Who We Are

Joel E. Ferris Choir Department

The choir department at Ferris High School prides itself on quality and hard work.  It is one part of the three wonderful music departments we have at Ferris high school.  There are six performing ensembles in our choir department, see below for those different groups!

Treble Choir

Treble Choir is a non-audition choir for treble voice students who want to improve their vocal and musicianship skills. Treble Choir is a pre-requisite for students who would like to advance to Symphonic Choir or auditioned specialty ensembles. Emphasis is given in rehearsal and concert etiquette and the responsibilities associated with membership in a performing ensemble. Students will learn basic music theory and music reading skills. The class will focus on tone quality and intonation within the ensemble as well as vocal technique and musical interpretation. Participation requires a yearlong commitment to performing both in class and outside of the school day. Opportunities to perform include (but are not limited to) festivals, contests, and school concerts.

Symphonic Choir

Symphonic Choir is a large SATB auditioned choir that continues to focus on tone quality, intonation, music theory and sight reading. Choral literature of various forms, genres and world cultures will be performed. Strong emphasis is placed on musical interpretation, expression and presentation. Participation requires a yearlong commitment to performing both in class and outside of the school day. Some of the events they participate in are the Gonzaga Choral Festival, EWMEA Choral Festival, choir tour as well as 4 major concerts a year. Auditions are in May for the upcoming year and are open to current 9-11 graders.

Canterbury Belles

Canterbury Belles is an advanced auditioned 16-18 member treble ensemble. These students will continue to sharpen their vocal technique through more demanding music in a small ensemble setting. Strong emphasis is placed on musical interpretation, expression, presentation and the ability to work independently as well as within the ensemble. Students also perform with Symphonic Choir. An active performing schedule including school concerts and special community events is a major aspect of this ensemble. Opportunities to perform include (but are not limited to) EWMEA Chamber/Jazz Festival, CWU Invitational, Spokane Symphony Nutcracker, Solo & Ensemble, choir tour and 4-6 school concerts. Auditions are in May for the upcoming year and are open to current 9-11 graders.

Camerata Jazz

Camerata Jazz is an auditioned 16-18 vocal jazz ensemble with rhythm section. Students will learn jazz concepts such as vocal improvisation, while they continue to develop their vocal technique. They will also learn how to use PA equipment. Students also perform with Symphonic Choir. An active performing schedule including school concerts and special community events is a major aspect of this ensemble. Opportunities to perform include (but are not limited to) EWMEA Jazz/Chamber Festival, Solo and Ensemble, DeMiero Jazz Festival, choir tour and 4-6 school concerts. Auditions are in May for the upcoming year and are open to current 9-11 graders.

Saxon Knights

Saxon Knights is an energetic auditioned TTBB Choir. They meet Wednesday and Friday mornings at 7AM. Some of the events they participate in are the EWMEA Jazz /Chamber Festival, WSU TTBB Festival and 4-6 school concerts. Auditions are during the first week of school. All students must be enrolled in a major performing ensemble.

Show Choir

Show Choir develops musical skills through singing, choreography and dance. They meet Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7AM. Various styles of music will be performed with an emphasis on Broadway and popular selections. Opportunities to perform include school concerts, festivals, tours and community events. Auditions are during the first week of school. All students must be enrolled in a major performing ensemble.