Power in Progress: Beginner
Picture
Now that you have completed the steps for Jump Start, it is time to begin to understand the principles and ideas that you memorized.  The Beginner Level will take you beyond a memorized list to a description of the items in the list.  For example, one of the Choral Principles is "Prepare for Entrances."  It's description is "Think the pitch, form the vowel, and breath through the vowel to make the sound."

In addition to your descriptions, you will take your understanding of music and music notation further.  As you complete this level, you will be ready to make a contribution to the whole group.  You are on your path to be a master musician.

To the student: When you have memorized these lists, find a member of the choir council to pass off these items.  Have the council member sign your book.  Next, complete the verification form found here:  Beginner Verification Form.  After you complete the requirements you will receive your Jump Start Level Award and move to Beginner. 

To the council member: Please record the pass off in your Power in Progress Leadership Journal.

The key principle in the Beginner level is Describe.

Requirements to pass the Beginner Level.
  1. Describe each of the 16 Choral Principles and how they apply in choral music.
  2. Describe the Utah Music Core Standards and objectives.
  3. Describe the Utah Festival Adjudication factors.
  4. Correctly identify major key signatures.
  5. Demonstrate the elements of correct choral sitting and standing posture.
  6. Identify important composers of each musical time period.
  7. Correctly perform three one-octave major scales using solfeggio.
  8. Describe major, pentatonic and whole tone scales.
  9. During the semester, perform one in-class solo and one in-class ensemble.
Click on the links below to access information.
  1. 16 Principles
  2. Utah State Core Standards
  3. Utah State Adjudication Factors
  4. Major and Minor Key Signatures
  5. Choral Sitting and Standing Posture
  6. Musical Time Periods
  7. no information necessary
  8. Scales
  9. In Class Performances