Minstrels Chorus ARCHIVE: previous years

MINSTRELS CHORUS 2019-2020

Royle School Music

Miss Kathleen Theisen, Music Teacher & Chorus (Minstrels) Director

ktheisen@darienps.org (203)655-0044 x4892

BLOG: https://sites.google.com/a/darienps.org/roylemusic/

All 4th and 5th graders from the Royle Family are invited to join the ROYLE MINSTRELS! This chorus rehearses before school every Thursday from 7:30-8:10 AM in the common room. There is no audition. In the chorus, the students will learn musicianship skills, sight-reading, vocal techniques, and much more. It is a great way for students to explore their talents as part of a ‘team’ (ensemble) and have a lot of fun along the way!

SUMMARY:

Minstrels Chorus - Thursday mornings - 7:30 - 8:10 AM (Drop off: 7:20-7:30 at front door)

BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 12 and ends the final week of school.

Rehearsals will automatically be cancelled if there is a delayed opening or school closing.

CONCERTS :

Veterans Day - TBD

December 17 - 9:15 AM - Royle Common Room

January 11 - Sound Tigers Game

May 11 - 7:00 PM - Darien H.S.

EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES:

Darien Elementary Honors Chorus

CMEA All-State Elementary Honors Chorus

Both require an audition. See info above.

CONFLICT?

Do you have a conflict with Thursday mornings? Contact Ms. Theisen

WHAT WILL WE SING?

We will sing a variety of music from many traditions and styles, including a lot of jazz to go with our district-wide theme this year: "Jazz: Uniquely American." We will also be incorporating some drumming, percussion, ukulele and dancing into the chorus pieces this year. It’ll be an exciting program in the upcoming months, and I hope that your child will consider participating.

The first rehearsal will be on Thursday, September 12th from 7:30 a.m. until 8:10 a.m. in the Common Room. Students must be on time to rehearsals. Please drop off at the front entrance of the school between 7:20 and 7:30 PM. We will start singing at 7:35 AM! Parental assistance is greatly appreciated in ensuring that each student arrives at the proper time. Please carpool if possible.

The Minstrels will perform at two concerts during the school year. The Royle Winter Concert will be held on December 17th at 9:15 a.m. in the Common Room. The Spring Concert will be on May 11th at 7:00 p.m. in the Darien High School Auditorium. The CHORUS may also perform at the Veteran’s Day Assembly, on the ice at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Game on January 11th, and at other school events as opportunities arise.

There will also be an opportunity for Minstrels members to audition for the district-wide Darien Elementary Honors Chorus (DEHC), which will perform at an amusement park choral festival on a Saturday in late May/early June. Auditions will take place in January. Royle can send 15-20 students to this group.

Highly-motivated singers are also invited to audition for a state-wide elementary honors chorus, which will be held at the Connecticut Music Educators Association state conference in Hartford on either April 2 or 3. Auditions for this group will take place in November. Royle can only take 2-4 students to this event.It is an amazing day of rehearsals that culminate in a performance featuring over 300 students from around the state!

To join MINSTRELS, please complete this online permission form on or before September 12.

https://forms.gle/pVG5QPXf3aZHtsQS6

NOTE: The boys' running group called "Let Me Run" was originally scheduled for Thursday mornings, but has been changed to Wednesday and Friday mornings, so there shouldn't be a conflict with Minstrels now. Thank you to the Let me Run leaders for letting me know about the change!!!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Royle School: 203-655-0044 ext. 4892 or ktheisen@darienps.org. I look forward to working with our talented young musicians throughout the year!

SUMMARY:

Minstrels Chorus - Thursday mornings - 7:30 - 8:10 AM (Drop off: 7:20-7:30 at front door)

BEGINS ON SEPTEMBER 12 and ends the final week of school.

Rehearsals will automatically be cancelled if there is a delayed opening or school closing.

CONCERTS:

Veterans Day - TBD

December 17 - 9:15 AM - Royle Common Room

January 11 - Sound Tigers Game

May 11 - 7:00 PM - Darien H.S.

EXTRA OPPORTUNITIES:

Darien Elementary Honors Chorus

CMEA All-State Elementary Honors Chorus

Both require an audition. See info above.

CONFLICT?

Do you have a conflict with Thursday mornings? Contact Ms. Theisen

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/pVG5QPXf3aZHtsQS6

Sincerely,

Ms. Kathleen Theisen

All students in Band, Chorus and Orchestra will be going to DHS for an afternoon concert rehearsal on Wednesday, May 18 from 1-3pm. Students will be transported by bus to DHS. Parents, please return the pink permission slip that was sent home with your child(ren). If you need another copy of the permission slip, it can be downloaded by clicking here:

Spring2016ConcertLetter

The concert will be held on May 18 at 7:00 PM at DHS. It is free and open to the public.

Students in BAND, ORCHESTRA and MINSTRELS CHORUS need to arrive at DHS between 6:15 and 6:25pm on Wednesday evening. Please sign-in on the sign-in sheet on the wall near the stage door.

MINSTRELS (CHORUS) 2015-2016!

April 2016

We rang in the month of April with a 70 degree day (no kidding!) and then snow overnight two days later. We also sang at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game on April 3rd! Check out the video of the Royle Minstrels singing with the choirs from Hindley, Holmes, Ox Ridge, and Tokeneke!

We just started the song NOTHING MORE, but the chorus loves it so much that we decided to record it at our rehearsal on March 3rd. Two students used iPads to capture the video from each side of the room at our early morning rehearsal.

