Chorus

Meet the Teacher

Natalie James is a performer and educator from Lancaster County. She brings over twenty years of professional performing experience in solo voice, choral ensembles, dance, and musical theater to PASD. She holds an undergraduate degree in music education with a voice concentration from Millersville University (2017), a master's certification in the Kodaly Methodology from Texas State University - San Marcos (2017), and a master's degree in choral conducting from Messiah University (2021). Her first four years in the district were spent as the elementary music teacher and choral director at both Barkley and Schuylkill Elementary Schools. Currently, Natalie serves as the choral and musical director at Phoenixville Area High School. In her "free" time Natalie pursues professional development opportunities with the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), directs musical theater camps throughout Pennsylvania, runs a private vocal studio, and leads worship at Hope Community Church in King of Prussia. Teaching at PASD has been one of Natalie’s greatest joys; our students are resilient, intelligent, and so extremely talented. It is an honor to work in a community that supports our arts programs and to help students grow as singers, musicians, and individuals.

Our Goals and Objectives

● Create a well-rounded choral program with a focus on musicality.
● Develop musical abilities as a group and as individuals.
● Explore many different aspects of vocal music.
● Enjoy singing and expressing emotion through music.

Our Ensembles

Phantom Singers
Formally known as Mixed Choir, Phantom Singers is our largest choral ensemble at PAHS, made up of singers of all voice types and backgrounds. Together we will perform a variety of styles of music covering traditional and contemporary choral works.

Bel Canto Choir
Formally known as Treble Chorus, Bel Canto choir is choral ensemble of treble singers at PAHS. Bel Canto is an Italian term that translates to mean "beautiful singing" and that is exactly what we will be doing together. The choral programs at PAHS perform a variety of styles of music covering traditional and contemporary choral works.

Vocal Ensemble
Vocal Ensemble is an audition-only choral group. This ensemble will meet weekly throughout the year (outside of the school day) and will be expected to prepare music on their own outside of class meetings. Members of this group will be expected to perform frequently both on and off campus and to work towards the highest levels of choral musicianship. Music studied will cover a broad range of genres, but the focus will be on traditional choral music from all historical periods.

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