Does your child

§         enjoy singing and performing in concerts?

§         show interest in the performing arts (music, acting, or dancing)?

§         want to join a positive, non-competitive group?

 

The Forks Chorus is open to any 4th grade student, regardless of vocal ability.

Rehearsals are held once a week for 45 minutes during the school day, in addition to regular music class.

 

The chorus presents two evening performances per year. The Winter Concert is held in December, featuring winter, Hanukah, and Christmas choral selections.  The Spring Concert is held in May.  The chorus presents a choral medley or a musical play.

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

v     My child has sung at concerts every year at Forks since kindergarten.  How is 4th grade chorus different?

 

K-1-2-3 concerts                                                               4th Grade Chorus

Simple songs; learned during general music class.                 More complicated choral music is studied.

All students participate.                                                       The majority of students participate (elective).

Daytime (in school) concerts; school assembly format.          Formal evening concerts are given.

The emphasis is placed on the joy of performing.                  More ambitious goals – see below.

 

v     My child is taking piano lessons.  Should he/she also join chorus?

 

Children who take piano lessons should definitely join.  There are opportunities for pianists to

accompany the choruses in the secondary schools, so the earlier your child learns about choral music, the better.

 

v     My child will be studying an instrument in school this year.  Can he/she also be in chorus?

 

Yes!  It is strongly encouraged.  Students who learn to read music while learning how to play an instrument have an advantage over non-instrumentalists when it comes to sight-reading choral music.  Yet many instrumentalists (and pianists) shy away from singing!  The best instrumentalists are accurate confident singers.  Joining chorus helps instrumentalists; instrumentalists in turn help the choral program.

 

v     What are the goals for the year?

 

After a year of singing in chorus, your child will learn to

•sing with good posture and breath control

•sing with a pleasant choral tone quality  

•learn songs of varied styles and traditions

•develop music reading skills

•respond to conductor’s gestures/directions

•develop poise & self-confidence

•sing with clear pronunciation

•sing on pitch and in tune with others

•sing rounds and easy 2 part songs        

•read & care for published choral music

•respond well to suggestions & evaluations

 

 

 If you have any further questions about the choral program at Forks, feel free to contact me.

 

                                                                                                      Mrs. Amy Gollub