Darien Elementary Honors Chorus

Ms Theisen will hold auditions starting on Thursday, March 10 after school for the town-wide honors chorus. This is open to ALL fourth and fifth graders who are in our Royle School Minstrels Chorus, as well as students from the other four elementary schools in Darien. More info about the HONOR CHOIR is in the download. Student may sign up for a time before or after school. Please turn in the form in order to schedule your audition. Forms will be sent home on MONDAY, MARCH 7th (pink paper). They are also available here as a download:

HonorChoirAuditionLetter

HonorChoirAuditionRubric

February 2016 updates:

Minstrels will be singing at the Sound Tigers hockey game on Sunday, April 3rd, since our original date was snowed out. Students need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. This is an optional event, but I hope all of our singers will be there! It's a lot of fun! We will be singing AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL.

Music for the MAY CONCERT:

1. Nothing More

2. Dry Your Tears, Afrika - from the movie Amistad, by John Williams

3. All Night, All Day (A Gospel Setting), Spiritual, arr. Greg Gilpin

4. J'entends le moulin, French-Canadian Folk Song, arr. Emily Crocker

5. Some Glorious Day, gospel song, by Dr James Furman

6. Best Day of My Life

Nothing More (sung by the amazing school chorus from PS22 in NYC):

Lyrics video for NOTHING MORE:

Video of a middle school choir singing J'entends le moulin:

A video of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA (Sound Track from the movie):

Another recording of a live performance of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA:

CHORUS DATES for 2014-15:

Rehearsals - every Thursday morning at 7:30AM in the COMMON ROOM

Tuesday, November 11: 8:45am: VETERAN'S DAY ASSEMBLY on the front steps

November 24-December 5: (Before school, by appointment.) Auditions for the elementary all-state honors chorus. Open to 5th Graders only.

Wednesday, December 10: 9:30am: WINTER CONCERT in the COMMON ROOM (Band, Orchestra, Minstrels)

Thursday, January 8: 7:30am: Rehearsals begin again this week! Yes, we do have rehearsal the first week after break!

Saturday, March 21, 2015: evening: All elementary choirs from Darien will sing at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game. All students MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO THE GAME in order to sing at this event and must be accompanied by a parent. Ticket info was sent home by the PTO. Info is available on their website: http://roylepto.com/uncategorized/sound-tigers-royle-school-family-day-is-march-21st/

Here is a copy of the ticket order form: Soundtigers-Flier

March 30-April 7: Auditions before/after school, by appointment, for the Darien Elementary Honors Chorus. This group performs on May 30. See below for more info! Click here to download the audition permission slip: 2015EHCparentletter. Click here to download the audition scoring rubric so you know what to prepare: 2015EHCauditionrubric.

You will only need 5-7 minutes to sing the audition. It is quick and easy :) The audition itself will include:

-Singing America the Beautiful (in the Key of C) - 1st verse only - If you'd like to practice "America the Beautiful," here is an accompaniment for you to use. You only need to sing the First Verse. 22 America, The Beautiful PAT P225 1

-Singing back some patterns of notes

-Singing a simple tune while I play a different tune on the piano

Students are scored on a rubric and the highest 16 scores and up to 4 alternates will be chosen to represent ROYLE in the Darien Elementary Honors Chorus.

May 1, 2015: CMEA All-State Elementary Honors Chorus rehearses all day and performs at the state music teachers conference. Hartford, CT. Royle will send four students to sing in this chorus.

Click here for more information and a page of rehearsal tracks for the All-State Elementary Honors Chorus: http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/?p=488

Wednesday, May 20: 7:00PM: ROYLE SPRING CONCERT (Band, Orchestra, Minstrels) at Darien H.S. (Rehearsal that afternoon from 1:00-3:00 at DHS)

Saturday, May 30: ALL DAY: Darien Elementary Honors Chorus performs at MUSIC IN THE PARKS program of Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, CT. Rehearsals for this group are on Wednesdays from 3:45-4:30PM at Tokeneke School from April 22-May 27. Royle can send up to SIXTEEN singers and 4 alternates for this honors chorus. All 4th and 5th graders in chorus are encouraged to audition. The chorus is conducted by Mrs. Parnoff and Mrs. Lettera.

Thursday, June 4: 7:30-8:20AM: Final rehearsal of the school year! The third graders who are interested in joining MINSTRELS next year are welcome to join us for this rehearsal. We will be working on THIS FLAG WE FLY, which we will perform at the FLAG DAY CEREMONY on June 12 at 8:20 AM on the playground.

Friday, June 12: 8:20AM: Flag Day Ceremony. The MINSTRELS will be singing THIS FLAG WE FLY. (3rd graders are invited to join us for this performance.) Please go to the MUSIC PORTABLE at 8:05AM for a brief warmup. Here is the practice track:

This Flag We Fly:

WINTER/SPRING 2015:

We are beginning new music at our rehearsal on January 8th!

Here are your practice tracks:

We Are in this World Together

LOL!

Dry Your Tears, Afrika - Part 1

Dry Your Tears, Afrika - Part 2

Here's another track of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA, made by the publisher, so that you can hear the entire song with lyrics: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=3116720

Everything is Awesome - Part 1

Everything is Awesome - Part 2

Here's another track of Everything is Awesome, made by the publisher, so that you can hear the entire song with lyrics: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10461250

The Song that Goes Like This - Part 1 - FOURTH GRADERS

The Song that Goes Like This - Part 2 - FIFTH GRADERS

Theme from Spider Man - coming soon!

One of our 'new' pieces is from the movie AMISTAD. Here are some recordings of other choirs singing this piece:

DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA: http://youtu.be/ajFf7aAollM?list=PL86EB8378E8D10557

Here is another recording: http://youtu.be/LcwUhtb_c74

This is a wonderful video of a professional group: http://youtu.be/lZb8ofIgVy8

Here is a video of a local children's choir: http://youtu.be/wCvZYivUSmU

Here is a wonderful video of a high school choir: http://youtu.be/cJGIEmtITIc

The orchestra is out of tune, but just listen to the singers ;)

Fall 2014: MUSIC OF THE SILVER SCREEN!

