Artistic Staff

Schedule

Handbook

I. INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

  The Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale is filed with the State of Indiana as a not-for profit corporation dedicated to the art of excellent choral singing for elementary through high school age children and youth, providing social, educational, and skill development opportunities such that they experience the personal worth of others. With an enrollment of over 150 children entering grades two through twelve, the choir exists to artistically enrich the lives of these children, their families, and the surrounding community.

  The Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale provides a unique opportunity for children and youth of all racial, economic, and religious backgrounds. Singers from private as well as public schools can participate in this vocal music experience in a large group setting. Their performance-based program emphasizes musical literacy and appreciation. Quality choral literature from all styles and periods forms the foundation for musical learning.

 

II. GOALS

  The major overall goals for the singers in the organization are:

  A.  To foster the personal and social growth of choir members and promote their sense of self-worth, self-esteem, accomplishment, and pride;

  B.  To expose children to the values and beliefs of other societies and cultures;

  C.  To teach children to read music at various ability levels;

  D.  To maintain choir membership open to children of ALL racial, cultural, religious, and economic backgrounds;

  E.  To attain a high level of excellence in public musical performance;

  F.  To contribute to the cultural life of the Anderson area and neighboring communities; and

  G.  To increase the quality of singing in area schools by providing an organization which can excel beyond the experiences possible in the average school music program.

  A. The Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale is a special learning environment designed to provide a rich and rewarding experience for each singer. The singers study and perform a variety of music from simple unison folk songs to more challenging choral literature.

  B. Masterpieces of music from all styles and periods serve as the basis for the curriculum and form the foundation for musical learning. We believe “that only music of unquestioned quality – both folk and composed should be used in the education of children.” (Zoltan Kodaly). Since the best musical experiences for children are inherent in great music, the choirs’ repertoire includes music from representative composers such as Bach, Handel, Kodaly, & Dvorak. In addition, the selection of music for the children’s choir component of the organization includes current arrangements by children’s choirs’ specialists such as Mary Goetze, Henry Leck, Doreen Rao, and Betty Bertaux.

  C. Concepts of music (melody, Harmony, rhythm, form, dynamics, and styles) as well as vocal skills (singing, theory, sight singing, solfege) are taught sequentially throughout the rehearsals. Musical objectives are met through singing, listening, analysis, and some instrument performance.

  D. The singers are taught the systematic use of their vocal instrument through correct posture, breath control, vocal exercises, and tone production. The essence of musical experience is based on pitch and rhythm, as it is sensed and heard in vocal expression.

  E. Singing is the major means of musical experience in the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale. Through vocal experiences, directly relating to the choral literature, true musical literacy is achieved. “That true musical literacy – the ability to read, write, and think music – is the right of every human being.” (Zoltan Kodaly). Singing is a powerfully personal means of musical expression. We hope this experience will form the foundation of a life-long relationship with music for the singers and their families.

  CADET CHOIR: is a non-performing musical activity for second grade students. Students will be involved in a variety of musical opportunities that will include song games and folk dance. This group will rehearse from 4:00-5:00.

  CHAMBER CHOIR: is our training choir made up of younger and less experienced singers. In addition to teaching beginning vocal skills, the Kodaly based training in this group will include music reading, music writing, game songs and activities that will enhance the musical growth of young singers. The Chamber Choir will perform at the two major concerts of the year (Christmas and Spring) and will participate in a daylong tour in or near Indiana. This group will rehearse from 5:10-6:10.

  CONCERT CHOIR: is the intermediate choir in our program. It can include singers in grades 4-8. This group will work on vocal skills, music literacy, and learning and performing a wide variety of music from different cultures and styles. The Concert Choir will perform at the two major concerts of the year, other community performances as they are available and will participate in a daylong tour in or near Indiana. This group will rehearse from 5:30-6:50 on Tuesday evenings.

  CHORALE: is the most advanced choir in our children’s choir program. This group will continue to develop vocal skills, and will learn and perform the highest level of literature for children’s choirs. Singers in Chorale will be expected to exhibit excellent preparation, a strong work ethic, a high level of commitment to the program, including maintaining an excellent attendance record at both rehearsals and performances. The Chorale will travel on a spring tour each year for 3-4 days. This group will rehearse from 7:00-8:30.

  YOUTH CHORALE: will be made up of singers in grades 9-12 and boys with changed voices. This group will work on vocal technique, musical literacy, and musicianship and perform the highest level of choral literature. Members of YC will be expected to exhibit excellent preparation, strong work ethic, a high level of commitment to the program and excellent attendance at rehearsals and performances. This group will rehearse two Tuesday evening per month from 6:15-8:30 and two Sunday afternoons per month from 3:15-5:30. A specific rehearsal schedule will be distributed to singers at the first rehearsal.

