Clover Choristers Program Description

The Clover Choristers program consists of 4 level choirs designed to provide developmentally appropriate comprehensive music education through the art of choral singing to the families and the community of Lake Wylie/Clover. Sequential musical skill development as well as the rehearsal and performance of fine choral literature form the foundation of instruction. Singers range in age from 7 to 11 years, from both public and private schools, as well as children that are home schooled. Membership is open to children of all races, ethnic backgrounds, economic levels, and religions.

CHOIRS:

Concert Choir (Choir III)

Membership in the top ensemble is reserved for the singer ready for the most challenging repertoire, increased rehearsal intensity and performance requirements. Multiple languages, solos, and small ensemble performance can be expected at this level.

Apprentice Chorale (Choir II)

Singers have demonstrated through participation and/or the audition process developing musical knowledge and skills. Tonal and rhythmic competency will be assessed as well as rehearsal attentiveness and potential for choral leadership. Rhythmic and interval sight-reading skills will also be assessed at the audition and progressing skills will need evidence for membership at this level.

First Voices (Choir I)

Singers have demonstrated through either participation in KinderChoristers or by simple audition, choral readiness. The ability to match pitch, keep a steady beat, clap simple rhythms, and readiness to label and identify the musical concepts will be assessed during audition. Ability to sustain early choral rehearsal procedures is also a prerequisite to participation at this level.

KinderChoristers
Children may enter at age five. Although this group does not require audition for membership, the Director meets with all children and parents prior to program admission. We listen to them, establishing the first steps in building trust between directors, singers, and parents. The curriculum is based on choral readiness. Children are taught, primarily through play-party game songs and simple unison songs, to love singing and to use their voices with freedom. Emphasis is also placed on the difference between speaking and singing voices, and comparative musical concepts such as high/low, fast/slow, and loud/soft.

Becoming a Member: The Clover Choristers is always looking for more children/youth ages 5 to 11 to include in our program. Placement auditions are held annually in May and August. 1. Schedule and audition for placement 2. Complete Family Data, Medical and Commitment Forms 3. Send along with payment to: CLOVER CHORISTERS, PO BOX 5275, Lake Wylie, SC 29710 4. *Pre-registration of $50.00 by July1, 2013 (will be deducted from tuition) 5. Tuition payment due by August , 2013

Placement appointments for the 2013-14 season are being scheduled now! To schedule an audition, please fill out the Audition Form at our Facebook page and email to cloverchoristers@gmail.com. Choral Group Placement Audition: Every child in the Clover Choristers program will be asked to meet with the choir directors for a placement audition. These auditions help determine into which choir each student will be placed. In addition, the audition time allows every child and parent the opportunity to meet his/her choir director and have any questions answered prior to the first rehearsal. During the placement auditions, children should expect to sing as well as demonstrate any musical skills that they may already know. Sequenced skill development means that each singer will make the most musical progress in a group that matches his or her current knowledge and skill level. We aspire to provide a non-threatening, fun learning atmosphere for each singer that challenges and maximizes musical growth. Children progress through the levels of instruction at their own pace.

*Children beginning in KinderChoristers do not need to complete a placement audition. However, parents and children starting in KinderChoristers are encouraged to sign up for an appointment to meet the KinderChoir director prior to the first rehearsal. Request an appointment at cloverchoristers@gmail.com.
Program and Rehearsal Schedule: WEEKLY REHEARSALS Rehearsals will be held in local churches in the afternoons. A final schedule will be released in July. Choristers will rehearse once weekly; Concert Choir and Apprentice Chorale will be a 90 minute rehearsal, First Voices a 60 minute rehearsal, and Kinder Choristers a 45 minute rehearsal. CONCERTS There will be four concerts during the year. An Open House in September, Holiday Choral Concert in December, Spring Musical in March, and Celebrations End of the Year Concert in May. Final dates for these will also be available in July.