We are off to a GREAT START in music classes and students are excited about the MINSTRELS in 2014-15. Rehearsals will begin on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th in the COMMON ROOM at ROYLE. A permission slip was sent home with all 4th and 5th grade students on Thursday, August 28. If you did not receive it, you can download it here: Minstrels2014-15permission:invite

This year's theme is MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN, so the MINSTRELS (chorus) will be singing a lot of music from the movies. Additionally, we will be adding drumming/percussion for a few of our pieces, and may even be dancing a bit in rehearsals! Miss Theisen had an amazing week at WORLD MUSIC DRUMMING workshop in Boston in July, and will be incorporating a lot of those ideas into this year's music program.

MINSTRELS meets on THURSDAY mornings from 7:30-8:20am in the COMMON ROOM at Royle. Please be on time for rehearsal! I am looking forward to an amazing year!

--Miss Theisen

October 2014: We are off to an AMAZING START in the MINSTRELS this year! Our chorus now has 60 students (which is about half of the 4th and 5th graders at Royle!) and they are working hard to earn 'points' for their 'teams.'

New this year:

(1) All students have received a FOLDER with all of their chorus music. Each student is now responsible for his/her own music and can now practice at home!

(2) Ms. Theisen will be uploading all of the 'parts' of the songs to this blog, so that students can log in to my BLOG at any time from home to practice their music.

(3) The chorus has been divided into 2 teams - a 4th Grade Team (name TBA) and a 5th Grade Team (name TBA). Teams will earn points for being on time for rehearsal, bringing music to rehearsal, practicing at home, memorizing their music, teamwork during rehearsal, and much more. The teams are still working on their 'names,' which will have something to do with our movie theme.

(4) We are adding some dancing and drumming into our concerts!

(5) We will be singing with all of the other elementary choirs from Darien at the BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS hockey game on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 PM. That means we will have hundreds of students singing together! It'll be quite the experience. :)

(6) We have amazing NEW choral risers on the stage and we will be using them at nearly every rehearsal.

Some clips from September and October 2014:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe4EH-hKkr0&feature=youtu.be

NOVEMBER 2014:

THE MINSTRELS will perform at the Veteran's Day Assembly on November 11, 2014 at 8:45am on the front steps of the school. We will be singing the National Anthem and another piece called "A Grateful Nation." Here is an audio track so that students may practice at home:

Congratulations to the MINSTRELS members who performed for the Assembly on 11/11. You gave an OUTSTANDING performance!

Our WINTER CONCERT will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10th at 9:30AM in the COMMON ROOM. The concert will feature the Minstrels (Chorus), 5th Grade Band, and the Orchestra. Royle2014WinterConcertLetter

The music for our concert includes:

There'll Be No School Tomorrow (If it Snows)

• mp3 File to practice PART ONE (5th graders):

• mp3 File to practice PART TWO (4th graders):

Do You Want to Build a Snowman, from Frozen

• link to a recording on the JWPEPPER website: http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&type=audio&productID=10447348

Hine Ma Tov

• mp3 file to practice PART ONE:

• mp3 file to practice PART TWO:

Dance of the Nations

• mp3 file to practice this piece:

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All-State Elementary HONORS CHORUS!

This year brings an amazing first-time opportunity for our ROYLE chorus members. Up to four of our chorus members will be chosen (by audition) to sing in the Connecticut Music Educators Association Elementary All-State Honors Chorus on May 1, 2015 at the CMEA State Music Teachers Conference! This honors chorus is open to students in Grade 4-6 from throughout Connecticut. Each school may send only four students. Students will be expected to prepare all of the music in advance. (Miss Theisen will help you :) ) Registration is $30 per student, which includes lunch and a festival t-shirt. Music will be provided in advance, but will be returned to CMEA at the end of the concert. Miss Theisen will be with you all day on May 1. This is the first year that Royle will be sending students and the auditions will be open to FIFTH GRADE chorus members only.

Auditions will be held before school between November 24 - December 5. FOUR students will be chosen to attend the All-State Chorus and alternates will be listed, as well, in case any of the four students cannot attend the event on May 1. All decisions will be made by December 7 and acceptance must be received by December 9.

What will I need to sing for the AUDITION?

1. You will be asked to sing a few musical patterns, such as sol-mi-do or do-mi-sol-mi-do, with and without the piano.

2. You will be asked to sing back a few pitches that are played on the piano. These are just 'random' notes to hear how well you match pitch. For example: F, B or C, E. or A, D.

3. You will be asked to sing "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee) with the piano. Here is a recording:

4. Sing a short section of a song that you think shows your voice at its best. (ONE MINUTE of singing would be perfect!) This could be a piece we've sung in chorus or in music class, or something you've worked on outside of school. It should be a piece that you really love to sing and that shows your very best singing. Please bring the sheet music with you so that Miss Theisen can accompany you.

Who will be chosen for the all-state chorus?

The four students chosen to represent ROYLE at the all-state chorus will be FIFTH GRADE students that show exemplary vocal skill and a great work ethic. They will be students who are on time for rehearsals, who participate actively and cooperatively in rehearsals, and who are leaders within the Royle Chorus. They will be able to easily match pitches that are played on the piano, can sing America and a solo of their choice with confidence plus an excellent sense of pitch and rhythm - all in an appropriate vocal style.

Can students sing in the Darien Elementary Honors Chorus AND the All-State Chorus?

Yes, but there will be a separate audition in the late winter for the Darien honors chorus. Fourth and Fifth Graders may audition for the Darien Honors Chorus, but only Fifth Graders may audition for the All-State Chorus.

