Lakewood Choral Department
Mission Statement
Lakewood’s choral program looks to promote and present for the purpose of helping students and the public become aware of understand, and appreciate human culture, history, and religious diversity.
An assessment of the quality of repertoire, which can fulfill the highest objectives of aesthetic education, necessitates careful examination of the relationship of text and musical setting. The wealth of choral literature, which represents and reflects peoples, cultures and traditions of all lands and compositional styles, includes much music in which the composer has utilized a sacred text. The term “sacred” refers to all manner of religious belief and not just the practice of Judeo-Christian teaching. It is important to recognize the fact that almost all of the significant choral music composed before the 17thcentury was associated with a sacred text. In light of this the following criteria will be observed.
All music is selected on the basis of its musical and educational value.
All music, which is deemed “sacred,” focuses on musical and artistic elements.
All traditions of different people will be shared and respected.
All music is taught on the basis of neutrality, neither promoting nor inhibiting religious views.
Lakewood Vocal Music Grading Policy
Concert Dress Guidelines
Lettering Requirements for Choir