Fort Myers High School Choral Department

 

BARRAGE coming to FMHS!

Barrage

COMING TO FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL ON FEBRUARY 24, 2012

Barrage unleashes

“Soundtrack of the World”

Barrage is a high-energy fiddle fest, weaving together extraordinary musicianship and dance with traces of everything from country to heavy metal music. Five violinists are backed up with wild and interesting percussions, strong vocals, guitar, bagpipes and expertly executed choreography. The result is a show that blows the doors off “Stomp” and “Riverdance” alike.

 “Barrage is too wow for words!” says The Denver Post.

Created in Calgary, Canada in 1997, this violin-based, world-beat ensemble tours more than 40 weeks a year and has released 7 albums, 4 DVDs and 5 Television Specials to date. Barrage recently celebrated its milestone 2500th international performance. Over the past 15 years the group has entertained millions of concert goers and performed to sold out houses in over 27 countries. Hand-picked performers — young prodigies who can play, sing and dance with enthusiasm and endless energy — make up the group. Five performers are violinists supported superbly by a rock n’ roll engine room featuring drums, bass and guitars.

Barrage…defies efforts to neatly categorize its style,” says Planet Rockwall. “The band             seems to leave no musical stone unturned…”

Barrage continues to be leaders in the String Education field by cultivating an ongoing partnership with over 400 school and youth orchestra programs around the world, inspiring countless young musicians along the way. Barrage’s roots are in String Education and they have been dedicating their recent touring schedules to continuing to build their legacy with String Players across America and the World. In the 2011/12 touring season Barrage will perform with over 60 string programs in venues worldwide culminating with a featured performance at the American String Teachers convention in Atlanta, GA.

For 2011/12, Barrage will debut its new Album and Touring Spectacle called “Soundtrack of the World.”  Fresh material highlights the group’s virtuoso cast of young musicians performing a jaw-dropping mix of world music and dance with non-stop intensity. The show’s play list ranges from Coldplay to killer reels – a musical theatrical extravaganza filled with dazzling choreography and blurring fast fret work.

“After an evening of performing jigs on rocket fuel, its no wonder that more than a few horsehairs snapped on their bows,” says the Los Angeles Daily News.

The current incarnation of the group consists of Kristina Bauch (violin and tin whistle), Taylor Morris (violin), Kiana Weber (violin), Daniel Pentecost (violin and bagpipes), Lindy Donia (violin), Tim Harley (bass guitar), Charles Bullough (drums) and Phil Smyth (guitar),. Dean Marshall is the artistic director.

“Many bands in the past half century have chosen strange names that don’t seem to mean anything,” says the St. Petersburg Times. “The name chosen for the musical group Barrage, on the other hand, is perfectly obvious: Eight high-powered musicians present a barrage of sound and sights when they take the stage.”

Barrage brings its show to FORT MYERS HIGH SCHOOL on FEBRUARY 24TH at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the show are $15 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased by contacting MARK DAHLBERG AT Markld@leeschools.net or send payment to Mark Dahlberg at FMHS, 2635 Cortez Blvd, Fort Myers, Florida 33901 along with a self-addressed envelope and Mr. Dahlberg will mail you your tickets.  Please make checks payable to FMHS Band Boosters, Inc.   This public performance is part of the Barrage Educational Outreach Program and provides a rare opportunity for string students and the general public to see and interact with Barrage in a unique and intimate environment.  The concert is sponsored by Fort Myers High School Band Boosters.

The show is a creative offering of 5 to 1 Entertainments, the team responsible for determining the show’s music selections, training each player, composing and arranging all music and recording and producing all shows.

For Schedule updates please visit: www.barrage.org.

To view video clips of Barrage visit: www.barragevideo.com

Media Contact: -  John Grandmont – 1350 Erindale Crescent  London Ontario Canada N5X 1V9 – tel: (877) 675-9777  fax: (877) 675-9777 email: barragetalk@gmail.com

To Purchase Tickets:

Send check to: Mr. Mark Dahlberg

Fort Myers High School

2635 Cortez Blvd

Fort Myers, FL 33901

Checks payable to FMHS Band Boosters, Inc

Students are $10.00

Adults are $15.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome Incoming Freshmen!

Welcome to Fort Myers High School!  The choral music department is one of the most successful programs on campus, and we hope that you'll choose to be a part of it.

If you don't think you're a good singer, that's OK!  Dare me to teach you.  No experience singing is needed, and no audition is required.  Just sign up for the Vocal Techniques class, and bring your friends! 

Ladies, if you want to audition for Soundwave, please email Mr. Koller at matthewcko@leeschools.net.

Have a look around the site at some of our videos (on the NEWS page). 