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2013-2014

On May 29, we invited 3rd graders to join us for the MINSTRELS rehearsal! This is a short video of this group of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders singing the ROYLE SCHOOL SONG: http://youtu.be/8a7Az47LGYw

Here is a video of our SPRING CONCERT on May 14: http://youtu.be/QOKjvZSCWFA

Our winter concert video from December 11, 2013:

MINSTRELS is open to all 4th and 5th Graders at Royle School. We rehearse on Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:20 AM. The Minstrels performs at school events, such as the Veteran's Day Assembly, and also performs a Winter Concert at Royle and a Spring Concert at the High School.

Performance Dates for 2013-2014:

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11: Veteran's Day Assembly @ 2:15 PM. Outside, on front steps of the school.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11: Winter Concert @ 9:30 AM. Common Room.

FEBRUARY 26: All-Town Choral Festival. Darien High School Auditorium. Rehearsal in the morning from 9-11am at the high school; concert at 6:30PM. (Please arrive at the High School by 6:00 PM!) Scroll up to the top of this page for a copy of the permission slip and festival letter which was sent home during the week of January 13. This festival will feature the choirs from all 5 elementary schools in Darien, as well as the Camerata Singers from MMS and the Tudor Singers from DHS. Each choir will perform and then will combine for several pieces!

MARCH 16: National Anthem at SOUND TIGERS hockey game. 2:20pm-3:05pm, then stay and enjoy the game. See info on this page. Could you please send me an email to let me know if your child will/won’t be singing with us that day, so I have an idea of numbers of singers for the game? See MARCH NEWS (below) for complete info or check your email.

MAY 14: Spring Concert @ 7:00 PM at Darien High School. Please arrive at DHS no later than 6:15 PM. Concert dress: WHITE SHIRT, BLACK PANTS/SKIRT, DARK SHOES. THIS CONCERT IS FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO TICKETS ARE REQUIRED :) (Rehearsal on the same afternoon from 1:00-3:00pm at DHS) Students will be transported by bus to DHS, but will need to be picked up by parents at DHS at 3pm. Carpooling is recommended. For a copy of the permission slip/parent letter about this performance, click HERE: May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle

MAY 31: DARIEN ELEMENTARY HONOR CHORUS performs at Lake Compounce. (only students selected for Honors Chorus will participate)

YEAR-END MINSTRELS TIMELINE:

Thurs May 1 - rehearsal at 7:30 am - portable

Thurs May 8 - rehearsal at 7:30 am – common room

Monday May 12 – rehearsal at 7:30 am – common room (NOTE CHANGE IN DATE!)

Wednesday May 14 – rehearsal at DHS 1-3pm (students transported by bus; parents pick up kids at DHS at 3pm), CONCERT AT 7PM (open to the public, free). Please arrive at DHS by 6:15 PM!

Thurs May 15 - NO REHEARSAL

Thurs May 22 – rehearsal at 7:30am – portable

Thurs May 29 – rehearsal at 7:30 am – portable

Thurs June 5 – FINAL REHEARSAL of the school year – 7:30am - common room

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APRIL NEWS!

We are putting the finishing touches on our concert program for the MAY 14 concert at DHS. See the letter (pink paper) that was sent home on April 24 for more info about this concert. It is also available at this link: May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle

Please arrive at DHS no later than 6:15 and go straight to the CHORUS ROOM behind the auditorium. We will do a short warmup and touch up any spots and solos that need a little extra time. The concert begins at 7PM. Parents & family members are welcome to come to the concert. It is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

Our SPRING CONCERT repertoire includes:

Green Eggs and Ham, from Seussical

Everybody Rejoice, from The Wiz

We Go Together, from Grease

Don't Stop the Music by Jay Althouse

MARCH NEWS!

March really has come in like a lion! I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to SPRING! Our first rehearsal in MARCH will be on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, not on Thursday. Students who are in 4th grade band should go to the band rehearsal instead of chorus this week. Others will gather in the music portable for the Wednesday chorus rehearsal.

We will begin a lot of our BROADWAY tunes this week and next week! These include pieces from Newsies, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Seussical, and more! It should be an exciting concert on May 14th!

SOUND TIGERS!!!!

On Sunday, March 16, the ROYLE MINSTRELS will be singing the National Anthem at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game. Click here for a form to order your tickets for the game: Royle School Sound Tigers. Logistics regarding the hockey game: Please arrive by 2:20 PM at “will call” to pick up your tickets, and then proceed to the security gate closest to “will call.” You will see Mr. Ball (Courtney’s dad) near the gate. He will greet all of the Royle chorus members and then we will all go together to the back of the arena with security to do a warmup before we sing at 3pm. We will be finished singing by 3:05pm and then you can kick back and enjoy the game. I will not be staying for the game, since I have a concert that afternoon in Darien, but I will be there for warmups and the anthem. Could you please send me an email to let me know if your child will/won’t be singing with us that day, so I have an idea of numbers of singers for the game?

NOTE: All students will need a ticket in order to sing. For financial assistance, please see Mr. Margolus. See the PDF form (link just above) for more details! All Questions may be directed to Mr. Ball, chair of the Fathers' Council: gwb1972@gmail.com

What to wear? Please wear a BLUE Royle School T-Shirt or a plain blue shirt, jeans, sneakers. (Please, no black & white)

AUDITIONS FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HONORS CHORUS will take place before school on dates between March 17-31. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the wall in the Music Portable. Students may come out before school to sign up. You will only need 5-7 minutes to sing the audition. Quick and easy :) The audition itself will include:

-Singing America the Beautiful (in the Key of C) - 1st verse only

-Singing back some patterns of notes

-Singing a simple tune while I play a different tune on the piano

Students are scored on a rubric and the highest 10-20 scores will be chosen to represent ROYLE in the Honors Chorus.

