Upper School

McDonogh's Upper School is home to six choral groups: a 50-person chorus performing large-scale works of the masters, two classical chamber choirs, a gospel choir, and two a cappella groups. The choral experience at McDonogh trains students as performers, leaders, and musicians of the highest calibre.

Concert Choir, Senior Singers

McDonogh's premier auditioned groups, the Concert Choir and the Senior Singers, train as classes. Their varied repertoire consists of music from the past six centuries performed in their original languages. In recent years, the choirs have performed works by Handel, Brahms, Vivaldi, Britten, Mozart, Rachmaninoff, Persichetti, Sondheim, and Kern, among others. McDonogh's choirs have consistently ranked among the best in the state at the Association of Independent Maryland Schools' annual choral festival.

McDonogh's assembled choirs travel abroad every other year on concert tours. Past McDonogh choirs have performed in Great Britain, Italy, the Czech Republic, Canada, Poland, and Croatia.

Maestrillo

Maestrillo is a highly selective chamber choir devoted to the teaching of developing conductors. Founded in 2002, the choir assembles in those years when a student conductor is prepared to teach and perform repertoire of the highest artistic integrity. The choir consists of 16-20 singers hand-picked by the student conductors and performs various works from the choral repertoire. The choir meets as an extra-curricular activity and performs at concerts during the school year.

Women of Note, Gentlemen Songsters

The Women of Note and the Gentlemen Songsters are student-governed, auditioned ensemble groups of 16 to 20 singers. Both groups draw most repertoire from a cappella arrangements of spirituals and popular music from the 1950s to the present. Both groups are campus favorites and perform regularly throughout the year at choral concerts, assemblies, and private events. Each year, the Songsters and Women of Note put on a benefit concert for the vocal music program, a highlight of every performing arts season.

Gospel Choir

The Gospel Choir is an extra-curricular choir whose purpose is to praise God through song. Under the direction of Kaisha Askins '98, the choir develops a repertoire of classic and contemporary gospel music and spirituals for its annual concert in April and other performances throughout the year. The student-run club requires commitment but not auditions.

Middle School

Choral music in Middle School encourages students to develop knowledge and skills in the elements of music and choral singing. The course incorporates performances that develop a sense of ensemble spirit and self-confidence. Active participation is encouraged.

Fifth graders may choose a combined choral music and dance option, which means they receive regular training in both disciplines. By the time they reach sixth, seventh, and eighth grades, students whose interests lie in vocal music may take it as their performing arts class.

Eighth Notes

The premier Middle School performing group is the Eighth Notes. Students who successfully complete the audition and who choose to accept the commitment of being in this select vocal ensemble rehearse during their performing arts class. Performance opportunities include a winter cabaret concert, a spring show, and school events and ceremonies.

Lower School

Music education in the Lower School is divided into two divisions: early childhood music for kindergarten, pre-first, and first grade, and elementary music for grades 2-4. All music classes in the Lower school are vocally centered with additional use of rhythm instruments and musical games.

Third and fourth graders also have the opportunity to perform with the Lower School Chorus. This ensemble meets during recess periods in the school week and performs regularly at Lower School and all-school events.

The Concert Choir Sings the Alma Mater

For detailed descriptions of music courses, see the visual and performing arts section of the Upper School course catalogue.

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McDonogh School | 410.363.0600 |
8600 McDonogh Road | Owings Mills | Maryland | 21117