Our Program

Endless opportunities for creativity.

5th Grade Choir

Hands-On Learning. The Start of Something Incredible.

Welcome to 5th Grade choir! There are over 100 singers in this ensemble! Any student in the 5th grade can sign up for this group anytime throughout the year! 5th Grade Choir performs at each scheduled concert throughout the school year. This ensemble performs music from all different genres; from early music to modern-day radio hits! Singers will have the opportunity to audition for solos, teach choreography, and participate in ensemble leadership. Signing up is so easy... just see Mrs. Whatley in the choir room the first week of school or listen closely to the morning announcements for directions! Please know that there is a $10 uniform fee to participate. This shirt can also be worn for the 5th-grade band students, making it easier for students to participate in both ensembles. 5th grade choir is split into gentlemen’s choir and ladies choir to better meet the needs of our singers. We will sing songs together at concerts! Gentlemen meet Monday and Wednesdays during 7th bell. Ladies meet Tuesdays and Thursdays during 7th bell.  On Friday we combine both groups for an optional rehearsal! 5th-grade choir students are graded by being in class and on time, participating in each rehearsal, their attendance at each concert, and written reflection for each concert. 5th grade students may participate in NGMO if selected and audition for Next Generation at the end of their 5th grade year.

6th Grade Choir

Join Us. You Won't Regret It.

In 6th grade choir, we expand upon the skills learned in 6th grade choir. Students will be exposed to more difficult music from various different cultures, time periods, and texts. Students will sing in multiple languages and expand to 3 part harmonies in 6th grade choir. Any student in the 6th grade can sign up for this group anytime throughout the year! 6th Grade Choir performs at each scheduled concert throughout the school year. Singers will have the opportunity to audition for solos, teach choreography, and participate in ensemble leadership. Signing up is so easy... just see Mrs. Whatley in the choir room the first week of school or listen closely to the morning announcements for directions! Please know that there is a $10 uniform fee to participate. This shirt can also be worn for the 6th grade band students, making it easier for students to participate in both ensembles. 6th grade choir is split into gentlemen’s choir and ladies choir to better meet the needs of our singers. We will sing songs together at concerts! Gentlemen meet Monday and Wednesdays during 8th bell. Ladies meet Tuesdays and Thursdays during 8th bell.  On Friday we combine both groups for an optional rehearsal! Throughout the year there will be opportunities for advanced small groups in this ensemble. 6th grade choir students are graded by being in class and on time, participating in each rehearsal, their attendance at each concert, and written reflection for each concert. 6th grade students may audition and participate in Next Generation and NGMO if selected.

7th/8th Grade Choir

Creating Together. Growing Together.

The 7th-8th Grade Choir is Ross Middle Schools’ premier curricular choral ensemble. This group of approximately 120 students performs at each regularly scheduled concert, the Cincinnati Cyclone's Game, various sporting events throughout the year, and various competitions at Kings Island, Cedar Point, and OMEA adjudicated events. This ensemble has been a semi-finalist for Q102 Christmas Choir Competition for the past 2 years and has received superior ratings at every Kings Island and Cedar Point competition attended. 7th-8th grade choir sings 4-5 part divisi mixed ensemble and 2-3 part divisi single-gender ensemble music in various languages, styles, genres, and time periods while continuing to refine their sight-reading, ear training, singing technique, and music appreciation. This group meets every day as a graded class. Students are graded by being in class and on time, participating in each rehearsal, written individual and group assessments, their attendance at each concert, and written reflection for each concert. Scheduling makes it possible for music students to do both band and choir. The uniform for 7th-8th grade choir is $20 and fundraising is offered to help offset the cost. This is the same uniform for 7th-8th grade band. 7th and 8th grade students may audition and participate in Next Generation and NGMO if selected. 8th Graders are eligible to audition for the High School Concert Choirs, Symphonic Chorale and Pure Harmony, and the show choir, Legacy.

NGMO

Contemporary Music for Contemporary Singers.

NGMO, or Next Gen Mic’d Out, is the auditioned pop a cappella group for Ross Middle School. This ensemble was formed in 2018 and is under the direction of Ruth Whatley. Approximately 15 students meet once a week after school to enhance their a cappella craft in various pop, jazz, and classical styles. Auditions occur in mid-September and are open to all Ross Middle School students. Prior experience or choir participation is not required. Vocal Percussionists (Beat Boxers) are encouraged to audition! NMGO participates in multiple concerts, competitions, and school events throughout the year. There are no fees associated with this extracurricular ensemble.

Next Generation

Making Friends Through Teamwork.

Next Generation is Ross Middle School's competitive show choir formed in 2017. This group is comprised of approximately 50 talented and hardworking 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. This group competes each winter and spring throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Indiana, in addition to performing at local community events. The ensemble is under the direction of Ruth Whatley, choreographed by Brooke Smoulder and Chantz Gould, and combo directed by Kasey Allen and Ruth Whatley. Next Generation is currently undefeated in the middle school show choir circuit. The ensemble has consistently ranked at the top of the competition circuit, earning numerous Grand Championships, Best Vocals, Best Choreography, Best Costuming, and Best Tech Crew. The group prides itself on unique show concepts, dynamic vocals, and precision in choreography. The ensemble is accompanied by a live student band, Higher Whatage, and is assisted by a fully-staffed tech crew of students. Members are admitted through audition only. The audition process occurs at the end of each competition season. Students of this group must also be enrolled in a concert choir class. A fee is required for this ensemble and fundraising and scholarships are offered to help offset the cost.

Pure Harmony

The Beautiful Bond of Powerful Women Creating Music Together.

Pure Harmony is Ross High School's all-female choral ensemble. This ensemble performs at all regularly scheduled events, in addition to special ceremonies, and local community events. Pure Harmony ladies will sing SSAA concert music, ranging in many different genres. This ensemble is designed to provide a background in the performance aspects of all types of vocal music. Students will also continue to refine their sight-reading and musicianship skills. Pure Harmony students are admitted by teacher recommendation only. Ladies of Pure Harmony may also participate in OMEA Solo and Ensemble competition every winter. A choir trip is taken every 2 years, with every 4 years being a cruise to the Bahamas! A choir uniform is required and fundraising is offered to help fund the cost of the uniform, and offset the cost of the choir trip.

Symphonic Chorale

Making Music Together as One.

Symphonic Chorale is Ross High School's mixed-gender concert ensemble. This ensemble performs at all regularly scheduled high school concerts, special ceremonies, and local community events. Symphonic Chorale performs SATB 4-8 part music. Students also continue to refine their sight-reading and musicianship skills. Symphonic Chorale students are admitted by teacher recommendation only. Students of Symphonic Chorale may also participate in OMEA Solo and Ensemble competition every winter. A choir trip is taken every 2 years, with every 4 years being a cruise to the Bahamas! A choir uniform is required and fundraising is offered to help fund the cost of the uniform and the choir trip.