The Vocal Music program prepares students for
solo and ensemble performances in a
variety of musical genres including
opera and musical theatre. Course work
includes vocal fundamentals and
technique, sight reading, and music
history, theory, and criticism. Students
may also work with music technology,
recording, and engineering.
The Music prime at Carver Center focuses upon the development of musical skills and singing technique. Students are prepared for majoring in music in college with voice as their primary instrument. The following qualities are fundamental for students entering the Carver Center Vocal Music Program: musicality, personal initiative, self-discipline, good health, seriousness of purpose, and trainability.
The Vocal Prime is a hybrid between the traditional applied voice lesson and class voice. At least once a week, each student receives individual attention and sings solo while other students take notes and make constructive criticism. Because all singers deal with the same issues, many aspects of singing can be effectively dealt with in a group setting, especially at the high school level. Nevertheless, Vocal Prime students are encouraged to take extra-curricular voice lessons and piano lessons. All Vocal Music students are required to take part in occasional evening performances. Furthermore, students are required to attend numerous performances both on and off Carver Center’s campus. Students are required to keep journals of their reactions to these productions. They are also expected to audition for Carver Center musical productions.