Chorus

Miss Lloyd--Director

 

Great job in the winter concert, everyone!!  Our next concert will be held on Monday June 2, 2008 in the Stockbridge Theater. 

Concert attire will be:  White Chester Music shirt for both boys and girls.

                                      Dark pants and nice, dark shoes for boys.

                                      Dark skirt or dark pants and nice, dark shoes for girls.

 Joining and Quitting Chorus:

Any student in grade 5-8 may participate in chorus, as long as they have a study hall scheduled for the last period of the day.  The first term of chorus ran from September -- December, and the current term runs from January -- June.  Students may join either in September or in January, and I strongly encourage anyone who loves singing to join!  Once you do join, however, you become very important to the whole class.  The way the music sounds changes by our singers, so only make the commitment to join chorus if you plan on staying until at least the end of the concert.  To quit the chorus affects everyone, so please do not make that decision lightly.  Please understand that by joining chorus, you will not have a study hall on Mondays or Tuesdays.  However, you still will have study hall the rest of the week, so “too much homework” shouldn’t be an excuse to leave the group.  (Yes, I know there are exceptions to this.)  In order to join or leave, you need to have a note signed by a parent, and the last day to do this will be Tuesday, February 5.  After that date, no more students may join or leave the group until the school year is over.

 

What music are we learning this term?

Simple Gifts:  This is a classic Shaker Song written by American composer Aaron Copland.

Seasons of Love:  The famous song from the musical Rent, this will provide each student the chance to sing interesting rhythms, melodies, and harmonies, but will also allow a few students the opportunity to “make it their own” with solos.

The Concert Etiquette Rap:  Yes, the chorus will be rapping.  This teaches our adoring fans (the audience) what it truly means to be a good audience member, so as not to disturb the performers or others watching the show.

One Word:  This beautiful song teaches us how to live our lives using the most important word of all:  peace.

We Will:  This piece was written by Jim Papoulis and children who attended his songwriting workshop.  This was written just after 9/11 and is the result of all the feelings, emotions, and hopes brought on by the event.  Although most of the music is sung in English, the Swahili words “si mama, wototo” translate to “Stand tall, children.”