Community Resource for Music: Schola Choir
Posted in Resources on August 18th, 2009 by Elaine | Permalink |
Members of the Schola Choir on Tour
Looking for an affordable way to incorporate music into your family’s life? Not everyone wants to play an instrument. Schola Choir is a high quality, affordable choir that’s also a music program.
The program administrator tells it better than I do, she writes:
The choir is a wonderful community, and the children make music with a lot of joy, while also receiving significant musical education. Rehearsals are lively and challenging — substantive but never staid. The choir sings in a variety of venues for community events and church services. In the spring, the more experienced choristers go on a 3-day tour, which is always tons of fun. The repertoire includes mostly sacred classical music, but also some music from a variety of world traditions. The children sing in many languages, and they learn theory and sight-singing. Church membership is not required and not pushed.
I am the administrator, and the conductor is Dr. Dennis Northway. Dennis (or Den-Den, as the kids call him) has an extensive background in conducting choirs for all ages, in addition to being a noted organist, composer, singer, and teacher. He loves the kids, and they love him. No audition is required, just a love of singing. The atmosphere is warm and accepting of all children.
We are committed to keeping the choir affordable for all families. If your child wants to sing, we will find a way! We depend on the church’s sponsorship, donations from Schola families who are able, and volunteer work by choir parents. We do charge a moderate administrative fee, and tour expenses are additional, but tuition is free, and scholarships are always available.
The choir rehearses on Wednesday afternoons during the school year at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake Street, Oak Park. Younger and less experienced choristers rehearse from 3:30 to 5:00, and older or more experienced choristers rehearse from 4:00 to 5:30. (For the hour of overlap, they are all rehearsing together.)
I hope very much that you and your children will consider giving it a try. We would love to have you join us!
Questions? Contact the administrator, Randi: randi (symbol) woodworths.net