9-12 Music

Music in the high school at NCA is an integral part of student learning. We believe that participation in Fine Arts through high school assists students in social and academic development. Our HS choral program has a high percentage of students enrolled in one of the two choirs offered for credit. Participation averages between 85 and 90% of the total high school population in any given year.NCA currently offers two choirs that students may participate in to earn high school credit.

Chamber Choir

Chamber Choir is the premier performing ensemble of the NCA Choral Department with an emphasis on excellent ensemble singing and individual vocal development.  A wide variety of the finest and most difficult choral literature from all style periods is performed.  Music is often selected from advanced high school and collegiate level music literature. Membership in Chamber Choir is by audition and is primarily for upperclassmen, however, in rare cases freshmen and sophomores will be selected for Chamber.

Concert Choir

Concert Choir is also by audition and focuses on developing young and new singers at the high school level in terms of vocal technique, ensemble singing, and sight reading/ear training skills.  Throughout the year, Concert Choir  joins Chamber Choir for joint performances including MSHSAA State Large Ensemble Music Festival in the spring.

Performance

Performance opportunities for the combined choirs include school concerts as well as performances at selected festivals, conventions and civic organizations at the state, regional and national levels.  Our high school choirs have the opportunity every other year to travel to both regional and national music competitions, often earning superior ratings at the adjudicated festivals. Singers in both choirs also have opportunities to participate in District Choir, All-State Choir, Mark Twain Conference Choir, and solos/small ensembles at both the district and state levels.

Concert Band

High School Concert Band is an award winning performance ensemble for high school students.  Emphasis is placed on individual development focusing on more mature tone production,  technique, and musicality.  This group performs a wide variety of literature from many different styles and periods.  

Performance opportunities include school concerts as well as performances at selected festivals at the state, regional, and national levels.  Every other year the High School Concert Band has the opportunity to travel to regional and national music competitions, often earning superior ratings at the adjudicated festivals.  Band members also have opportunities to participate in District Band, All-State Band, Mark Twain Conference Band, Springfield Youth Symphony, and solos/ensembles at both the district and state levels.