Chorus
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Maximo Chorus
The chorus at Maximo Elementary is open to all 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who wish to join who have demonstrated responsible, respectful, and cooperative behavior in all of their lessons. This special extracurricular class takes place twice a week during the school day, and integrates the following considerations into its rehearsals:
- Posture
- Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Warmups/vocalises
- Musical theory extensions not covered in regularly scheduled music lessons
- Enhanced musical literacy (notation reading)
- Vocal improvisation
- Additional aural training and sight singing
- Diction
- Healthy vocal placement
- Proper breath control
- Performance technique and etiquette
All Night, All Day
This Gospel style hymn is based on a popular children's bed-time prayer. The song is sometimes credited to American Church of God minister and song-writer Otis Leon McCoy (1897-1995). However it's not clear whether he actually composed the song, or simply arranged it on paper.
Ain't That News
"Ain't That News" is a tribute to the Staple Singers, who were an American gospel, soul, and R&B singing group popular during the 1950's-1970's.
The opening seven measures are an adaptation of an old Paul Robeson 78 (this is a type of record). Paul Robeson was an American bass-baritone singer and actor who became involved in the Civil Rights Movement.
The rest of the song is original material intended to pay homage to both the black church and black popo music, just one of the many genres that owes its soul to the black choral spiritual. In contrast to gospel music, spirituals blend the traditional tall vowels of western choral music with the expression and unrestraint of both soulful church hymns and hopeful and defiant field songs.
Forever Motown
A medley celebrating 40 years of Motown. Motown is an American record company based in Detroit, Michigan. From 1961 to 1971, Motown had 110 Top Hits. This medley features songs from some of the most popular Motown artists, including Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, The Supremes, and more! Study the orignal video performances in order to understand and be able to capture the essence of this genre.