Announcing the 2013 Gregory Musical

And this year's Gregory spring musical will be...

The Wizard of Oz!

Auditions are open to all of Gregory, and will be in early March.  More information will be released at a later date.

Happy Holidays!

To all Gregory chorus students and families....

Thank you for a terrific 2012!  I hope you and yours have a safe and relaxing winter break filled with health and happiness!

Former Gregory Singer Accomplishments

From Jay Kellner, choral director at Neuqua Valley HS...
 

Dear Mr. Pfenninger and the Choirs of Gregory,

On Tuesday, October 2, Neuqua choral students ventured to Addison Trail High School to audition for the Illinois Music Educators Association District IX Chorus and District IX Vocal Jazz Ensembles. These are competitive and prestigious ensembles, as nearly 800 students from within the area audition for coveted spots. The audition was divided between four to six rooms with professional music educator judges in each room. Over the course of the audition, students presented excerpts from prepared musical selections, and presented skills such as scales, triads, and sight-reading. We are thrilled to report that Neuqua had a stellar showing in the All District Chorus and the All District Vocal Jazz Choirs. The November Festival Concerts were absolutely stunning. (In fact, with well over 20 high schools sending students to audition it is remarkable that about 1 out of every 4 vocal jazzers performing were from Neuqua!)

Further, 6 of Neuqua’s choir members have earned the most prestigious honor available to a high school musician having been chosen to sing with the IMEA All State Choirs. This is truly a fantastic accomplishment and we wanted to congratulate the superb middle school programs and directors who generated, cultivated, and encouraged such great talent. Beyond the marvelous things you are accomplishing at Gregory, you all have tremendous experiences awaiting you in your high school vocal program and I personally look forward to hearing next year’s freshman at Neuqua!

GREGORY

Louis Weisz C

Liam Byrnes C

Yoshin Govender C, VJ

Julia Dunne VJ

Juan Laverde VJ

Anders Nelson C

Matt Reynolds C

Kathryn Speckels C, All State C

C=Chorus, VJ=Vocal Jazz

 

All the Best,

Jay Kellner
Choral Music
Neuqua Valley HS
www.NeuquaMusic.org

 

Kudos!

Congratulations to all band, orchestra, and chorus students on an amazing set of Triptych concerts yesterday!  Your level of musicianship was outstanding, and everyone left the concerts with a smile on their face and in the holiday spirit.  We are proud of all of you…way to go!

December Concert Line-Up

Gregory Chorus

2012 December Concert Line-Up

(all Triptych concerts are in the Gregory East Gym)

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Performance at the Builta Elementary School “Gingerbread” Event – 10:00-10:45am

Men’s Ensemble and Mixed Vocal Ensemble

Report time is 9:30am at Builta Elementary School, 1835 Apple Valley Rd, Bolingbrook

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Honors Triptych Concert – 7:30pm

Concert Choir (Men’s and Mixed Vocal Ensembles will NOT perform on this concert)

Report time is 6:45pm in the West Gym

Monday, December 10, 2012

6th Grade Triptych Concerts – 12:30pm and 2:00pm

6th Grade Chorus and Men’s Ensemble

Students will report to the East Gym after 6th grade lunch (11:55am)

The 12:30pm performance is for families with last names A-L;

the 2:00pm performance is for families with last names M-Z.

7th Grade Triptych Concert – 6:30pm

7th Grade Chorus

Report time is 5:45pm in the West Gym

8th Grade Triptych Concert – 8:15pm

8th Grade Chorus and Mixed Vocal Ensemble

Report time is 7:30pm in the West Gym

Attire for all performances is “festive dress clothes” – NO JEANS, T-SHIRTS OR GYM SHOES OR REGULAR UNIFORM.  Boys should wear ties.  Bright, seasonal colors are encouraged!

Print and return the slip at the bottom of this sheet by Tuesday, November 27 (worth 10 points)

November and December Calendars

The following are rehearsal calendars for combo students and extracurricular ensembles for the months of November and December...

