I'm starting an extracurricular choir in a 9-12 high school which has

three "small schools" within it which share schedules and a campus and, I

think, some programs.  It needs to be either before school (which starts at

8:00 am) or at lunch time (which is 11:00-11:35) when, I imagine, the kids would

have to also eat their lunches.

 

If we can show there's enough student interest, there may be local grant money to

pay me and buy music.  This is a public high school which had a strong music program

until 3 years ago, when the choir was lost to budget cuts.

 

Does anyone have an opinion re: structuring the schedule of this class?  I'm leaning towards

Tue/Thurs at 7:10 am.   Other ideas I've had: making it a women's choir, doing only acappella music (I probably won't have an accompanist; I'm an intermediate keyboard player but would also like a chance to conduct).

 

Also, what are some good high school pieces for the first semester to get the students excited about the program?  (accompanied or un-)  I've taught K-8, adult church, and community choirs, but only yet accompanied at the high school level.

 

Thanks for any advice you can give re: the scheduling, repertoire...or any other aspect of this endeavor!

Lisa Mischke