All choirs have spent the second half of March and first half of April learning music for our Spring concert, on Tuesday, May 24th, at 7:00pm in the PAC. The theme for the concert is "A River's Journey," which highlights parallels between a river's path and the human journey on this earth.
Mustang Chorale/Beginning Choir are learning a few songs on their own and also some that will be performed jointly with Varsity Singers/Advanced Choir. Joint songs are Afton Water, (Irish) Blessing, and One Life Can Make a Difference.
Varsity Singers/Advanced Choir have concentrated so far on the three songs to perform in Anaheim April 9th. Some songs seem initially as if they're not very complicated to learn, but there are many layers of musical technique to encounter and master to arrive at a musically rich performance.
An intrepid group of 19 (0f 30) Varsity Singers performed very well on the day of the Heritage festival at 9:00am, and earned an average score of 88 from the three adjudicators, for a silver award, and First Place in their category!! They sang Weep O Mine Eyes (Renaissance), Alma Llanera (Venezuelan folk song), and Shenandoah (American folk song). During the rest of the morning and early afternoon, we all watched and listened to performances by Pioneer's Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. And I managed to hear a few other choir performances between events in our schedule. Afterward, around 3:30pm, the whole group of students bused over to Disneyland where we had time to ride rides and see shows, and in the evening attend the awards ceremony in the stupendous Hyperion Theater. Sunday all day was dedicated to Disneyland. The students seemed to have a lot of fun, even though some were definitely tired out at the end of each day. Other than small things lost (some found) and a couple minor things here and there, to be expected, the trip was thankfully uneventful from mishaps. Everyone arrived home safe and sound and in good time. A huge THANK YOU to the parents and students who raised money to go on the trip. It is an experience I will never forget! In a good way! :) I feel that the choir students' behavior was excellent, and I'm extremely proud of them for performing as well as they did. Another even HUGER THHHAAANNNKKKK YYYOOOUUU to the parents who chaperoned. They were a wonderful group of easy-going people, all with the students' safety and musical aims as primary concerns.
Women's Choir is learning two songs to sing by themselves at our Spring concert, Button Up Your Overcoat and Dance on My Heart. They sound very good and are realizing that they should all come to all rehearsals. :) They voluntarily now meet twice a week at lunch. One of their songs is from the 1920's and fits in with a unit in junior English on The Great Gatsby, which they will be able to participate in, thanks to Mr. Peterson.
Men's Choir is learning a gorgeous arrangement of the folk song, "Down in the Valley." There were a few male students committed to performing Men's literature, but not enough to cover parts more than one person per part. So I invited the faculty men to join us. Mr. Shull enthusiastically signed on and several others are gradually coming around. They are currently meeting Wednesdays at lunch and/or after school.
Esquire did not perform at our Valentine concert because of multiple absences, so they will have at least three songs in the Spring Concert: That Ever I Saw, In My Life, and Cloudburst, which has a difficult sung/spoken solo.
CST/Star testing makes our schedules block schedules Tue-Fri for the next two weeks of April. Mondays are the regular S-period schedules. This makes planning rehearsals more challenging, but I like longer periods for concentrated music learning, so it's not a problem for me. The only issue is I see each class only every other day, instead of every day.
More next time...
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
February 28th-March 11th
Varsity Singers performed very well at SJSU's Invitational Choral Festival Friday evening, February 18th. This festival is incredibly good publicity for Pioneer's Choir Program. I was dubbed that evening by Dr. Charlene Archibeque "the bravest woman in the house" for bringing a choir there after only teaching for one year. I did not feel brave as I felt the opportunity was for the students and was not about me. The singers felt (and I agreed) that they sang the best they had so far this year, even though the group was only 22 mostly because of illness. The clinician, Rodney Eichenberger, worked with us on getting a more grounded sound. I realized that I need to teach with less dependence on the piano partly so singers can tune more easily to each other's notes, and are more used to watching me for musical cues.
