News From Chorus

Both the MS Grade 7 & Grade 8 Chorus are busily preparing music for the year’s first round of concerts. Please make sure the dates are listed on your family calendar. Please refer to the Chorus Handbook for Concert Dates and Concert Dress that parents/guardians received the beginning of the school year. Please remember that if you need financial help securing proper concert clothing contact Mr. Ranen at ranend@arps.org

Grade 8 Chorus
The students in Grade 8 Chorus have had a busy October. The Chorus represented the Middle School at this year’s ARHS Performing Arts Department Gala Night. This is the first time a Middle School ensemble has taken part in this annual event.

The Grade 8 Chorus also sang the National Anthem for the home opener of the Springfield Falcons game. The Falcons are an American Hockey League affiliate of an NHL team. The Falcons are celebrating their 20th anniversary season this year so it was a lot of fun to be a part of the celebration.

Each Chorus class begins with vocal warm-ups. This is kind of like calisthenics for the voice to prevent strain. This is followed by a “Minute for Notes”. During this time, work is done on the board to reinforce sight reading skills both melodic and rhythmic. Students are learning about the different types of notes/rests and their values as well as how to clap them in different rhythmic arrangements

The Chorus is still in need of boxes of tissues as colds have now begun. If you are able to donate a box just send it in to school with your child.

Vocal Care
If your child is complaining of a sore or scratchy throat a couple of great remedies are:
-Gargling with salt water (the water should be heated to a tolerable temperature)
-Hot water in a mug with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon added.