For complete info about the time commitment, rehearsals and performance at Lake Compounce, click here for a downloadable letter: 2014 EHC parent letter

If you'd like to practice America the Beautiful, here is an accompaniment for you to use. You only need to sing the First Verse. 22 America, The Beautiful PAT P225 1

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FEBRUARY NEWS!

Tickets for the February 26 concert were sent home with each MINSTRELS member on Monday, February 24. Each family received their allotment of 1 or 2 tickets, up to the maximum of 2. There are 21 extra tickets remaining for Royle families. Those will be distributed via EMAIL and you can pick them up at the door on the night of the event. Please check your email about the availability of those extra tickets. If you didn't get the email, please email Miss Theisen immediately.

What will happen on Wednesday?

1. Students should bring a sack lunch from home, since we may not arrive back at Royle in time to eat in the cafeteria. We will have tables set up in the Common Room. Miss Theisen and 3 parents will assist/supervise.

2. We will take a bus to DHS at approximately 9am and will return to Royle at approx 11:15am. Students will then eat lunch in the Common Room (see above) and then will return to their regular classes.

3. All students should arrive at DHS and go to the NORTH GYM no later than 6:00 PM to warmup and line up for the 6:30PM concert. It is imperative that everyone be ON TIME for this warmup. Please plan for heavy traffic into DHS.

4. Students should wear white shirts and black pants/skirts for the evening concert. Please wear black or dark dress shoes. (No sneakers, no sweatpants, & no other colors please.) There is no need to dress up for the morning rehearsal. Please wear regular school clothes to school.

5. If there is a school delay or cancellation due to snow, the entire festival will be moved to THURSDAY.

ANY QUESTIONS or last-minute problems? Please EMAIL Miss Theisen: ktheisen@darienps.org. I will be checking email 24/7 until the time of the concert.

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JANUARY NEWS!

The ROYLE MINSTRELS will be performing on February 26 in the All-Town Choral Festival. Permission slips are being sent home with all MINSTRELS musicians during the week of January 13 and are also available here as a PDF file: ChorusFestivalLetter2014

Please return the bottom portion of this letter to MISS THEISEN before January 31 in order to give your child permission to ride the bus to the high school for rehearsal and to order TICKETS for your family for the 6:30 PM concert on February 26.

Our repertoire throughout the year varies by season, but will include a lot of BROADWAY music, since that is the theme in the entire district this year!

Winter Concert:

Reach for Your Star by John Riley

Showbiz Snowman by Andy Beck

We Wish You a Merry Christmas, arranged by Roger Emerson

Hanerot Halalu (Light the Candles), arranged by Becki Slagle Mayo

If you would like to listen to the songs, click on their names above to open a link with a sound file.

After the Winter Concert, the MINSTRELS will begin to work on a variety of Broadway tunes to go along with our district-wide Broadway theme! There will be rehearsals on Thursday, December 19 and on Thursday, January 2, as usual.

Winter and Spring Repertoire:

If Wishes Had Wings by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory

Don't Stop the Music by Jay Althouse

Green Eggs and Ham, from Seussical the Musical by Ahrens and Flaherty, arranged by Andy Beck

selections from Grease

selections from Fiddler on the Roof

selections from Guys and Dolls

All students in Band, Chorus and Orchestra will be going to DHS for an afternoon concert rehearsal on Wednesday, May 18 from 1-3pm. Students will be transported by bus to DHS. Parents, please return the pink permission slip that was sent home with your child(ren). If you need another copy of the permission slip, it can be downloaded by clicking here:

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Spring2016ConcertLetter-2c3d143.pdf" rel="">Spring2016ConcertLetter</a></strong></p>

<p style="text-align: center;">The concert will be held on May 18 at 7:00 PM at DHS. It is free and open to the public.</p>

Students in BAND, ORCHESTRA and MINSTRELS CHORUS need to arrive at DHS between 6:15 and 6:25pm on Wednesday evening. Please sign-in on the sign-in sheet on the wall near the stage door.

<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>MINSTRELS (CHORUS) 2015-2016!</strong></p>

April 2016

We rang in the month of April with a 70 degree day (no kidding!) and then snow overnight two days later. We also sang at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game on April 3rd! Check out the video of the Royle Minstrels singing with the choirs from Hindley, Holmes, Ox Ridge, and Tokeneke!

<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/IMG_0504-1dctcnb.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-884"><img class="wp-image-884 aligncenter" src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/IMG_0504-1dctcnb-1024x765.jpg" alt="IMG_0504" width="267" height="200" /></a>

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<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qgzCwbZMxgI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<p style="text-align: left;">We just started the song NOTHING MORE, but the chorus loves it so much that we decided to record it at our rehearsal on March 3rd. Two students used iPads to capture the video from each side of the room at our early morning rehearsal.</p>

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gr7elv5Z5N0" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>

Darien Elementary Honors Chorus

</strong></span><strong>Ms Theisen will hold auditions starting on Thursday, March 10 after school for the town-wide honors chorus. This is open to ALL fourth and fifth graders who are in our Royle School Minstrels Chorus, as well as students from the other four elementary schools in Darien. More info about the HONOR CHOIR is in the download. Student may sign up for a time before or after school. Please turn in the form in order to schedule your audition. Forms will be sent home on MONDAY, MARCH 7th (pink paper). They are also available here as a download: </strong></p>

<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/HonorChoirAuditionLetter-2add6xj.pdf" rel="">HonorChoirAuditionLetter</a>

<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/HonorChoirAuditionRubric-22ai4h0.pdf" rel="">HonorChoirAuditionRubric</a></strong></p>

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February 2016 updates:

<p style="text-align: left;">Minstrels will be singing at the Sound Tigers hockey game on Sunday, April 3rd, since our original date was snowed out. Students need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. This is an optional event, but I hope all of our singers will be there! It's a lot of fun! We will be singing AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL.</p>

