As a teacher of 20 years, I know the struggles of preparing a group for UIL Concert and Sight Reading and I also can identify with the challenges of finding sight reading material that prepares my choirs for contest. These sight singing books are based on the Texas UIL Sightreading criteria. As an educator who has served on the sight reading committee for three years and a composer who has had many pieces selected for UIL sightreading, I have a knowledge about the process and the criteria that I have applied to these sight singing books.
"An Introduction to Tenor-Bass Sight Singing" and "An Introduction to Soprano-Alto Sight Singing" are based primarily on the criteria for CC/CCC Non-Varsity choirs. There are a few things that look ahead to varsity level (like the dotted quarter note).
"An Introduction..." Book 2 is an extension to the first book will include JH/MS Varsity requirements, like skips within the V and IV chords. Book 2 also covers TTB/TBB and SSA as well as keys of C & D.
"Intermediate Exercises for .... Choirs" continues and is designed around the criteria for 5A/6A NV and 1A-4A Varsity groups. It covers up to 3 sharps/flats, more difficult intervals, new harmonies, and other criteria for the high school level.
Recommendations for JH/MS teachers:
Non-Varsity - Book 1 TB, Book 1 SA
Varsity - Book 2 TB, Book 2 SA
Mixed Choir - start with TB and SA books in octaves then "Exercises for SAB/SATB Choirs" when Book 2 switches to 3-part
Recommendations for HS teachers:
Beginners/start of the year - Book 1 and Book 2 of your voicing
5A/6A NV Groups - Book 3 of your voicing
1A-4A Varsity groups - Book 3 of your voicing
I know the criteria and I know the challenges of preparing students for UIL. These books will not only help teach your students to read music, but also get them prepared for a successful UIL Concert & Sight-reading season.