Starting February 28th after break, we are learning new music in both choirs. Mostly aimed at the spring concert May 24th, but for the advanced choir, also for the tour to Anaheim April 8-11. For the tour, Advanced Choir/Varsity Singers are learning an arrangement of Shenandoah and a song called Chili Con Carne, both in 5 parts. I will add a Renaissance song for them either in French or English. All the singers have a lot of beautiful music to learn for the spring concert.
Advanced Choir was invited to perform in late March with West Valley College's Chamber Singers, but it conflicted with the 42nd Street musical so we had to decline.
One thing I am very happy with this year is teaching all my students to read music. Beginning and Advanced choirs are both learning about music notation, note and rest names and values, time signatures, dynamics, and will also be learning musical intervals and other terminology. They practice sightreading music almost every day during rehearsal. This is always a tradeoff because if I spend time teaching about reading music, we don't work during that time on learning specific songs. I feel strongly about teaching music literacy skills so singers can be more independent in the future and also so we can eventually learn music more quickly. Reading music is not a big mystery, but is just something to learn and become familiar with.
March 9-12 I attended a national choral director's conference in Chicago. It was full of useful information for directors, professional networking opportunities, and choral performances. I think I attended at least 8-10 hours of choral performances over the four days. I learned a lot, picked up some books and dvds, nurtured professional contacts, and enjoyed Chicago, despite it being colder than home. And since Pioneer doesn't have any extra money to support teachers in professional development, I paid for it myself.
Looking ahead, there's Advanced Choir's tour to Anaheim April 8-11 with the advanced bands and orchestra, CMEA (Advanced Choir) performance at Saratoga High School May 14th (which might change to the 13th), Spring Concert for all choirs May 24th (special dedication song kept a secret until then), and Graduation June 2nd (seniors perform Star Spangled Banner and Irish Blessing).
Starting February 28th after break, we are learning new music in both choirs. Mostly aimed at the spring concert May 24th, but for the advanced choir, also for the tour to Anaheim April 8-11. For the tour, Advanced Choir/Varsity Singers are learning an arrangement of Shenandoah and a song called Chili Con Carne, both in 5 parts. I will add a Renaissance song for them either in French or English. All the singers have a lot of beautiful music to learn for the spring concert.
Advanced Choir was invited to perform in late March with West Valley College's Chamber Singers, but it conflicted with the 42nd Street musical so we had to decline.
One thing I am very happy with this year is teaching all my students to read music. Beginning and Advanced choirs are both learning about music notation, note and rest names and values, time signatures, dynamics, and will also be learning musical intervals and other terminology. They practice sightreading music almost every day during rehearsal. This is always a tradeoff because if I spend time teaching about reading music, we don't work during that time on learning specific songs. I feel strongly about teaching music literacy skills so singers can be more independent in the future and also so we can eventually learn music more quickly. Reading music is not a big mystery, but is just something to learn and become familiar with.
March 9-12 I attended a national choral director's conference in Chicago. It was full of useful information for directors, professional networking opportunities, and choral performances. I think I attended at least 8-10 hours of choral performances over the four days. I learned a lot, picked up some books and dvds, nurtured professional contacts, and enjoyed Chicago, despite it being colder than home. And since Pioneer doesn't have any extra money to support teachers in professional development, I paid for it myself.
Looking ahead, there's Advanced Choir's tour to Anaheim April 8-11 with the advanced bands and orchestra, CMEA (Advanced Choir) performance at Saratoga High School May 14th (which might change to the 13th), Spring Concert for all choirs May 24th (special dedication song kept a secret until then), and Graduation June 2nd (seniors perform Star Spangled Banner and Irish Blessing).
Thursday, February 17, 2011
February 1st-18th
February is a busy month for Pioneer choirs.
On Tuesday, February 1st I visited Castillero Middle School early in the morning to meet David Finch, the choir teacher there. My classes at Pioneer start after noon most days, so I could stay for about three of his classes.
I took an opportunity to observe his students, the repertoire he chooses, and how he teaches. In order to provide continuity of education between middle school and high school, it is best to understand the training students have before they reach high school and join my classes. He was also very helpful to me with advice and answering questions. As a result of this visit, Varsity Singers were invited to perform at Castillero on Feb 15th.
