Choirs
Men’s Ensemble
An elective course open to tenor/bass 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 tenor/bass 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 soprano/alto 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 soprano/alto 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 soprano/alto 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 soprano/alto students, grades 11-12 and tenor/bass 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 block/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.
***MERCH STORE IS NOW CLOSED***
The 2023 Choir, Music and USC Merch Online Store is currently closed! Orders were due by midnight on Tuesday, 10/17. concert!
Check out the items, many come in a variety of colors... and you can select from "USC Choir," "USC Music" as well as plain "USC" versions of the logos! Customize for the perfect merch for you and your student!
Black "U Choir" Polo Shirts are required for all choir students, so now is the time to get one if you don't have one, can't find it, or need a new size! The links below will take you directly to the Polos:
Order - Color: Black; Logo Choice: USC Choir
Order - Color: Black; Logo Choice: USC Choir
Orders will be organized for pick up around Nov 7th - but you are also able to select shipping direct to you if you, or family, or friends prefer.
Click here to order!
Questions? Contact Catherine Deep 412-527-4989 cell or catherinedeep@yahoo.com