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!!