1) Each member demonstrates a great, positive
attitude and takes 100% responsibility for knowing and mastering
every pitch, rhythm, text, and expressive detail in the score, as well as all marks given
by the conductor.
2) Each member demonstrates a singer’s posture,
and sings in an individually healthy manner, which is anatomically
efficient, throughout all ranges and dynamics.
3) The chorus has a uniform concept of deep-set,
tall vowels that is consistent throughout all ranges, dynamics,
rhythms, and tempos.
4) The chorus has a uniform high, forward ring
and buoyancy in the tone that is consistent throughout
all ranges, dynamics, rhythms, and tempos.
5) The chorus sustains the sung tone in a
steady vowel stream from note to note consistently throughout all ranges,
dynamics, rhythms, and tempos.
6) Each section sings with a unified section sound--with
all members unified in pitch, volume, vowel, space, placement, vibrato, phrasing,
pronunciation, and articulation--and with a sound which is unique from
the other sections.
7) The members of each section sing perfectly in
tune with each other, and also are unified with each other in
vowel, tonal color, and articulation.
8) The chorus has a uniform concept of
each phrase and the use of the breath.
9) The chorus communicates the text dramatically
with well-executed consonants, syllable inflection, and emotional involvement, in any
language.
10) The chorus performs distinct and absolute
dynamics, while at the same time demonstrating an appropriate balance
among sections in every texture and phrase.
11) The chorus maintains a steady metric pulse,
and performs with a rhythmic vitality and interest which propels the
music forward.
12) The chorus sings works of different styles,
different emotions, and/or different historical periods
with musically appropriate articulation, rhythmic drive, phrasing, tone, dynamics,
pronunciation, and balance.
13) The chorus sings with sensitivity to the
conductor, responding with the highest level of musicianship to her/his gestures
and instructions in performance.