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About the Children's Choir…
I would like to offer you some insight into the
School's objectives for the Children's Choir.
As the Choir will be representing the WSMD, I
feel that a high standard of performance is important.
Families must be prepared to accept a certain
level of commitment in the form of practice in
between weekly lesson times and possibly additional
rehearsal times as performance dates draw near.
The younger age groups should be entering with
a view to staying with the ensemble for the maximum
tenure allowable, as determined by age. Therefore
if your child is 7 years old and is accepted into
the choir, I would hope that he or she would be
singing with the choir for at least a few years.
Your child needs to know before entering class
that choir time is not play time, which is not
to say that they won't enjoy their pride in singing
well. However, vocalising can be hard work and
requires concentration. Work at home is important.
I often ask the children to practice in front
of a mirror as a means of checking their posture
and breathing technique.
Repertoire sung in concert is only the icing
on the cake. Most of the year is spent on ear
training (using tonic solfa) and learning how
to sing as an ensemble; how to breathe and sing
naturally. Children's vocal folds (chords), like
the rest of them, are underdeveloped and excessive
strain can damage potential in adulthood, therefore
training is very gentle and musicianship is considered
most important. This is the development of music
rudiments such as metre, interpretation and basic
literacy.
Children MUST have their music, otherwise time
is wasted photocopying extra music. Looking on
with another chorister is not conducive to good
posture. Attendance is taken each week and I would
ask that you contact me if your child cannot attend.
If attendance is poor, then a meeting will be
scheduled to assess if there are any problems
or difficulties.
Children are tired after school. For this reason
they are given a 5 minute toilet and snack break.
They must bring WATER and something light to eat
- no chocolate, dairy or greasy food as these
are not good for singing. Fruit, crackers or an
energy bar is recommended.
The Choir compete at least once a year to give
the children the benefits of the experience. While
a uniform is being considered, the dress code
for all performances is currently white blouse/shirt
and black/dark navy trousers and shoes. No jeans
or tracksuits with logos.
Please make sure that you have discussed the
above information with your child before you accept
a place in the choir. Choir practice takes place on Thursdays at 5.10pm and lasts for 50 minutes, subject to new year schedule. Please ring the office if your child wishes to join the choir.
If you have any questions or concerns, please
contact me on 0404 42244.
Thank you for your time and interest in the WSMD
Children's Choir.
Kerry Anderson
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