Music for the MAY CONCERT:

1. Nothing More

2. Dry Your Tears, Afrika - from the movie Amistad, by John Williams

3. All Night, All Day (A Gospel Setting), Spiritual, arr. Greg Gilpin

4. J'entends le moulin, French-Canadian Folk Song, arr. Emily Crocker

5. Some Glorious Day, gospel song, by Dr James Furman

6. Best Day of My Life

Nothing More (sung by the amazing school chorus from PS22 in NYC):

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wHkOD64sjvU" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Lyrics video for NOTHING MORE:

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qIuy1a9IdHk?list=PL028459533AC7E249" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Video of a middle school choir singing J'entends le moulin: <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VEliHr32nEw?list=PL028459533AC7E249" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

A video of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA (Sound Track from the movie): <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ajFf7aAollM?list=PL028459533AC7E249" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Another recording of a live performance of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA: <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lZb8ofIgVy8?list=PL028459533AC7E249" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

The publisher's recording of ALL NIGHT, ALL DAY (Gospel Setting): <iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3CQ7I3XaS1k" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">January 2016 updates: </span>

<p style="text-align: center;">(1) A quick reminder that MINSTRELS (CHORUS) rehearses EVERY THURSDAY morning in the music portable or the Common Room.</p>

<p style="text-align: center;">(2) Royle Minstrels (Chorus) will be singing at the SOUND TIGERS hockey game on Sat. Jan. 23rd @ 7:30pm. We will be singing with the choirs from the other 4 elementary schools from Darien. Students need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. All students/parents need a ticket to enter the arena. This an optional event, but I hope all of our singers will be there! It's a lot of fun! We will be singing AMERICA, THE BEAUTIFUL.</p>

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<p style="text-align: center;"><strong> </strong></p>

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2015-16 MINSTRELS, who earned a "GOLD STAR" for the ROYLE STAR BOARD on Thursday, October 8! Mr. Grasso visited our rehearsal in the portable and was so impressed with the singing and the decorum that he awarded the star the group! Awesome job, everyone! - Ms. T.

It's time to join the ROYLE MINSTRELS!

We are off to a GREAT START in music classes and students are excited about the MINSTRELS in 2015-16. Rehearsals begin on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10th in the MUSIC PORTABLE at ROYLE. A permission slip was sent home with all 4th and 5th grade students on Tuesday, September 1st. If you did not receive it, you can download it here: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Royle-Minstrels-Welcome-letter-2015-2016-24agrfa.pdf">Royle Minstrels Welcome letter 2015-2016

</a>

This year's theme is <b>VOICES OF FREEDOM: THE AMERICAN SPIRITUAL,</b> so the MINSTRELS will be singing some music from that genre, in addition to a great variety of music from many styles. Additionally, we will be adding drumming/percussion and UKULELE for a few of our pieces, and may even be dancing a bit in rehearsals!

MINSTRELS meets EVERY THURSDAY morning from 7:30-8:20am in the PORTABLE or the COMMON ROOM at Royle. Please be on time for rehearsal! I am looking forward to an amazing year!

<em>--Miss Theisen</em>

<strong>2015-16 Important Dates: </strong>

September 10 - 7:30 AM - Rehearsals begin and continue EVERY THURSDAY at 7:30 AM

November 11 - 8:25 AM - Minstrels Chorus performs for the school Veteran's Day Assembly on the front steps of the school. Warmup at 8 AM in the Common Room.

<span style="line-height: 1.5;">December 8 - 10:00 AM - Winter Concert @ Royle, Common Roomsxx</span>

January 23 - 7:30 PM - Bridgeport Sound Tigers Game (sing on the ice)

April 29 - All Day - All-State Honors Chorus at the CMEA State Conference

May 18 - 7:00 PM - Spring Concert @ DHS Auditorium

Late May/Early June - Date TBA - District-Wide Elementary Honors Chorus performs at Lake Compounce

Here is a short video from our FIRST REHEARSAL on September 10th. This is a clip of our 2015-16 ROYLE SCHOOL MINSTRELS singing the ROYLE SCHOOLh SONG:

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lCgEVVd1M0Y" width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<blockquote><strong>Q. What are we singing this year? </strong>

A. Our repertoire includes:

America the Beautiful

Allunde Alluya - African Prayer Lullabye

Beautiful Christmas - by Mike Wilson

Dry Your Tears, Afrika - from the movie <em>Amistad</em> (with drumming) by John Williams

A Grateful Nation - by Teresa Jennings - for Veteran's Day

Haida - Hebrew Folk Song

Here Comes the Sun - by George Harrison (recorded by <em>THE BEATLES</em>)