Combo Schedule, November-December 2012

Extracurricular Ensemble Schedule, November-December 2012

Solo & Ensemble Festival Information

All 6th, 7th, & 8th grade chorus students have the opportunity to participate in this year’s Solo and Ensemble Festival to be held February 23, 2013 at Crone Middle School. Learning a solo or an ensemble and performing for a judge is an important step on the road to musical independence. Many students have already expressed an interest in participating, and it is time now to sign up and make the commitment to this outstanding learning opportunity. This is not a required activity, but ALL students are encouraged to consider participating; students in Concert Choir are especially encouraged to take part.

What is solo and ensemble festival?
Once the student indicates interest, we will help him/her choose a piece. Each student works on his/her piece during the next few months with Mr. Pfenninger or, if they have one, a private vocal instructor. On February 23, the student(s) will perform the solo or ensemble for an adjudicator who will give him/her a rating (which could earn the student a medal) and provide a written evaluation of the performance. When the student is well- prepared, this is always a positive learning experience. This is not a competitive situation, but an opportunity for musical growth for students at any ability level. Parents and friends are invited to attend the performance.

How does each student prepare?
The student does the majority of the work. Starting in January, Mr. Pfenninger will be available after school to work with students on their music. Each student will sign up for one 10 to 15-minute help session per week that best fits his/her schedule. Sign up sheets will be posted beginning in December. Unless a student is studying with a private voice instructor, attendance at these once-a-week sessions is mandatory.

Is there any cost involved in participation?
All students performing a solo/ensemble must be accompanied by a pianist. There will be a $25.00 fee for this service. The fee covers practices with the pianist as well as the performance on the day of the contest. The fee is paid directly to the accompanist – please do not send a check to school until the rehearsals with the accompanist begin. Any student wishing to find his/her own accompanist is welcome to do so, but please be careful to choose a person who has experience playing accompaniments for students; we do NOT recommend having students accompany other students.

You are also responsible for paying an entry fee. The entry fee pays for the judges, the cost of transporting and renting pianos, and other details that cost money when putting on a large event such as the Solo & Ensemble Festival. The cost is $8.50 per solo and $4.50 per each ensemble member. This fee must be paid when you turn in this form to us. Please make checks payable: Gregory MS Music. We will pay the IGSMA fee in one large check.

Students must have an original copy (not Xeroxed) of the piece of music they choose to perform. This is the "judge’s copy" and is required for each solo or ensemble. Students may borrow this ‘original’ from Mr. Pfenninger, or purchase their own copy.

Will it take the whole day?
All solos and ensembles will be scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on February 23. Some special scheduling needs can be met if we know early enough, for example, “morning only because we have a wedding that afternoon.” Please do not request afternoon because you like to sleep in. The closer we get to the actual contest date the more difficult it becomes to make changes in the scheduling. The students will be at the performance site about 1 1/2 hours total for the solo and/or ensemble experience: warm-up, performance, and waiting for the ratings.

What do you need to do as a student?

1. Meet with your private teacher or Mr. Pfenninger to choose a solo and/or ensemble. Music selection sessions will begin after Thanksgiving break.
2. Work on your music (don't wait until February!) and do your best.
3. Make sure you get plenty of help from Mr. Pfenninger or your private teacher.
4. Always come to the help sessions you sign up for, starting in January. These sessions are NOT optional.
5. Make sure that the measures are numbered on your original copy. 

What do you need to do as a parent?

1. Encourage your student to participate and work hard.
2. Provide transportation to the contest site and any practices the student may need.
3. Be responsible for the accompanist fee and participation fee. 

If you would like to participate, please return the last page of this form and payment in an envelope with your child’s name on it by Tuesday, November 27, 2012.

Concert Choir/Men's Ensemble Rehearsal Update - Week of October 15

To our Gregory Concert Choir/Men's Ensemble/Mixed Ensemble families,

* A reminder that there will be NO Concert Choir rehearsal on Monday, October 15.

* Also, there will be NO after-school Men's or Mixed rehearsal on Wednesday, October 17, due to the half day of school.

* UPDATE - the Men's Ensemble rehearsal previously scheduled for Thursday morning, October 18 has been CANCELLED.  The next Men's Ensemble rehearsal will be Wednesday, October 24, from 3:10-4:00pm.

* Concert Choir WILL rehearse before school on Friday, October 19 as previously scheduled.

The remainder of the October schedule will remain the same as was distributed to students previously.  A November/December schedule will be finalized within the next week.

