt with long sleeves and a jewel neck

  • t-shirts available through Choral Boosters and will be distributed when wardrobe fee is paid

Clarion Choir

Open to all female students in grades 10 -12 who are interested in participating in a performing choral group. Members study singing techniques and intermediate elements of music. The repertoire is of a varied nature including classical, secular, musical theatre, and popular songs. All coursework is completed during rehearsal in class, except for occasional evening rehearsals (if necessary), and a minimum of three mandatory annual concerts. The Clarion Choir performs challenging women’s choral music. Performance field trips may be taken. Students receive regular grades as in academic subjects. Students in this ensemble are required to purchase a shirt at the cost of approximately $20.00 that will serve as concert attire. No audition is necessary.

  • black dress pants

  • black dress shoes (heel no more than 2”, no open toes)

  • black cotton/lycra shirt with long sleeves and a jewel neck

  • t-shirts available through Choral Boosters and will be distributed when wardrobe fee is paid

Pantheon Choir

A mixed choir of female students, grades 11-12 and male students, grades 10-12. Students must audition for this ensemble. Auditions will be held the week before course selection sheets are due. As part of the course, members study vocal techniques and advanced elements of music at a higher level than the other performing groups. The Pantheon Choir has had opportunities to perform with the Pittsburgh Symphony, River City Brass, Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra, and other professional musicians, and has collaborated with high school and local choirs in outstanding concerts within and outside of the school district. All coursework is completed during class except for occasional evening rehearsals (if necessary), and a minimum of three mandatory annual concerts. Students receive regular grades as in academic subjects. Students in this ensemble are required to pay a Wardrobe Fee of approximately $30.00.

Prerequisite: Director’s recommendation through an audition; participation in a choral group the preceding year. At the discretion of the choral director and administration, this course may be offered as an independent study in a flexible mod/day or after-school scheduling assignment.

  • When Wearing Black Choir Gown: white pearl necklace, black dress shoes (heel no more than 2”, no open toes), natural shade hose

  • To Be Worn Under Choir Robe: dress or skirt of your choice, black dress shoes (heel no more than 2”, no open toes), natural shade hose

Chanteclairs

An extra-curricular choir that specializes in a cappella music. Only students enrolled in Pantheon Choir may audition for this ensemble. Students in other choirs may also be invited by the director to audition, but must perform with the Pantheon Choir, as well. Chanteclairs rehearse Tuesdays from 2:30-4:15 p.m. Additional rehearsals after school or evenings may be added at the director’s discretion.


Theatre Arts

Open to students grades 9-12. The course is designed to meet the performance needs of the class within the boundaries of the curriculum. Students study various aspects of the performing arts, including acting, singing, movement, stagecraft and theater history. Students will work on monologues, scenes, voice and speech activities, improvisation, movement, character development and audition preparation. The course may be taken consecutive years.