  The members of the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale should learn the meaning of “commitment” and individual “responsibility.” They should feel a sense of pride at being in this special choir and not take their membership lightly. Enrollment in AACC & AAYC is commitment for the entire season (September-April) and each member is expected to remain active and involved for the total season. These young people will be sharing some of the most wonderful times of their youth together, both musically and socially!

  Each member of the AACC & AAYC, along with a parent/guardian, will need to sign an Enrollment Agreement stating their commitment to the organization. This will emphasize the importance of every child involved and teach individual responsibility for the good of the entire musical ensemble.

  (All held at First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, Anderson)

CADET CHOIR            Tuesday       4:00-5:00 p.m. 

CHAMBER CHOIR      Tuesday       5:10-6:10 p.m.

CONCERT CHOIR       Tuesday       5:30-6:50 p.m.

CHORALE                     Tuesday       7:00-8:30 p.m.

YOUTH CHORALE      Tuesday        3:15-5:30 p.m.

(Schedule will be distributed for alternate Tuesdays and Sundays for Youth Chorale)

  AACC is extremely grateful to the Board of Trustees and Staff at First United Methodist Church, 1215 Jackson Street, in Anderson for the use of their facility for rehearsals.   All regular rehearsals will be held in this set of buildings unless otherwise notified via the rehearsal schedule. We ask for your respect and courteous attitude while in this complex in response to their generosity.

  Transportation to and from rehearsals is the individual responsibility of the parents, as are carpools, etc. Choir rosters are issued to facilitate transportation arrangements.

  Please be prompt when picking up your singer at the end of rehearsal. The will be a charge for late pick-up. The charges are as follows:

15 minutes late......................................................................................$5.00

30 minutes late......................................................................................$10.00

45 minutes late......................................................................................$15.00

Payment for late pick-up will be expected when your singer is picked-up.

In case of inclement weather, listen to local radio stations (WXXP-FM @ 97.9; WQME-FM @ 98.7 and WHUT-AM @ 1470) for rehearsal cancellations.

VII. REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE

  Membership in the Anderson Area Children’s Choir is a commitment to faithful, consistent, and punctual attendance. It is expected that rehearsals take a very high priority in each child’s life. Each child holds a valuable place in his/her choir. Attendance and punctuality that does not demonstrate that commitment will result in probation and possible dismissal from the program.

  Because the safety of each child is important to all concerned, Choir Coordinators must be aware of where each child is during their assigned rehearsal time. If students are absent, Choir Coordinators will call their residence after role has been taken each week. They will tally the number of absences each singer accrues.

Important Attendance Policy
  Each singer is allowed three (3) absences per semester, without any reason given. Should a fourth absence occur, a conference with the chorister, and conductor is required. At this time, an assessment of the singer’s knowledge of current repertoire will determine his/her ability to participate in an upcoming performance. Should a fifth absence occur during that semester, the singer may be dismissed from the choir for the balance of the semester.

  Each singer who has signed the Enrollment Agreement to sing for the entire season (September-April) must live up to that commitment. If, however, an extremely unusual circumstance occurs which would prohibit a singer from continuing that commitment, a personal conference with the music director and parents will be required before submitting a letter of resignation.

  Tuition fees cannot be returned or reimbursed for resigning singers. In select circumstances, the Board of Directors may permit tuition to be transferred to the next semester. The Board of Directors on a case-by-case basis will make decisions.

  *All rehearsals are mandatory unless otherwise indicated on the respective choir calendar. Final rehearsals prior to a performance are mandatory. An absence, for any reason, from a final rehearsal may result in the singer NOT singing the corresponding performance.

  Open auditions for the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale are held each spring for children entering grades two through twelve the next fall. Information will be dispersed throughout the community before the close of the spring school term.

  The following procedures will help us achieve the discipline and professionalism we need to exhibit in building our reputation in the community.

  1. Arrive not more than 10 minutes before the designated rehearsal time, go directly to the Choir Coordinator or Assistant at the attendance table to register, then wait quietly in the lobby until the Coordinator dismisses the group to the rehearsal site. Late arrivers must always check in immediately upon arrival.

  2. Give the attendance notes, permission slips, tuition fees, etc. to the Choir Manager at the attendance table in separately marked envelopes please.

  3. Do not roam about the building at any time! Students should only be in the lobby check-in area or in the designated rehearsal site.

  4. Do not bring food or drink into the rehearsal area. Try to eat a nutritious snack before you arrive at your rehearsal site. At NO TIME are soft drink machines at First Church to be used by AACC singers. Use of self-contained beverage sippers is encouraged for singers. However, ONLY WATER is appropriate for vocal health in these sippers. Please label your individual sipper with the singers’ name legible & visibly written.

  5. At all times show respect for each other, parent volunteers, and the facilities. Pay attention to the Director at all times and do not talk or in any way distract other singers from learning in the rehearsal. Singers will be dismissed from the rehearsal when unable to control disruptive speaking. Coordinators will notify the parent to transport the singer home.