Thank you!

Great Job!!

Congratulations to all Gregory Chorus students on a fantastic set of concerts last night!  You performed with great focus, technique, and expression, and your concert behavior was appropriate and respectful.  Way to go Gregory singers…we are all proud of you!

Fall Concerts

Per the email sent to parents on September 27...

 

Wednesday, October 10 – FALL CHORAL CONCERTS!! Gregory Middle School East Gym.

· 6:30pm – 6^th Grade Chorus, Men’s and Mixed Ensembles, and Concert Choir.

· 8:00pm – 7^th Grade Chorus, 8^th Grade Chorus, Men’s and Mixed Ensembles, and Concert Choir (revised from the initial schedule – all extra-curricular ensembles will perform in both concerts).

· Call time for the 6:30pm concert is 5:30pm; call time for the 8:00pm concert is 7:15pm. Groups will report to the West Gym for warm-up.

· Attire is the gray Gregory Music polo shirt, black pants, black socks and black shoes.

· Family, friends, neighbors…all are invited to attend!!

Concert Choir Practice Tracks for Fall Concert

Concert Choir students,

The following are links to practice tracks for our fall concert repertoire.  Click on the link for your voice part to download a recording with which to practice.

Fairest Isle:
Soprano I
Soprano II
Alto

Appalachian Suite:
Soprano I
Soprano II
Alto

Our goal is to be off music and memorized by Monday, October 1.

Practice Tracks and Solos for Mixed Ensemble

Students in the Mixed Vocal Ensemble...

The following are practice tracks for our fall concert selection.  Click on the one for your voice part and then follow the link to download the recording.  Your part is highlighted with a flute sound against the studio recording of the arrangement.

Soprano I
Soprano IIa
Soprano IIb
Alto
Baritone/Guys

In addition, any student who is interested in being considered for one of the solo opportunities in the song should send Mr. P. a recording (either audio or video) of you singing the solo line, measures 11-26, via email by Thursday, September 27.  If you don't have the ability or access to email a recording, see Mr. P. and we will work out an alternative means of hearing you.

The Southside Sing Out! - October 1

Dear Gregory Chorus Students and Parents,

I wanted to make you aware of an exciting event that is coming up that is not to be missed. On Monday, October 1, from 6:00-7:30pm, Neuqua Valley High School is hosting the “Southside Sing Out!” led by world-renowned choral composer and song leader Nick Page. The goal of the evening is for hundreds of people to come together and simply “jam,” learning songs on the spot and experiencing the powerful, connective force of singing. The event is open to any chorus student in grades 6-12 at Neuqua and its feeder middle schools; additionally, ALL students at Neuqua elementary feeder schools in grades 3-5 are invited along with their parents. It is sure to be an incredible evening of music making!! Any Gregory chorus student who chooses to attend will receive five extra credit points toward their class participation grade; in order to attend, please sign up in the chorus room by September 25, as well as email Mr. Pfenninger. Parents, if your child attends, please drop them off at the Neuqua Auditorium a few minutes prior to 6:00pm and plan on picking them up promptly at 7:30pm.

In addition, ALL Gregory chorus students will be working with Mr. Page prior to the evening event, during the morning of October 1. We will be travelling over to Clow Elementary School where we will combine with the grade 3-5 classes for a clinic. Since Clow is right around the corner from Gregory, no busses will be needed – we will be walking (please be sure to check the weather forecast in advance, and bring jackets, raincoats and umbrellas if needed). Parents – your assistance with this is needed! If you would like to help chaperone our ‘field trip’ by being a walker with us, please email Mr. Pfenninger. We will be leaving Gregory at approximately 9:10am, and returning at approximately 10:30am. 8th grade chorus students will need to bring a sack lunch to school that day, as they will eat lunch after returning to school and will not have an opportunity to purchase a lunch in the cafeteria.

Nick Page is a dynamic and accomplished musician, not to mention fun! This is truly a day that students will be talking about for a long time. If you would like to learn more about Mr. Page, check out:

http://www.mysticchorale.org/about_nickbio.php

http://www.nickmusic.com/

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!

IMEA Practice Tracks

IMEA Students,

Click here to access practice tracks for your IMEA audition materials.