If you were not at the open house, or did not receive a complimentary CD, let me know and I'll send one to you.

Come join our family.  We can't wait to meet you!

 

-Mr. Koller

Hallelujah Chorus

This is a really great picture of the orchestra and choirs performing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus.  It was taken during the Prism Concert, 4/20/2011.

Hallelujah_Chorus_Picture.JPG

SUPERIOR CHOIRS!

Congratulations to Fermata and Greenwave Singers for receiving SUPERIOR performance ratings at our Music Performance Assessment!

The Westminster Choir and Greenwave Singers! (UPDATED!)

On Friday January 14, 2011, The Westminster Choir from Princeton, NJ came to FMHS for a workshop with our choral students!  It was a fabulous experience for all of us.  They sang for us, and then Greenwave Singers sang for them.  Mr. Koller even got to join them for the Bach motet Lobet denn Herrn, alle Heiden.  After we sang for them their director, Dr. Joe Miller, answered many questions for our students.  The morning concluded with the two choirs singing The Lord Bless You And Keep You, by Peter Lutkin.  Here are a few pictures from the morning.  If you want to see more, go to the Westminster Choir page on Facebook.

Question and answer session with The Westminster Choir

Mr. Koller conducting both choirs in The Lord Bless You and Keep You

Class Schedule for 2010-2011 (tentative)

This is the tentative schedule for this year.  See you all soon!

 

Period 1 - AP Music Theory

Period 3 - Music Theory 1

Period 5 - IB Theatre

Period 7 - Fermata (Vocal Ensemble I-IV)

 

Period 2 - Vocal Workshop (Vocal Techniques I-IV)

Period 4 - Greenwave Singers (Chorus I-II)

Period 6 - Planning

Period 8 - Soundwave (Chorus High/Low Range I-II)

Musical Theater Awards!

Congratulations to the following students for winning awards for their roles in Sweeney Todd!

Morgan Beebe - Best Supporting Actress for her role as the Beggar Woman

Nicole Minott - Best Lead Actress, Runner Up for her role as Mrs. Lovett

Sydney Scodras - Best Supporting Actress, Runner Up for her role as Joanna

 

Sweeney Todd was a tremendous undertaking for us.  All of our students put their heart and soul into the production, and were rewarded with an experience unlike any other.  As I watched the video vignette last evening, I was reminded of what an incredibly talented and dedicated cast we had.  I am blessed to be able to work with the fine students of Fort Myers High School, and I look forward to many more opportunities to allow them to shine.

Congratulations to the whole cast for their hard work!

 

2010-2011 Chorus Classes

The chorus classes will be restructured next year in order to provide better vocal training for our students.  Here is a list of course offerings:

CURRICULAR CLASSES

Vocal Workshop

A non-auditioned chorus, all freshman girls and new singers from any grade will be placed in this ensemble.

Fermata (formerly Verdigris)

An auditioned women's ensemble for ladies in grades 10-12.

Soundwave

A women's showchoir and a cappella ensemble for grades 10-12.   Freshmen girls may audition if requested.

Greenwave Singers (New!)

An auditioned ensemble for men in grades 9-12 and women in grades 10-12, this choir will perform music from all cultures and genres.

In addition, the following EXTRA-CURRICULAR ensembles will be offered.  You must be enrolled in one of the above classes to participate in either of these groups.

Influx

A 16 voice a cappella ensemble for men and women.

Noteworthy (NEW!)

An all male a cappella ensemble.

 

Other electives:

Music Theory I:  If you want to know the basic structure and form of music, this class is for you!  No formal training or experience is needed.

AP Music Theory:  For students wishing to take the AP exam in Music Theory.  The pre-requisite is Music Theory I or permission from the instructor via a placement test.

COME JOIN THE GREENWAVE MUSIC DEPARTMENT

FOR PROSPECTIVE FRESHMEN

Fort Myers High School offers many different types of music classes.  There should be something here for everyone!  You can read more about the choirs on our "About Us" page, and hear clips of them on our "Music" page.

Verdigris

Fermata

Soundwave (ever watch Glee?)

Influx

Guitar

Piano

IB Theatre

We are also discussing the possibility of creating an early music ensemble which would specialize in music from the medieval, renaissance, and baroque musical periods.  This would be a joint project with Mr. Dahlberg and the Instrumental Music Department, and would be a fantastic opportunity to enrich our IB Music program.

What are you waiting for?  Come join the Greenwave Family Music Department!

Electric or Pipe Organ WANTED

We are in need of an organ to use with our choral ensembles.  The organ would be used as a primary form of accompaniment.  It should be more of a "church" or "traditional" organ rather than a "theater" organ.  Examples could be a pump organ, reed organ, portative organ, or a newer model electric organ with traditional church stops. If you know of one that could be donated, please email Mr. Koller at matthewcko@leeschools.net.