Reach for Your Star - by John Riley

Risseldy Rosseldy - arranged by Jay Broeker

Shalom Chaverim - Hebrew Folk Song

Showbiz Snowman - by Andy Beck

The Star-Spangled Banner - USA National Anthem

Velvet Shoes - by Randall Thompson

...and more</blockquote>

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[caption id="attachment_424" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15580528028_c6e195177a_o-1dc6fzt.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-424 " src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15580528028_c6e195177a_o-1dc6fzt-300x200.jpg" alt="Royle Chorus, Veteran's Day Ceremony on 11/11/14" width="300" height="200" /></a> Royle Chorus, Veteran's Day Ceremony on 11/11/14, photo credits Mrs. Gregory[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_422" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15742219766_d1bcdf01d1_o-27lmxzc.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-422 " src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15742219766_d1bcdf01d1_o-27lmxzc-300x200.jpg" alt="Royle Chorus, 11/11/14 Veteran's Day Ceremony" width="300" height="200" /></a> Royle Chorus, 11/11/14 Veteran's Day Ceremo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_427" align="aligncenter" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15742219766_d1bcdf01d1_o-27lmy4i.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-427 " src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15742219766_d1bcdf01d1_o-27lmy4i-300x200.jpg" alt="Royle Chorus on 11/11/14" width="300" height="200" /></a> Royle Chorus on 11/11/14[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_426" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15765940945_33a4087a17_o-ozce2w.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-426 " src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15765940945_33a4087a17_o-ozce2w-300x200.jpg" alt="Royle Chorus, 11/11/14" width="300" height="200" /></a> Royle Chorus, 11/11/14[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_423" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15580815227_7e9d80fef2_o-1tcbo7b.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-423 " src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/15580815227_7e9d80fef2_o-1tcbo7b-300x200.jpg" alt="Royle Chorus singing 'Grateful Nation,' leading the audience in the lines, 'Give it up for the heroes.' " width="300" height="200" /></a> Royle Chorus singing 'Grateful Nation,' leading the audience in the lines, 'Give it up for the heroes.'[/caption]

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>CHORUS DATES for 2014-15:</strong></span>

Rehearsals<strong> - every Thursday morning at 7:30AM in the COMMON ROOM</strong>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, November 11: 8:45am: </strong></span><strong>VETERAN'S DAY ASSEMBLY on the front steps</strong>

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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">November 24-December 5:</span> </strong>(Before school, by appointment.) Auditions for the elementary all-state honors chorus. Open to 5th Graders only.

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, December 10: 9:30am:</strong></span> <strong>WINTER CONCERT in the COMMON ROOM (Band, Orchestra, Minstrels)</strong>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, January 8: 7:30am:</strong> </span> Rehearsals begin again this week! Yes, we do have rehearsal the first week after break!

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, March 21, 2015: evening: </strong></span><strong>All elementary choirs from Darien will sing at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game. All students MUST PURCHASE A TICKET TO THE GAME in order to sing at this event and must be accompanied by a parent. Ticket info was sent home by the PTO. Info is available on their website: <a href="http://roylepto.com/uncategorized/sound-tigers-royle-school-family-day-is-march-21st/">http://roylepto.com/uncategorized/sound-tigers-royle-school-family-day-is-march-21st/</a>

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<strong>Here is a copy of the ticket order form:</strong> <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Soundtigers-Flier-2dwkc5s.pdf">Soundtigers-Flier</a>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>March 30-April 7:</strong> </span>Auditions before/after school, by appointment, for the <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Darien Elementary Honors Chorus</strong></span>. This group performs on May 30. See below for more info! Click here to download the audition permission slip: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/2015EHCparentletter-2832jvi.pdf">2015EHCparentletter</a>. Click here to download the audition scoring rubric so you know what to prepare: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/2015EHCauditionrubric-1e2z5s8.pdf">2015EHCauditionrubric. </a>

You will only need 5-7 minutes to sing the audition. It is quick and easy :) The audition itself will include:

-Singing America the Beautiful (in the Key of C) - 1st verse only - If you'd like to practice "America the Beautiful," here is an accompaniment for you to use. You only need to sing the First Verse. <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/22-America-The-Beautiful-PAT-P225-1-2aepmgg.m4a">22 America, The Beautiful PAT P225 1</a>

-Singing back some patterns of notes

-Singing a simple tune while I play a different tune on the piano

Students are scored on a rubric and the highest 16 scores and up to 4 alternates will be chosen to represent ROYLE in the Darien Elementary Honors Chorus.

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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">May 1, 2015:</span> CMEA All-State Elementary Honors Chorus rehearses all day and performs at the state music teachers conference. Hartford, CT. Royle will send four students to sing in this chorus. </strong>

Click here for more information and a page of rehearsal tracks for the All-State Elementary Honors Chorus: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/?p=488">http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/?p=488</a>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, May 20: 7:00PM:</strong></span><strong> ROYLE SPRING CONCERT (Band, Orchestra, Minstrels) at Darien H.S. (Rehearsal that afternoon from 1:00-3:00 at DHS)</strong>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, May 30: ALL DAY: Darien Elementary Honors Chorus performs at MUSIC IN THE PARKS program of Lake Compounce Amusement Park in Bristol, CT. </strong></span> Rehearsals for this group are on Wednesdays from 3:45-4:30PM at Tokeneke School from April 22-May 27. Royle can send up to SIXTEEN singers and 4 alternates for this honors chorus. All 4th and 5th graders in chorus are encouraged to audition. The chorus is conducted by Mrs. Parnoff and Mrs. Lettera.

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, June 4: 7:30-8:20AM:</strong></span> Final rehearsal of the school year! The third graders who are interested in joining MINSTRELS next year are welcome to join us for this rehearsal. We will be working on THIS FLAG WE FLY, which we will perform at the FLAG DAY CEREMONY on June 12 at 8:20 AM on the playground.

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, June 12: 8:20AM: </strong></span> Flag Day Ceremony. The MINSTRELS will be singing THIS FLAG WE FLY. (3rd graders are invited to join us for this performance.) Please go to the MUSIC PORTABLE at 8:05AM for a brief warmup. Here is the practice track:

<strong>This Flag We Fly:</strong>

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/04-This-Flag-We-Fly-1o2maih.m4a"][/audio]

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>WINTER/SPRING 2015:</strong> </span>

We are beginning new music at our rehearsal on January 8th!

Here are your practice tracks:

We Are in this World Together

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/02-In-This-World-Together-26yqrpu.m4a"][/audio]

LOL!