Please practice at home in between our help sessions.  If you can't make a help session, talk to Mr. P. and we will arrange an alternative time to assist you with the material.

Thanks!

Concert Choir and Mixed Vocal Ensemble 2012-13

Thank you to everyone who auditioned...your preparation and talent were fantastic and very much appreciated!

Congratulations to the following members of this year's Gregory Middle School Concert Choir (and Mixed Vocal Ensemble, for students who had expressed interest in being in both groups): 

Concert Choir and Mixed Vocal Ensemble, 2012-13

IMEA Festival Audition Reminder

Attention all 7th and 8th Grade Chorus Parents & Students,

I wanted to further emphasize a great event that is coming up for any interested students. On Saturday, November 3, Neuqua Valley HS will be hosting the IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) District IX Junior Festival. The festival will consist of some of the top band, orchestra, and chorus students from the western suburbs. The students rehearse with a highly qualified guest conductor throughout the day, and then perform in a concert at the end of the day. This year's choral conductor is Emily Ellsworth, the artistic director of Anima (formerly the Glen Ellyn Children's Chorus) and one of the nation's leading choral educators. Students who take part learn a lot from the experience, getting to perform alongside over 250 other singers, making new friends, and experiencing music in a very powerful way.

For students who are interested, there is an audition process in order to be selected for the festival chorus. Auditions will take place on Saturday, September 29 at Yorkville Middle School in Yorkville. Help sessions will take place at Gregory prior to the audition so that students are prepared for the audition material. Students who will be auditioning should plan on attending the help sessions, which will be:

Monday, September 10, 3:10-4:00pm
Monday, September 17, 3:10-4:00pm
Monday, September 24, 3:10-4:00pm
(Thursday, September 27, 3:10-4:00pm, for students who would like additional assistance)

If students successfully pass the audition process, rehearsals to prepare the concert repertoire will take place on:

Monday, October 1, 3:10-4:00pm
Thursday, October 11, 3:10-4:00pm
Monday, October 15, 3:10-4:00pm
Monday, October 22, 3:10-4:00pm
Monday, October 29, 3:10-4:00pm
(Thursday, November 1, 3:10-4:00pm - if needed)

I strongly encourage 7th and 8th graders to consider auditioning for the festival, as it truly is a highlight of the year for those students who are selected. If interested, a signed permission slip is due back to Gregory no later than Monday, September 10. For a permission slip and audition packet of materials, click below:

IMEA Audition Information, Permission Slip and Music

Thanks!!

Reminder - Concert Choir Auditions!

A reminder that Gregory's honors choir, Concert Choir, will be holding auditions on Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6 after school.  Interested students should sign up for an audition time in the Chorus Room ASAP.  A signed participation contract/permission slip is required in order to audition...students cannot audition without a signed slip.  If you need a copy, click here.

The audition will consists of:

1) A verse or two of a song of your choice, to be sung a cappella.
2) "America" (My country 'tis of thee...)
3) Sight-reading
4) Tonal memory/"ear echoes"

Students should plan on arriving at least 10-15 minutes prior to their scheduled audition time to warm up and fill out an audition form.

The Concert Choir final list will be posted on Friday, September 7 at 3:00pm.  The first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 10, from 6:55-7:45am in the Chorus Room.  For students who are selected into Concert Choir and additionally choose to be members of the Mixed Vocal Ensemble, the first rehearsal for that ensemble will be on Wednesday, September 12, from 3:10-4:00pm in the Chorus Room.

To all auditioning...break a leg!!

Important Early Year Announcements and Reminders

Dear Gregory Students and Parents,

Please review the following important chorus announcements and reminders:

· Parents – please take a minute or two to fill out the following online form (you will need to know your child’s chorus period to complete this):

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dHV1cWpIYVhUZzQyZTdfN3NieklHX1E6MA#gid=0

· Please bookmark this website in your browser:

http://www.GregoryChorus.org

It will be the main portal for posting all important information regarding the Gregory Chorus program. Also, since it is in 'blog' format, comments are allowed and encouraged!

· The Chorus Uniform Contract/Polo Order Form is due by Wednesday, September 5. Thank you to everyone who has already turned this in. If you need a copy, click here. Families new to the Gregory music program, or students who are looking to purchase a new shirt, will need to enclose their payment of $12 with this form as well.