PERFORMANCE LOCATIONS NEEDED

We would like to arrange concerts in a few churches throughout the area.  Requirements would be good acoustics, a piano that's in tune, and maybe an organ.  Email Mr. Koller if you have a possible venue.

Sweeney Todd Cast Announced!

Congratulations to the cast of Sweeney Todd

Sweeney Todd - Tyler Bishop

Mrs. Lovett - Nicole Minott

Johanna - Sydney Scodras

Anthony - Ian Gallogly

Judge Turpin - Michael Messina

The Beadle - Schuyler Kessler

Beggar Woman - Morgan Beebe

Toby - Alex Voelmle

ROLES TBD:  Pirelli, Jonas Fogg, Lucy Barker

Your first rehearsal is this Friday from 2-4.

Chorus parts will be posted on the chorus room door tomorrow morning.  Congratulations! 

Auditions Coming Soon! (updated)

Auditions for our 16 voice a cappella group INFLUX will be on Wednesday August 26 and Thursday August 27.  You will be required to prepare a song of your choice, any genre which you will sing a cappella.  There will also be three prepared pieces which will be available in the chorus room on the first day of school.

Auditions for our Fall Musical, Sweeney Todd, are upcoming also!  Dates and information are posted on the CALENDAR page!

Chorus Room Schedule 09-10!

Here's the official schedule for the chorus room this year! Classes will be on two days.  Day one is 1,3,5,7, Day two is 2,4,6,8.

Period 1 - AP Music Theory/Music Theory

Period 2 - Guitar/Keyboard (not sure of this combo yet)

Period 3 - Guitar/Keyboard

Period 4 - Soundwave

Period 5 - IB Theatre

Period 6 - PLANNING

Period 7 - Verdigris

Period 8 - Fermata (formerly Concert Choir)

New Calendar Dates Posted!

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR A FANTASTIC YEAR!

New calendar dates for next year are now posted on the "calendar" page.  Included are the dates for INFLUX auditions.

Enjoy your summer!  You know where to reach me if you need something.

 

INFLUX named First Runner Up at ICHSA Competition!

Congratulations to INFLUX who placed First Runner Up in the International Championship of High School A Cappella Southern Semifinals held at Cypress Lake High Schoo!  They performed I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, Dido's Lament, and Lizzie Borden.  Kelsey Pinkard performed the solo in Dido's Lament to rave reviews from the judges, and Ian Gallogly and Tyler Bishop received many compliments from audience members for their solos in Lizzie Borden.

I was extremely proud of their performance and of the effort they put forth in preparing for this.   I was equally impressed with how gracious and appreciative they were to the group that beat us, The Eighth Notes, from Texas A&M High School.  INFLUX gave them a standing ovation (the only other school to do so) and congratulated them for their outstanding performance.

It was a wonderful evening of a cappella music, and INFLUX made Fort Myers High School proud, both in performance and attitude.

Go Greenies!

VERDIGRIS RECEIVES SUPERIOR RATINGS AT MPA FESTIVAL!

Last evening our women’s chorus, Verdigris, participated in the Florida Vocal Association MPA (music performance assessment). We prepared two selections for three judges who adjudicated us, and then we had to sight read a rhythmic exercise and a three part vocal exercise. Our young ladies received four SUPERIOR ratings, the highest possible. All of the judges were impressed with the maturity of our sound. Some of the comments we received were, “Beautiful tone, ladies. The sound is so free and unified.” and “I love your sound! You have a great sense of ensemble, balance, and blend”. Congratulations!

Soundwave Opens for Gavin DeGraw

Soundwave, Fort Myers High School's show choir, opened for Gavin DeGraw yesterday at the Edison Festival of Light Stadium Show! They performed Accidentally In Love, Friends in Low Places, Where Is The Love, Jesus Take The Wheel, and Life Is A Highway. They were also joined by members of the GREASE cast performing We Go Together and Grease Lighting. It was a very exciting experience for all of us. We would like to express our gratitude to the folks from the Edison Festival, especially John Taylor and Emory, the sound technicians from Brent's Music, and Gavin DeGraw for taking a few minutes to chat with us yesterday. Congratulations, Soundwave!

For Prospective Students!

Hey everyone! We are pleased that you have taken an opportunity to look at our choral program. Please browse this website and see if any of our ensembles spark your interest! You can listen to each of the groups on our "music" page. If you are lucky enough to be selected to attend FMHS, give me a call and we can find the ensemble that best fits you! I look forward to hearing from you.

CONCERT DATES!

