The Choirs!
Concert Choir is an auditioned choir composed of 65 upperclassmen with at least a year of prior choral singing experience. The choir studies advanced SATB choral repertoire of various styles. This choir goes on retreat and tours every year (alternating between smaller tours and larger trips every other year for cost and experience). They also participate in local and out of state festivals. The GHS Concert Choir consistently earns Superior with Distinction ratings and has been selected several times to sing at the Arizona Music Educator’s Convention representing the highest quality choral singing and musicianship.
Advanced Vocal Ensemble is a select group of 20 singers.These students must be concurrently enrolled in Concert Choir. AVE sings a variety of music but places a special focus on Chamber Music and Vocal Jazz.They develop their own performance skills, gaining in vocal confidence, musicianship, and the ability to improvise in jazz. AVE tours with Concert Choir each year, as well as participates in the annual Northern Arizona University Jazz/Madrigal Festival in February. They also are known for receiving Superior ratings at festival and are often asked to sing at community events.
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Advanced Women's Ensemble is comprised of sophomore-senior women with at least a year of prior choral singing experience. This choir goes on retreat and sings in local and regional festivals. We sing a variety of styles specific to the women’s ensemble and voice, usually SSA or SSAA. It is a great year for vocal development and musicianship/sightreading improvement. This choir regularly participates in state and local festivals, consistently earning Superior with Distinction ratings.
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Men's Chorale is an introductory level group comprised of students new to singing at Gilbert High. They sing a variety of music in diverse styles with a focus on developing musicianship and vocal technique through TTB literature. Students in this class will learn the basics of music reading, notation, and singing technique. They perform at a local festival and are often asked to sing at the GHS Veteran’s Day Assembly.
Women’s Chorus is an introductory level group comprised of students new to singing at Gilbert High. They sing a variety of music in diverse styles with a focus on developing musicianship and vocal technique through SSA/treble literature. Students in this class will learn the basics of music reading, notation, and singing technique. They perform at a local festival and often receive Superior ratings.
The Directors!
Merry Carol "Marcy" Spencer is in her eighteenth year as director of choral music at Gilbert High School. She also serves as the performing arts department chair. The choirs at Gilbert High consistently earn superior ratings at festivals, and have been selected to perform at several AMEA conferences. Prior to teaching at Gilbert High, Dr. Spencer held positions at the University of Nevada-Reno, Oklahoma City University, and Northern Arizona University. She has been the artistic director of the Canterbury Children's Chorus (Oklahoma City) as well as the conductor for the Reno Master Chorale. Although she has taught children through adults, high school students are her favorite age group. Merry Carol Spencer received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma (where she was awarded the Ph.D. Dissertation of the Year Award - 2000), a Master of Music degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a native of Pueblo, Colorado.
Ms. Celine Durney has been actively engaged in music throughout her life in various mediums. In Fall 2017, she graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Choral Music Education from Northern Arizona University. During her college career, she participated in various vocal ensembles such as Shrine of the Ages, High Altitude, and the NAU Axecidentals (all-female a cappella). She has recorded 3 albums, performed live on several radio shows & in many different venues alongside many elite ensembles such as the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Groove For Thought, The Real Group, & even the Grammy Award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. She has arranged various a cappella & orchestral works & is a frequent workshop leader for creating a cappella arrangements at both choral and a cappella festivals across the state. She has been the recipient of many awards for being an outstanding singer, arranger, and educator and enjoys continuing her work as a freelance musician around the Phoenix area, especially within her professional a cappella group Side Note. Ms. Durney is excited to begin her 2nd year of teaching choir at both Gilbert High School and Greenfield Junior High School!