· Every chorus student will need to provide the following materials for chorus class:

o Assignment notebook – to be brought daily

o A two-pocket folder (separate from other subject folders); included inside are lined paper and pencil. These materials will reside in a folder cabinet in the chorus room.

o The folder/paper/pencil will be checked in class on Wednesday, September 5.

· Concert Choir, Gregory’s honors-level auditioned treble-voice choir, will be holding auditions on Wednesday, September 5 and Thursday, September 6, after school. Students are encouraged to try out! Sign-ups for a 4-minute audition timeslot are posted in the chorus room, but are filling up quickly, so interested students are encouraged to find a time soon. Students will also need to bring in a signed permission slip/participation contract (located in the chorus room) prior to their audition – students will NOT be allowed to audition without the form signed by a parent/guardian. The first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 10, from 6:55-7:45am. For more information about Concert Choir, see the information posted later in this email.

· The Chorus Calendar Acknowledgment Form is due by Friday, September 7. Thank you to everyone who has already turned this in. If you need a copy, click here. Many thanks for putting our performance dates on your family calendar and for recognizing the importance of our concerts!

· Students interested in auditioning for the IMEA Music Festival should turn in their form for that by Friday, September 7 (extended from the original Aug. 31 deadline). See Click here for an audition packet which includes the parent signature form. For more information about the festival, consult the information posted later in this email.

· Mixed Vocal Ensemble, a new vocal group at Gregory, will begin rehearsals on Wednesday, September 12, from 3:10-4:00pm. For more information about Mixed Vocal Ensemble, see the information posted later in this email.

· Men’s Ensemble, Gregory’s premier all-male vocal group, will begin rehearsals on Thursday, September 13, from 6:55-7:45am. No audition is required, and all boys at Gregory are encouraged to check it out! Interested students should sign up in the Chorus Room and pick up a permission slip/participation contract. For more information about Men’s Ensemble, see the information posted later in this email.

· A great singing event is coming up at Neuqua on the evening of Monday, October 1 – The Southside Singout! All Gregory students are encouraged to attend (in fact, it’s open to all students on the southside of District 204 in grades 3-12!!). More information about this event will be distributed soon.

Extracurricular vocal opportunities at Gregory:

Concert Choir is Gregory’s auditioned honors chorus, and is open to any chorus student at

Gregory with a treble (i.e. girls or unchanged boys) voice. Repertoire consists of advanced middle school and high school level music from a wide variety of genres and cultures. The group rehearses on Mondays and Fridays before the school day, and performs at various additional events throughout the school year.

Men’s Ensemble is a non-auditioned group open to male singers (changed and unchanged
voices) at Gregory. The ensemble’s one weekly rehearsal alternates on a weekly basis between Thursday mornings before school and Wednesdays after school. Rehearsals focus on the special needs of the changing male voice, and students have fun performing a challenging but entertaining repertoire of music from a wide variety of genres.

Mixed Vocal Ensemble is new to the 2012-13 school year. The goal of the group is to provide an outlet to students in Concert Choir or Men’s Ensemble who want an additional, more pop-oriented performance opportunity. Repertoire will consist of contemporary and classic pop tunes, Broadway medleys, show choir selections, jazz standards, and holiday carols, amongst others. The ensemble will rehearse once a week on an alternating schedule with Men’s Ensemble – Wednesdays after school, then Thursdays before school. Interested students need to be members of either Concert Choir or Men’s Ensemble in order to participate.

The IMEA (Illinois Music Educators Association) Music Festival is an additional opportunity for seventh and eighth grade students. The festival is a single daylong activity on November 3 at Neuqua Valley High School where students work with a special guest clinician to reinforce musical and vocal concepts learned in chorus class. At the end of the day, a concert is performed for parents, friends, and teachers. Auditions will be held at Yorkville Middle School in Yorkville on September 29. Rehearsals for IMEA will begin in early October, one day per week after school.

In February, IGSMA (Illinois Grade School Music Association) sponsors a Solo and EnsembleContest. The event is an opportunity for chorus students to perform a solo or small ensemble (duet, trio, etc.) in front of an audience and judge. The judge then works with students on a one-on-one basis, providing feedback about their performance. Students who have participated in the past have enjoyed the experience greatly. Rehearsals will be one day per week after school throughout January and February.