February 3rd was the boosters meeting, with a wonderful new president, a band parent, and well attended by band and choir parents alike. Mr. McCoy and I continue to collect payments from our students for the Anaheim trip to contract for buses, hotel rooms, entertainment passes, etc.
Varsity Singers, Mustang Chorale, and Women's Choir teamed up to perform a Valentine Concert on Thursday, February 10th, which was "Short and Sweet" and went very well. We have DVDs ($20) and CDs ($10) of the concert in case anyone wants to order them.
I attended Lincoln High School's "Java and Jazz" fundraising choral performance on Friday, February 11th, which was very enjoyable. The theme was tie-dye, rainbow, songs of the 70's mostly and it was in their very nice black box theatre (which is the biggest black box theatre I've ever seen).
A small group of Varsity Singers sang the national anthem at home wrestling meets Feb 1st and 15th, but now wrestling season is almost over with the final tournaments this upcoming weekend.
And as soon as our Valentine concert ended, Varsity Singers and Mustang Chorale started learning new music for the Spring concert on May 24th. I have some beautiful pieces chosen for them and am really excited about the Spring repertoire, which will have a nature theme. Women's Choir started today learning "Button Up Your Overcoat," which was originally composed in 1928. Mr. Peterson, who teaches English at Pioneer, enlisted any arts teachers who wanted to incorporate Great Gatsby-era curriculum to participate in a Gatsby party in May:
Mr. Peterson:
This year I would like to hold a Gatsby Party with my 11th graders in May. It's a tradition I enjoyed for several years at a previous school, and it was always memorable for students. I ask students to build a persona for themselves based on their analysis of a passage from the book. They portray this character at a glamorous social event, dressed in 1920s costume. They also complete a written analysis and practice their speaking standards as well during the event.
The Gatsby Party is terrific not only because it brings students closer to a classic text, but because it is a chance to celebrate the very snazzy arts of the Jazz Age. Here is where I am asking for your help. I would love to invite your participation in any possible way with this event through music, performance, visual art and design. In the past, jazz musicians and the choir have enlivened the Gatsby party as background music and as featured performances. We have had 1920s dance performances and even efforts to teach the crowd a few steps. I would love to feature Pioneer Performing Arts and add our stunning visual and design arts as well.
I am searching for the perfect song for Varsity Singers to learn from that era this spring.
And...last, but not least for the first two weeks of February, Varsity Singers is performing at SJSU's Invitational Choral Festival Friday evening, February 18th. The evening concert starts at 7:30 and admission is free. Parking is in the 7th street garage which is at the police station. Other local high schools and community colleges will be performing at SJSU Friday as well, so we will have opportunities to watch and hear them, perform ourselves, aaaaaaand receive constructive feedback from Dr. Rodney Eichenberger, who is a very-well-respected choral director and teacher. My friend Clem Cano will play piano for Varsity Singers to sing The Seal Lullaby. Attire is formal.
Then a week of winter break for the students and preparation for me. I may go to Oregon to visit my mother for part of the week. That's all for now.
On Tuesday, February 1st I visited Castillero Middle School early in the morning to meet David Finch, the choir teacher there. My classes at Pioneer start after noon most days, so I could stay for about three of his classes.
I took an opportunity to observe his students, the repertoire he chooses, and how he teaches. In order to provide continuity of education between middle school and high school, it is best to understand the training students have before they reach high school and join my classes. He was also very helpful to me with advice and answering questions. As a result of this visit, Varsity Singers were invited to perform at Castillero on Feb 15th.
February 3rd was the boosters meeting, with a wonderful new president, a band parent, and well attended by band and choir parents alike. Mr. McCoy and I continue to collect payments from our students for the Anaheim trip to contract for buses, hotel rooms, entertainment passes, etc.
Varsity Singers, Mustang Chorale, and Women's Choir teamed up to perform a Valentine Concert on Thursday, February 10th, which was "Short and Sweet" and went very well. We have DVDs ($20) and CDs ($10) of the concert in case anyone wants to order them.
