Ensemble Descriptions:
The AHS choir program features two upper-level auditioned choirs. The Armstrong Concert Choir is a mixed-voice ensemble and Cantori is the women’s choir, both open only to juniors and seniors. Both of these ensembles are curricular in
nature with many co-curricular obligations and performance opportunities. In addition to winter, March, and spring home concerts, NWSC Music Festival and Region 6AA participation, these two ensembles tour annually and represent Armstrong, District 281, and the state of Minnesota in a variety of venues. The quality and visibility of these ensembles enables the choir to perform in numerous prestigious venues. In 2005 alone, the Armstrong Concert Choir performed for the Minnesota Music Educators Convention, the Dorian Invitational Festival at Luther College, and at Carnegie Hall. During the 2008-2009 school year the Concert Choir appeared in the St. Olaf Choral Day, Concordia Choral Festival, and Dorian Invitational Festival. In 2012 the Concert Choir was featured at the North Central ACDA Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, and in 2013 Cantori will perform for the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic. Students who participate in these auditioned ensembles develop a high level of musical excellence and
personal growth.
The Varsity Men's and Women's Choirs provide an opportunity for 10-12th grade students to sing in choir without an audition. Even though these choirs meet during the same class period, they are primarily featured individually in performance. Armstrong's Freshman Choirs offer our 9th grade students a comprehensive choral experience featuring two annual performances and deep study of individual vocal development. Freshman choirs are divided in two class periods. Freshman and Varsity students may participate in an instrumental ensemble and choir through an alternating schedule during the same class period.
In addition to these five curricular ensembles, the Choral Program supports three co-curricular vocal ensembles. The Freshman Madrigal Singers and Varsity Madrigal Singers are chamber ensembles chosen by an audition from the Freshman and Varsity Choirs. Rosters are typically between 24-30 singers in each group. These ensembles are auditioned in the fall and rehearse one morning each week. They perform for all of the concerts given at Armstrong and also participate in Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble Contest each spring.
The Armstrong Chamber Singers are the most visible vocal ensemble at Armstrong High School. Their annual performance schedule is both demanding and fulfilling. They are often out and about in our community and beyond representing our program, Armstrong High School, and the Robbinsdale Area Schools. Their performances have earned distinction in a number of venues, including Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble Contest "Best of Site" honors in 8 of the past 11 years. These students work tirelessly to do well in the widest variety of academic, activity, and athletic pursuits. They are the finest representatives of Armstrong High School with regard to student achievement and integrity.
The AHS choir program features two upper-level auditioned choirs. The Armstrong Concert Choir is a mixed-voice ensemble and Cantori is the women’s choir, both open only to juniors and seniors. Both of these ensembles are curricular in
nature with many co-curricular obligations and performance opportunities. In addition to winter, March, and spring home concerts, NWSC Music Festival and Region 6AA participation, these two ensembles tour annually and represent Armstrong, District 281, and the state of Minnesota in a variety of venues. The quality and visibility of these ensembles enables the choir to perform in numerous prestigious venues. In 2005 alone, the Armstrong Concert Choir performed for the Minnesota Music Educators Convention, the Dorian Invitational Festival at Luther College, and at Carnegie Hall. During the 2008-2009 school year the Concert Choir appeared in the St. Olaf Choral Day, Concordia Choral Festival, and Dorian Invitational Festival. In 2012 the Concert Choir was featured at the North Central ACDA Convention in Madison, Wisconsin, and in 2013 Cantori will perform for the MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic. Students who participate in these auditioned ensembles develop a high level of musical excellence and
personal growth.
The Varsity Men's and Women's Choirs provide an opportunity for 10-12th grade students to sing in choir without an audition. Even though these choirs meet during the same class period, they are primarily featured individually in performance. Armstrong's Freshman Choirs offer our 9th grade students a comprehensive choral experience featuring two annual performances and deep study of individual vocal development. Freshman choirs are divided in two class periods. Freshman and Varsity students may participate in an instrumental ensemble and choir through an alternating schedule during the same class period.
In addition to these five curricular ensembles, the Choral Program supports three co-curricular vocal ensembles. The Freshman Madrigal Singers and Varsity Madrigal Singers are chamber ensembles chosen by an audition from the Freshman and Varsity Choirs. Rosters are typically between 24-30 singers in each group. These ensembles are auditioned in the fall and rehearse one morning each week. They perform for all of the concerts given at Armstrong and also participate in Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble Contest each spring.
The Armstrong Chamber Singers are the most visible vocal ensemble at Armstrong High School. Their annual performance schedule is both demanding and fulfilling. They are often out and about in our community and beyond representing our program, Armstrong High School, and the Robbinsdale Area Schools. Their performances have earned distinction in a number of venues, including Region 6AA Solo/Ensemble Contest "Best of Site" honors in 8 of the past 11 years. These students work tirelessly to do well in the widest variety of academic, activity, and athletic pursuits. They are the finest representatives of Armstrong High School with regard to student achievement and integrity.