Kindergarten

• Utilize the singing voice, as distinct from the speaking voice
• Begin matching pitch in one's own range
• Sing with steady tempo and rhythmic accuracy
• Sing with appropriate expression

Grades 1-2

• Sing a tune alone or with a group using a clear, free tone
• Sing from memory a varied repertoire of folk and composed songs
• Sing with appropriate feeling and musical expression
• Sing a part in a round with rhythm and pitch accuracy while maintaining a steady tempo
• Sing a simple ostinato with a familiar song
• Sing alone or in a group in a healthy manner (for example: good posture, proper breath support, appropriate range)

Grades 3-4

• Sing songs accurately and independently, reflecting an understanding of tonal and rhythmic elements
• Control the voice in order to produce the desired musical quality to communicate expressive intent
• Sing one part alone or in a small group while others sing contrasting parts

• Produce a clear singing tone with carefully enunciated words
• Perform expressively with accurate pitch, phrasing, and dynamics
• Perform with correct posture and breath control
• Sing appropriately with other students as part of a chorus
• Follow and correctly interpret conducting gestures

Grades 5-8

• Sing within one's singing range with acceptable tone quality and breath control
• Sing in unison accurately with correct expression
• Sing with understanding through the period of voice change
• Sing a varied repertoire of folk, art, and contemporary songs
• Sing songs with 2, 3, or 4 parts

• Sing with a variety of healthy, appropriate vocal tone
• Sing with a tone quality appropriate to one's voice part
• Sing sensitively from memory a part in a conducted piece

Grades 9-12

Choral Performance - High

• Sing using good posture and breath control at all dynamic levels
• Sing with a free tone and accurate pitch and rhythm throughout one's range
• Sing with correct phrasing and appropriate expression
• Sing with pure, undistorted vowels
• Sing with good diction a varied repertoire of solo vocal literature and choral literature
• Sing music written in four parts with or without accompaniment
• Sing pieces with non-English text with proper pronunciation and diction
• Sing music from other time periods and cultures (for example: chant, sprechstimme, recitative)
• Sing from memory some of the music performed publicly by the ensemble
• Respond sensitively to the gestures of a conductor