Sunday, February 9, 2014

Don't sweat the (choral) schedule

It's time for our children to start planning for next year's classes that they will take at the high school as SOPHOMORES.  If you're like me, the UAHS Program of Studies makes me break out into a sweat!  Don't get me wrong, I LOVE all the options available...but how do I know how to guide MY child down their very individual path?  Are there any "tricks" to navigating this journey?  While I can't help in other courses, here is a breakdown of what the Choral Department has to offer (your sophomore):

Concert Chorale
"This course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship.  Membership is open primarily to 10th and 11th graders who are still developing their vocal music knowledge and technique..."  This course is the natural choice for students who took Freshmen Choir last year.  The main difference is that this class meets every day, however, there is discussion about changing the course to meet 4 days/week, allowing for 1 day of study hall (Freshman Choir met 3 days/week with 2 days of study hall).

Men's Glee & Women's Glee
"This course is designed to address the intermediate level of vocal technique and musicianship."  This course meets 2 days/week before school.  This class is a solution if your child still wants to be part of a singing ensemble but doesn't have time in their schedule or they are involved in 1st period band or orchestra.  Please note that the class meets before school and attendance is taken.  "You are only excused from Glee Club if you are officially excused through the attendance office from 1st period on."  Obviously, not for the sleepy heads out there but a great option for your busy student.

Vocal Ensemble
"Membership is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors by audition only.  The Vocal Ensemble is an extension of the Symphonic Choir and will allow advanced vocal students to rehearse and perform music at a higher technical and artistic level."  This course meets every day and all Vocal Ensemble members must also participate in the Symphonic Choir (11th and 12th grade choir).  That means your student will be involved in choir for at least 2 periods out of the school day.  Vocal Ensemble meets 4th period so some students forgo lunch in the cafeteria and pack a lunch to eat during class.  Membership is around 20 members and is very competitive.  If your child has a strong interest in vocal performance and dance, I encourage them to audition.

That about sums up your child's choice...for choir!  Good luck navigating the Program of Studies which I hear is exclusively online this year (go to the UAHS home page for the link)!

  

Sunday, December 8, 2013

A Call to Volunteers

I was pleasantly surprised at how much FUN it was to drive around 3 freshman girls during the Caroling Canvass this past Saturday.  Not only did we spread some Holiday Cheer (in 3 part harmony), the girls made around $200 for the UA Vocal Music Boosters!  I connected with some of my daughters friends (no small feat, mind you), helped support a very worthwhile program & got a discount on Starbucks by caroling at the pick up window (they were on a roll...).

My point to all of this is volunteering, while it may seem to take away valuable time from other much needed activities during this very busy time of the year, is, wait for it...WORTH IT!  So, I encourage you, as freshman parents to volunteer.  Volunteer your expertise, your positive attitude, your "skills", YOURSELF...you may be surprised at who comes out feeling the winner.

UA Vocal Music has many opportunities for you to volunteer.  "In the Heights" will be here before you know it!  They need parents to help before, during and after the production with activities like set construction (& tear down), performance night ticket sales, concessions & ushers, make-up/hair, hospitality...and these are just a few of the jobs.  Or attend a UA Vocal Music Booster meeting (check the website for day & time) and see if an opportunity "presents" itself to you...that's what happened to me!


Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Coming Attractions!

The school year is off to a great start and 1st quarter grades are already on the books.  I've paid my Choral Fee and bought (my daughter) character shoes for Fall Follies.  What more do I need to know?

The next required event is Saturday, December 7th (12:00-3:00): Caroling Canvass.  Vocal students will be split into caroling groups and canvass UA neighborhoods spreading Christmas cheer and collecting donations.

This event is quickly followed by the Winter Choral Concert on Wednesday, December 11th @ 7:30 pm.  At this concert the major work, "St. Francis in the Americas: A Caribbean Mass", will be presented.  This is a FREE concert!

It's never too soon to make sure you have the correct performance attire for your daughter or son.  It is as follows:

Ladies:
BLACK dress or WHITE blouse & BLACK skirt
BLACK closed toe shoes (with a heel no higher than 1.5")
bare legs or nude hose
No jewelry (small earrings are fine)

Gentlemen:
WHITE button down dress shirt
BLACK dress pants (no jeans)
BLACK socks
BLACK dress shoes (no sneakers)




If your teen enjoys performing musical theatre, auditions for this year's musical, "In The Heights", are the week of November 18th.  The informational meeting was held last week but packets can still be picked up from Mr. Kauffman.  Auditions are open to the entire student body of the high school and not based on seniority or involvement in the choral program.  Encourage your freshman to "give it a try", they will never know if they could have made it unless they audition!