10/20 Rehearsal

The biggest news from this week's rehearsal is that the kids are great at singing harmony and holding their own part! It is always difficult to sing something when there are people singing different notes or an entirely different part of the song.
We rehearsed "Dona Nobis Pacem" for the first time in our 3 part round. Each part sang out and held up well. We were especially encouraged by how many of the kids could do it with NO music. At home, they can practice by coming in with their group in the round and singing their part the whole way through.
Later in the rehearsal we began work on "Star Bright" which is a beautiful Christmas carol sung in both English and Spanish. This was our first harmony attempt with this group and we were thrilled to see how quickly they caught on. One group went outside to practice and even had some walkers and kids from the playground stop by to listen!  Putting them together was the real test but they sang confidently and each part held their own.
We finally finished the choreography for "Christmas Sing-Along". The kids have been real troopers as we make changes and add things to help the song work well. They should definitely practice at home WITH the actions. It has been hard work but will definitely pay off -- it is always fun to get up and move around!
Keep listening and memorizing and singing every day!

10/13 Rehearsal

Stretching before we begin!

Have you heard how much fun we are having in rehearsals?  The kids appear to be mixing well with each other and having a good time.  We also see new friends being made, which is always great!  Hopefully, you parents are getting a chance to make some new friends as well.  After all, the kids shouldn't have ALL the fun! :)  

Billy B. & Noah A.

Lila, Margaret (back)
& Lily

This past week (after some fun warm-ups), we worked on creating "pure vowel sounds" and "singing up-down, not side-to-side."  Check out these pics--they kinda look like McCauley Culkin's "Home Alone" AUGH! moments, don't they? :)  It's amazing how their singing tone improved so quickly with just a little bit of work.  These kids are talented--and they learn quickly, too!

Ellie

We then worked on singing "Dona Nobis Pacem," split into parts.  Singing parts is not an easy thing to do at their age (or at any age!), but the singers did REALLY well "holding on" to their own part.  We also started one of our super fun songs, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree."  The kids each got to do a little freestyle dancing with this one, which was hilarious!  After that, we worked on more choreography for "Christmas Sing-Along."  It is really important that the singers are practicing with their CDs and learning the words to the songs, because once they get up and get moving, they can't hold their notebooks anymore.  We know they can do it... it's all about Practice, Practice, Practice!

Nicole

We also finished the sign language for "Sing, Sing a Song" this past week.  If your child is having trouble remembering the signs, please look at the youtube video that we made.  If you need the link sent to you again, just email us and ask.

This next week we are starting one of our most challenging songs: Star Bright.  Each singer should know which part he/she should be listening to this week.  We are very excited to hear how they sound on this piece on Thursday!  We think they will do GREAT!

10/6 Rehearsal

Rehearsal flew by this week...once we get started, it's hard to stop!

Busy doing Lip Trills

This week was exciting since we were able to do some choreography for the first time. We sped through the actions and different formations but the kids were able to keep up! It's exciting to watch words and music and movement all come together! It was fun to get up and move around.

Taking a "deep" breath!

We also had fun getting down on the ground during our lesson on breathing. Instead of breathing with our chest and shoulders, we tried to lay down and take deeper breaths using our diaphragm and abdominal muscles.

9/29 Rehearsal

Ready to sing!

Another fun rehearsal this week!  After learning about "5 Points to Perfect Posture" (SINGING posture, that is!), we continued our work on "Dona Nobis Pacem."  The singers are sounding very good already, and are learning to listen to each other as they sing. 

Billy & Katy

Next, we began learning our "Christmas Sing-Along" medley.  There are lots of 16th century words in "Deck the Halls" - but the kids quickly learned what they meant (and some of them already knew!).  Practice with those CDs, singers!

Abby K. - All smiles!

Finally, we learned the next sign language verse to "Sing, Sing a Song."  Wow, the kids are doing a great job with this one!  It's tough to remember the words, melody and signs all at the same time.  This is really going to be a beautiful and touching number!

Remember: if you are interested in doing a solo this season, you need to email us this week and let us know!  We are eager to hear from you--have a great week!