OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM -GOALS

To provide significant, worthwhile, and beautiful choral performances for the Chesapeake Bay area.

To provide an educational experience allowing each singer to grow at a musical pace in keeping with his/her own interests and personal gifts.

To expose children and youth to classical and traditional music, as well as the music of world cultures.

To foster the personal, musical and social growth of chorale members and promote their sense of responsibility, self confidence and accomplishment.

To maintain chorale membership open to children and youth of all religious, racial, cultural and economic backgrounds.

PROGRAM

Talented young vocalists have the opportunity to develop their talent through vocal instruction, to perform a rich repertoire of choral literature and to experience the joy of achieving excellence in making music. Practice at home is expected of each chorister. Practice includes breathing and vocalization exercises as well as work on specific literature. Singers at both levels are encouraged to join their school and/or church choir if one is available.

INSTRUCTIONAL CONCEPTS

Instruction includes healthy vocal technique (breath support, beautiful tone, correct posture, good intonation), the elements of music (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style and performance practice) and the basic musical skills (sight-reading, singing in parts, memorizing, diction, blending, listening and artistic expression.) Instruction is geared toward the level of the group to guarantee achievement and the experience of growth and success. Opportunities are presented for choristers to "lead" songs in rehearsals and for some solo singing.

The literature which is selected is varied: folk songs, classical literature from several musical periods, and many countries (sometimes in a foreign language) as well as contemporary music.

Stage presence is an important component of instruction in all concerts and public performances. Performances include singing for community organizations and seasonal concerts; dramatic musical works will be presented every other year. Occasionally performances are outside the Chesapeake Bay area, such as the Washington National Cathedral.

Music is a universal language; singing has existed throughout the history of human kind as an expression of deepest feelings and ideas. Our goal is for each chorister to build a foundation of musical skill and a life-long love of fine music!