Please be sure you check the "calendar" section of our website for all of our performance dates. We have several shows coming up for each ensemble.

GREASE! Audition Information

Thursday, December 4 – Meeting in theatre Tuesday, December 9 – Vocal Auditions Wednesday, December 10 – Acting Auditions Thursday, December 11 – Dance Auditions You MUST participate in all of the auditions if you want a spot in this year’s production.

New York City Chaperone Questionnaire

New York Chaperone Questionnaire Please complete the following questions and submit by Friday, October 10, 2008. Questionnaire must be completed and submitted no later than 7:30 am Friday morning. We will be taking 18 chaperones to New York and thank you for offering your assistance. 1. Please state your name. 2. Who is your child and what grade is the child in? 3. What ensemble class is your child in? 4. Are you willing to pay full price to chaperone? 5. Have you ever traveled to New York City? 6. Have you ever traveled via airplane? 7. Do you have experience using the subway system? 8. What has been your contact with our current students? How well do you know the chorus and band students? 9. Do you have a child in Instrumental music AND in chorus? 10. What fundraisers have you chaired or been active in with the music department? 11. What activities have you chaperoned? What is your chaperone experience in and out of the music department? 12. Are you comfortable being in charge of ten high school students while in New York?

A Cappella Auditions!

Auditions for our a cappella group will take place on Tuesday, August 26 from 2:00 until we're done. There will be an informational meeting to discuss the audition process on Wednesday August 20 from 2:00-2:30. Please see Mr. Koller if you have any questions.

Office Hours - 8/11-8/15

These are the hours that Mr. Koller will be available in his room the week before school begins: Monday 8/11 - 1:30-3:30 Tuesday 8/12 - None Wednesday 8/13 - None Thursday 8/14 - 1:30-3:30 Thursday 8/14 - 4:00-6:00 (New Student Orientation) Friday 8/15 - 8:00-9:00, 2:30-3:30 See you next week!

Happy Summer!

Have a great summer everyone! Thanks for making my first year at FMHS a great one. Congratulations to all of our graduating seniors! See you in August.

First CD "Falling Through Ceilings" Now Available!

The Fort Myers Choral Department is proud to announce that our first CD featuring INFLUX and Verdigris is now available! The CD costs $10.00 and there are 15 tracks. Please see Mr. Koller to purchase your copy. If you are not an FMHS student, you may email Mr. Koller.

FOR INCOMING FRESHMAN!

If you're attending Fort Myers High as a Freshman in August 2008, then we want you to be singing with us! We have a choir that is suitable for everyone. Whatever it is you like to sing, I'm sure we've got it! Email Mr. Koller, or call!

PRISM Concert Tickets Now Available!

The PRISM Concert will be held on May 1 and May 2 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $3.00 each. You may also purchase a special Carrabbas Dinner ticket prior to the show on Thursday evening for an additional $12.00. Please try to purchase your tickets ahead of time from Mr. Koller.

Verdigris earns straight Superiors at MPA!

Congratulations to Verdigris for earning a Superior rating from all three music judges and the sight singing judge! They performed "The Butterfly" by Charles Davidson, and "Mary Speaks" by Daniel Gawthrop.

INFLUX Clip Posted

A clip from our first recorded track for our a cappella group, INFLUX, has been posted under the MUSIC section of our website. Go check it out!

An Invitation to all Incoming Freshman!

The future of the Choral Music Program at Fort Myers High School is YOU! Please browse our website for information on our choirs. On the "Music" page, you can listen to clips of our performances. We have a lot of exciting changes we're making for next year and want YOU to be a part of it! For further information on your involvement in our program, please email Mr. Koller.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, everyone! We have a very busy semester ahead of us, beginning with three of our students singing in the All State Chorus in January! Please check the calendar section regularly for updates. We have several performances in February, including our Music Performance Assessment. Get ready to work! We've got a lot to accomplish!

INFLUX to perform at Miromar Outlets

INFLUX will be a part of a radio broadcast on Clear Channel WZJZ 100.1 on Sunday, December 23rd at the Miromar Outlets. Come out and join us for a fun afternoon of Christmas carols as well as music from our standard repertoire! The fun starts at 11:00 AM!

Broadway Palm Tickets Now Available

The Fort Myers High School Music Department will present a combined concert at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theater on Monday, December 17th at 7:30 PM. The concert will be preceded by a buffett dinner provided by the Broadway Palm. Tickets are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for children. Dinner will begin at 6:00PM. Please send money to Mr. Koller to purchase your tickets.

Let Us Perform For You!

If you would like to have one of our choirs perform for your organization, please e-mail Matt Koller (see contact page). We would love to have the opportunity to sing for you!

RSS feed