I attended Lincoln High School's "Java and Jazz" fundraising choral performance on Friday, February 11th, which was very enjoyable. The theme was tie-dye, rainbow, songs of the 70's mostly and it was in their very nice black box theatre (which is the biggest black box theatre I've ever seen).
A small group of Varsity Singers sang the national anthem at home wrestling meets Feb 1st and 15th, but now wrestling season is almost over with the final tournaments this upcoming weekend.
And as soon as our Valentine concert ended, Varsity Singers and Mustang Chorale started learning new music for the Spring concert on May 24th. I have some beautiful pieces chosen for them and am really excited about the Spring repertoire, which will have a nature theme. Women's Choir started today learning "Button Up Your Overcoat," which was originally composed in 1928. Mr. Peterson, who teaches English at Pioneer, enlisted any arts teachers who wanted to incorporate Great Gatsby-era curriculum to participate in a Gatsby party in May:
Mr. Peterson:
This year I would like to hold a Gatsby Party with my 11th graders in May. It's a tradition I enjoyed for several years at a previous school, and it was always memorable for students. I ask students to build a persona for themselves based on their analysis of a passage from the book. They portray this character at a glamorous social event, dressed in 1920s costume. They also complete a written analysis and practice their speaking standards as well during the event.
The Gatsby Party is terrific not only because it brings students closer to a classic text, but because it is a chance to celebrate the very snazzy arts of the Jazz Age. Here is where I am asking for your help. I would love to invite your participation in any possible way with this event through music, performance, visual art and design. In the past, jazz musicians and the choir have enlivened the Gatsby party as background music and as featured performances. We have had 1920s dance performances and even efforts to teach the crowd a few steps. I would love to feature Pioneer Performing Arts and add our stunning visual and design arts as well.
I am searching for the perfect song for Varsity Singers to learn from that era this spring.
And...last, but not least for the first two weeks of February, Varsity Singers is performing at SJSU's Invitational Choral Festival Friday evening, February 18th. The evening concert starts at 7:30 and admission is free. Parking is in the 7th street garage which is at the police station. Other local high schools and community colleges will be performing at SJSU Friday as well, so we will have opportunities to watch and hear them, perform ourselves, aaaaaaand receive constructive feedback from Dr. Rodney Eichenberger, who is a very-well-respected choral director and teacher. My friend Clem Cano will play piano for Varsity Singers to sing The Seal Lullaby. Attire is formal.
Then a week of winter break for the students and preparation for me. I may go to Oregon to visit my mother for part of the week. That's all for now.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
January, 2011
January finds the choirs learning new music for a Valentine concert February 10th. Only 5 1/2 weeks of preparation, so the pressure's on! Varsity Singers are planning to sing some of their songs also for an invitational festival at SJSU February 18th.
I am also committed to a certain level of music literacy in my students, so I've been teaching the students using some of my own materials and lessons plus a sightreading book called Patterns of Sound. So far, they've learned about the basics of music notation: "The Staff," note names (ABCEDFG) and where they are on the lines and spaces, note values (half notes, quarter notes, etc.), and dynamics. They've taken several quizzes on these concepts and symbols and have largely done well. Some students who have had piano lessons or other outside music lessons may have known some of the material, but it's important to me to bring all the students up to at least a minimum standard.
Varsity Singers has sung the national anthem at all the Pioneer home wrestling meets, which is a great gesture of community support and appreciated by the people who attend. One of our singers, Thomas Haeckel, a sophomore, is a varsity wrestler for Pioneer.
I discovered only about a week prior that Varsity Singers was invited to sing at Recruitment Night January 27, so we quickly chose a song they sang well, and had the pleasure of singing for 8th grade students and their parents, hoping to recruit some of them to Pioneer next year.
Women's choir continues to be enthusiastically learning their own repertoire, though the personnel changed almost 100% from the fall semester group. Only two returned, and we have five enthusiastic new members. I love teaching people who want to sing!