Many students in the Gregory music department use the summer months to attend a performance camp. These summer music camps provide students further enrichment through intensive instruction in music for anywhere from five days to two weeks, depending upon the camp. In addition to our own District 204 Summer Chorus program, others that are highly recommended are ISYM (Illinois Summer Youth Music) at the University of Illinois, and Blue Lake Camp in Michigan. Students who attend a camp are also eligible for a music department scholarship of up to $100 to help defray the costs of camp tuition. More information about scholarship auditions will be conveyed to home as it becomes available.


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Many thanks!

Welcome to Gregory Chorus!

Dear Chorus Students and Parents,

Welcome to the Gregory Middle School Choral Department!  The chorus offerings here are a significant part of our school curriculum and will enhance your middle school experience greatly.  The chorus program is designed to help each singer improve their own vocal skills, expand their musical understanding, and increase their personal growth through working together daily and in performances.

It is the goal for each chorus student to:

1.      Discover, appreciate and value his/her own talents, the talents of

         others and the beauty of all types of music.

2.      Improve skills in using his/her vocal instrument, learning music

         theory and reading skills, and general musical knowledge.

3.      Gain a desire to continually improve upon past performances.

4.      Experience self-fulfillment after having communicated to others

         through music.

5.      Experience music in a way that will bring lasting enjoyment and as

         an activity that can be continued long after leaving GMS.

In addition to all of these goals, we also love to have fun together in chorus!  Of course, it is expected that every student give his or her best effort and cooperation.  With all of us working together, it will be an exciting, inspiring, and rewarding year!  I look forward to meeting and working with each one of you this year.  I can be reached at dave_pfenninger@ipsd.org or 428-6300 x8784 if you have any questions at any time.                 

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Dave Pfenninger

                                                                        Choral Director

Fine Arts Festival Schedule

In case you misplaced the email information sent out several weeks ago:

The annual District 204 Fine Arts Festival takes place Saturday, May 19, at the Neuqua Valley HS main campus. The following is the schedule for choirs that day:

-7th Grade Chorus (w/ NV Varsity Singers) - arrive 7:50am at the Neuqua orchestra room; performance at 9:00am in the Auditorium.

-6th Grade Chorus (w/ NV Treble Singers) - arrive 10:00am at the Neuqua orchestra room; performance at 11:20am in the Auditorium.

-8th Grade Chorus (w/ NV World Voices) - arrive 2:30pm at the Neuqua orchestra room; performance at 3:40pm in the Auditorium.

Attire is 'nice dress clothing'...light-colored, semi-formal attire is appropriate...springy/florals/prints/pastels welcome. NO Gregory music polos.

Each performances is a 20-minute set, and students are free to go at the conclusion of their group's performance.

Wow, what a show!

Many thanks to our terrific chorus, cast and crew for a tremendous job on the Gregory spring musical, "Cinderella!"  You really came together as a team and put on a top notch production.  Kudos to everyone involved!!!

Costume ideas for Cinderella

Need some suggestions for your Cinderella costume?  Look no further than the website link below, which is another production of Cinderella that has some terrific pictures of costume ideas for both boys and girls.  Check it out!!

http://stphilipsdramaclub.blogspot.com/2011_04_01_archive.html

Cinderella Cast & Choreographer List

What an amazing turnout for auditions!!  We are proud of everyone who put forth such amazing effort and talent.  We wish we could take everyone.

Click here for the cast of this year's musical, Cinderella, as well as a list of our choreography team.

Concert Call Times

Our March "Music In Our Schools Month" concerts are just around the corner.  The following is the report time information for each vocal group:

Thursday, March 15

6th Grade Chorus - 5:45pm, West Gym
Concert at 6:30pm in the East Gym

Men's Ensemble and 8th Grade Chorus - 7:30pm, West Gym
Concert at 8:15pm in the East Gym

--------------------

Thursday, March 22

Concert Choir and 7th Grade Chorus - 7:15pm, West Gym
Concert at 8:15pm in the East Gym


Attire for both concert evenings is the gray Gregory Music polo shirt, black pants, black shoes, and black socks.