  6. Running, yelling, and rowdy behavior are not permitted in the building or on the grounds at any time.

  7. If, for any reason, a child cannot actively participate in a rehearsal, he/she should bring a written note from home and should sit quietly and observe the rehearsal attentively.

  8. Members are responsible for taking home any handouts of information that are distributed at rehearsals. These notices are important and should be requested by the parents from the singer.

  9. Parents and interested members of the community are always welcome and encouraged to observe rehearsals if space allows.

  Attendance at all performances is mandatory, unless otherwise indicated on the respective choir calendar. Performance conflicts must be handled directly with the conductor and parents of the singer, in advance as much as possible prior to the conflict.

  Membership in the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale will be reviewed if more than one scheduled performance is missed during the season.

XI. PERFORMANCE PROCEDURES

 Performances require the very best conduct, appearance, and musicianship:

  1. Always eat a nutritious meal and get plenty of rest before a concert.

  2. Arrive ten minutes before the performance call and immediately register with the Choir Coordinator or Assistant.

  3. Tardiness at a performance may exclude a singer from participation at that performance.

  4. All performers must arrive attired in proper uniform as discussed in the appropriate dress detail sheet. Failure to wear proper uniform will result in non-participation in the concert.

  5. Conduct yourself at all times in a calm, polite, professional manner. Give your undivided attention to the Music Director or performance coordinator always.

  6. Know your music. Each musician must have a confident command of the concert program. Failure to demonstrate this at the final rehearsal may result in the release from the corresponding concert commitment.

  7. Always let a chaperone know if you are feeling ill. If you feel ill during a performance, quietly sit down and rest for the remainder of the selection. Chaperones are always watching and will help if needed.

  8. Remember at all times you represent the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale.

  Just as the ensemble’s sound is important, so is the ensemble’s appearance. A well-groomed, neatly uniformed ensemble is essential for a truly professional and artistic experience.

  Good personal hygiene is a must for all singers. Shirts are to be tucked in. Clean teeth and clean, combed hair are always expected of each singer whenever a specific appropriate dress is required. Hair should be groomed away from the face and may be fastened with natural (matching hair color) barrettes (no bows, colored barrettes). No obvious make-up or cosmetics is necessary. Jewelry, earrings (other than stud earrings in pierced ears), accessories, watches, etc. are not permitted. A singer who fails to dress properly for an event will not be allowed to participate.

  The Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale depend greatly on volunteers. Volunteer opportunities run the entire gamut, from office help to concert management duties. The Choirs Manager coordinates the volunteer efforts. Anyone interested in working on the volunteer committees is invited to do so by contacting the Choirs Manager.

XIV. OVERALL ADMINISTRATION

  The Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to the ideals of high quality singing for children in the Anderson area. A volunteer Board of Directors oversees the Anderson Area Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale. These individuals give of their time, talents, and expertise to ensure that the goals and objectives of the choir are met in a clear and business-like manner. The staff of AACC & AAYC appreciates the great efforts of these volunteers to keep this artistic opportunity alive for young singers of this area.

XV. TOURS

  Each spring the Chamber and Concert Choirs will take a daylong tour in or near Indiana. The Chorale and Youth Chorale will take a 3-4 day trip each spring. Tour prices and destinations will be announced in the fall. A tour deposit will be required for each singer. This deposit will be NON-REFUNDABLE.

Official Uniforms for the Anderson Area Children’s Choir

Cadet, Chamber, and Concert Choirs
CASUAL UNIFORM (Boys and Girls)
AACC Official golf style shirt
Nice Blue Jeans
Tennis Shoes


FORMAL UNIFORM
Boys
Custom Ordered Black Tuxedo Slacks and White Shirts
Prescribed Accessories (bow tie/cummerbund)
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes

Girls
Custom Ordered Black/White Dresses
Black Hose
Prescribed Black Flat Shoes
Black Hair Ribbon, purchased through AACC


Chorale Choir
CASUAL UNIFORM (Boys and Girls)
AACC Official golf style shirt
Custom Ordered Khaki Slacks (ordered thru AACC)
Tennis Shoes


FORMAL UNIFORM
Boys
Custom Ordered Black Tuxedo Slacks and White Shirts
Prescribed Accessories (bow tie/cummerbund)
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes

Girls
Custom Ordered Black/White Dresses
Black Hose
Prescribed Black Flat Shoes
Black Hair Ribbon, purchased through AACC

     

 

Official Uniforms for the Anderson Area Youth Chorale

CASUAL UNIFORM (Boys and Girls)
AAYC Official golf style shirt
Custom Ordered Khaki Slacks (ordered thru AAYC)
Tennis Shoes


FORMAL UNIFORM
Boys
Custom Ordered Black Slacks and White Shirts
Custom Ordered Black Jackets
Prescribed Accessories (bow tie/cummerbund)
Black Socks
Black Dress Shoes

Girls
Custom Ordered Black Dresses
Black Hose
Black Flat Shoes
Black Hair Ribbon, purchased through AAYC