Beginning choir (aka Mustang Chorale) is a very different kind of class from Varsity Singers. A couple students didn't want to be placed in choir; to them, it's just a random 6th period elective and they hope to get a decent grade without working very much. Despite those issues, I'm very happy with the sounds many of them are making. On good days, many sing and participate cheerfully. On not-so-good days, there are too many side conversations and distracting elements. I know for some teenagers their social life is the main star and everything else the backup singers, but I persist in trying to teach choir, music literacy, and good vocal technique, at least for those who wish to participate at that level.
Sharing the multipurpose room (aka PAC) can be challenging sometimes. Students who want to decorate for Saturday events may come in on Friday right after school to do so, before I've had a chance to put away my teaching materials and gather my thoughts. Any groups that want to use the room can pre-empt my regular use of it, such as during S-period. Also, to make teaching tougher, spirit weeks and valuable school events such as Breaking Down the Walls distract students from academic pursuits and take them out of class. I guess this is all part of teaching in a public high school.
I am looking forward to the February 10 choir concert and then moving on with plans for the Spring concert May 24.
I am also committed to a certain level of music literacy in my students, so I've been teaching the students using some of my own materials and lessons plus a sightreading book called Patterns of Sound. So far, they've learned about the basics of music notation: "The Staff," note names (ABCEDFG) and where they are on the lines and spaces, note values (half notes, quarter notes, etc.), and dynamics. They've taken several quizzes on these concepts and symbols and have largely done well. Some students who have had piano lessons or other outside music lessons may have known some of the material, but it's important to me to bring all the students up to at least a minimum standard.
Varsity Singers has sung the national anthem at all the Pioneer home wrestling meets, which is a great gesture of community support and appreciated by the people who attend. One of our singers, Thomas Haeckel, a sophomore, is a varsity wrestler for Pioneer.
I discovered only about a week prior that Varsity Singers was invited to sing at Recruitment Night January 27, so we quickly chose a song they sang well, and had the pleasure of singing for 8th grade students and their parents, hoping to recruit some of them to Pioneer next year.
Women's choir continues to be enthusiastically learning their own repertoire, though the personnel changed almost 100% from the fall semester group. Only two returned, and we have five enthusiastic new members. I love teaching people who want to sing!
Beginning choir (aka Mustang Chorale) is a very different kind of class from Varsity Singers. A couple students didn't want to be placed in choir; to them, it's just a random 6th period elective and they hope to get a decent grade without working very much. Despite those issues, I'm very happy with the sounds many of them are making. On good days, many sing and participate cheerfully. On not-so-good days, there are too many side conversations and distracting elements. I know for some teenagers their social life is the main star and everything else the backup singers, but I persist in trying to teach choir, music literacy, and good vocal technique, at least for those who wish to participate at that level.
Sharing the multipurpose room (aka PAC) can be challenging sometimes. Students who want to decorate for Saturday events may come in on Friday right after school to do so, before I've had a chance to put away my teaching materials and gather my thoughts. Any groups that want to use the room can pre-empt my regular use of it, such as during S-period. Also, to make teaching tougher, spirit weeks and valuable school events such as Breaking Down the Walls distract students from academic pursuits and take them out of class. I guess this is all part of teaching in a public high school.
I am looking forward to the February 10 choir concert and then moving on with plans for the Spring concert May 24.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
December 1st-17th, 2010
The first half of December was busy for Pioneer Choirs.
Holiday Concert: Advanced Choir (Varsity Singers) and Beginning Choir (Mustang Chorale) performed their joint Holiday Concert in the Pioneer HS multipurpose room on Tuesday, December 7, at 7:00pm. I felt very satisfied with the result because the singers learned their music well, my friend Lindsay Jones-Serdar accompanied us on piano for the concert, and the repertoire sung was appropriate for the occasion and varied in difficulty and genre.
Christmas in the Park: On Sunday, December 12, at 2:00pm, Varsity Singers and the Women's Chorus performed at Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose. Singing at Christmas in the Park is a tradition for Pioneer and we were fortunate to find a time that worked for us. Because of traffic noises, other background sounds, and being outdoors in general, the venue is not very conducive to choral singing, but the organization provided some microphones and the singers gave it their best effort.
During the last weeks of the semester, Beginning Choir began work on repertoire for the Valentine Concert. Advanced Choir also started learning some of their Spring repertoire. I also gave choir rehearsal time for studying for finals in other subjects since it is difficult to concentrate on far off deadlines when immediate subjects loom.
SJSU Choral Invitational: Advanced Choir is wait-listed for the SJSU Choral Invitational in February. We will only be allowed to perform if another choir withdraws from that festival.
Future Concerts: After the holidays, Spring semester promises a Valentine Concert on February 10th and a Spring Concert on May 24th. The February 10th date is rapidly approaching. With the limited time for preparation, that concert will be shorter than either the holiday or spring concerts. Ticket prices will continue to be $5 for general admission and $3 with ASB card. Advanced Choir has also been requested to sing the National Anthem for home Wrestling matches as one of our singers is on the wrestling team.
Tour: Advanced Choir is also preparing for the tour to Anaheim/Fullerton College in April with the bands and orchestra. It should be a ton of fun and a great opportunity to hear other musical groups perform and receive constructive comments from professional adjudicators on our performance.
Fundraisers: The Innisbrook fundraiser was helpful to several students who worked to sell wrapping paper, other items, and chocolates. In the Spring, there will be at least one additional group fundraising project to help Advanced Choir students allay the costs of their tour.
Concert Critiques: Students scrambled to complete their choral critiques due by the end of the semester by attending holiday concerts at churches, schools, community choirs, etc. Attending performances of other choral groups in addition to the listening to recordings that we do in class most Fridays enhances students' aural skills (listening skills). With specific criteria to listen for on a graphic organizer, most students wrote creatively-expressed analytical reports on other choirs' performances.
Holiday Concert: Advanced Choir (Varsity Singers) and Beginning Choir (Mustang Chorale) performed their joint Holiday Concert in the Pioneer HS multipurpose room on Tuesday, December 7, at 7:00pm. I felt very satisfied with the result because the singers learned their music well, my friend Lindsay Jones-Serdar accompanied us on piano for the concert, and the repertoire sung was appropriate for the occasion and varied in difficulty and genre.
Christmas in the Park: On Sunday, December 12, at 2:00pm, Varsity Singers and the Women's Chorus performed at Christmas in the Park in downtown San Jose. Singing at Christmas in the Park is a tradition for Pioneer and we were fortunate to find a time that worked for us. Because of traffic noises, other background sounds, and being outdoors in general, the venue is not very conducive to choral singing, but the organization provided some microphones and the singers gave it their best effort.
During the last weeks of the semester, Beginning Choir began work on repertoire for the Valentine Concert. Advanced Choir also started learning some of their Spring repertoire. I also gave choir rehearsal time for studying for finals in other subjects since it is difficult to concentrate on far off deadlines when immediate subjects loom.
SJSU Choral Invitational: Advanced Choir is wait-listed for the SJSU Choral Invitational in February. We will only be allowed to perform if another choir withdraws from that festival.
Future Concerts: After the holidays, Spring semester promises a Valentine Concert on February 10th and a Spring Concert on May 24th. The February 10th date is rapidly approaching. With the limited time for preparation, that concert will be shorter than either the holiday or spring concerts. Ticket prices will continue to be $5 for general admission and $3 with ASB card. Advanced Choir has also been requested to sing the National Anthem for home Wrestling matches as one of our singers is on the wrestling team.
Tour: Advanced Choir is also preparing for the tour to Anaheim/Fullerton College in April with the bands and orchestra. It should be a ton of fun and a great opportunity to hear other musical groups perform and receive constructive comments from professional adjudicators on our performance.
Fundraisers: The Innisbrook fundraiser was helpful to several students who worked to sell wrapping paper, other items, and chocolates. In the Spring, there will be at least one additional group fundraising project to help Advanced Choir students allay the costs of their tour.
Concert Critiques: Students scrambled to complete their choral critiques due by the end of the semester by attending holiday concerts at churches, schools, community choirs, etc. Attending performances of other choral groups in addition to the listening to recordings that we do in class most Fridays enhances students' aural skills (listening skills). With specific criteria to listen for on a graphic organizer, most students wrote creatively-expressed analytical reports on other choirs' performances.
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