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/05-LOL-1p1qva2.m4a"][/audio]

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Dry Your Tears, Afrika - Part 1

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Dry-your-tears-part-1-wxkb97.m4a"][/audio]

Dry Your Tears, Afrika - Part 2

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Dry-your-tears-part-2-1opcwni.m4a"][/audio]

<p style="text-align: center;">Here's another track of DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA, made by the publisher, so that you can hear the entire song with lyrics: <a href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=3116720">http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=3116720</a></p>

Everything is Awesome - Part 1

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Everything-is-awesome-accompaniment-pyfgzc.m4a"][/audio]

Everything is Awesome - Part 2

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Everything-is-awesome-accompaniment-2-1b9o5hd.m4a"][/audio]

<p style="text-align: center;">Here's another track of Everything is Awesome, made by the publisher, so that you can hear the entire song with lyrics: <a href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10461250">http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10461250</a></p>

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The Song that Goes Like This - Part 1 - FOURTH GRADERS

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Song-that-goes-like-this-part-2-1bynfw2.m4a"][/audio]

The Song that Goes Like This - Part 2 - FIFTH GRADERS

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Song-that-goes-like-this-part-2-2-2gphtk4.m4a"][/audio]

<p style="text-align: center;">Theme from Spider Man -<em> coming soon! </em></p>

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One of our 'new' pieces is from the movie AMISTAD. Here are some recordings of other choirs singing this piece:

<em>DRY YOUR TEARS, AFRIKA</em>: <a href="http://youtu.be/ajFf7aAollM?list=PL86EB8378E8D10557">http://youtu.be/ajFf7aAollM?list=PL86EB8378E8D10557</a>

Here is another recording: <a href="http://youtu.be/LcwUhtb_c74">http://youtu.be/LcwUhtb_c74</a>

This is a wonderful video of a professional group: <a href="http://youtu.be/lZb8ofIgVy8">http://youtu.be/lZb8ofIgVy8</a>

Here is a video of a local children's choir: <a href="http://youtu.be/wCvZYivUSmU">http://youtu.be/wCvZYivUSmU</a>

Here is a wonderful video of a high school choir: <a href="http://youtu.be/cJGIEmtITIc">http://youtu.be/cJGIEmtITIc

</a>The orchestra is out of tune, but just listen to the singers ;)

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<strong>Fall 2014: MUSIC OF THE SILVER SCREEN!</strong>

We are off to a GREAT START in music classes and students are excited about the MINSTRELS in 2014-15. Rehearsals will begin on THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th in the COMMON ROOM at ROYLE. A permission slip was sent home with all 4th and 5th grade students on Thursday, August 28. If you did not receive it, you can download it here: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Minstrels2014-15permissioninvite-1hh0dpg.pdf">Minstrels2014-15permission:invite</a>

This year's theme is <strong>MUSIC FROM THE SILVER SCREEN</strong>, so the MINSTRELS (chorus) will be singing a lot of music from the movies. Additionally, we will be adding drumming/percussion for a few of our pieces, and may even be dancing a bit in rehearsals! Miss Theisen had an amazing week at WORLD MUSIC DRUMMING workshop in Boston in July, and will be incorporating a lot of those ideas into this year's music program.

MINSTRELS meets on THURSDAY mornings from 7:30-8:20am in the COMMON ROOM at Royle. Please be on time for rehearsal! I am looking forward to an amazing year!

<em>--Miss Theisen</em>

<strong>October 2014: </strong> We are off to an AMAZING START in the MINSTRELS this year! Our chorus now has 60 students (which is about half of the 4th and 5th graders at Royle!) and they are working hard to earn 'points' for their 'teams.'

<strong>New this year: </strong>

(1) All students have received a FOLDER with all of their chorus music. Each student is now responsible for his/her own music and can now practice at home!

(2) Ms. Theisen will be uploading all of the 'parts' of the songs to this blog, so that students can log in to my BLOG at any time from home to practice their music.

(3) The chorus has been divided into 2 teams - a 4th Grade Team (name TBA) and a 5th Grade Team (name TBA). Teams will earn points for being on time for rehearsal, bringing music to rehearsal, practicing at home, memorizing their music, teamwork during rehearsal, and much more. The teams are still working on their 'names,' which will have something to do with our movie theme.

(4) We are adding some dancing and drumming into our concerts!

(5) We will be singing with all of the other elementary choirs from Darien at the BRIDGEPORT SOUND TIGERS hockey game on Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 PM. That means we will have <em>hundreds</em> of students singing together! It'll be quite the experience. :)

(6) We have amazing NEW choral risers on the stage and we will be using them at nearly every rehearsal.

Some clips from September and October 2014:

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe4EH-hKkr0&amp;feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe4EH-hKkr0&amp;feature=youtu.be</a>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>NOVEMBER 2014: </strong></span>

<strong>THE MINSTRELS</strong> will perform at the <strong>Veteran's Day Assembly</strong> on November 11, 2014 at 8:45am on the front steps of the school. We will be singing the National Anthem and another piece called "A Grateful Nation." Here is an audio track so that students may practice at home:

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/02-Grateful-Nation-A-1ejtkdg.m4a"][/audio]

Congratulations to the MINSTRELS members who performed for the Assembly on 11/11. You gave an OUTSTANDING performance!

<strong>Our WINTER CONCERT will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10th at 9:30AM in the COMMON ROOM. The concert will feature the Minstrels (Chorus), 5th Grade Band, and the Orchestra. <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Royle2014WinterConcertLetter-1x22lrs.pdf">Royle2014WinterConcertLetter</a></strong>

<span style="text-decoration: underline;">The music for our concert includes: </span>

There'll Be No School Tomorrow (If it Snows)

<ul>

<li>mp3 File to practice PART ONE (5th graders):[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/No-school-tomorrow-part-one-1s1wbx2.m4a"][/audio]</li>

<li>mp3 File to practice PART TWO (4th graders):[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/No-school-tomorrow-if-it-snows-part-two-zyy6md.m4a"][/audio]</li>

</ul>

Do You Want to Build a Snowman, from Frozen

<ul>

<li>link to a recording on the JWPEPPER website: <a title="DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOWMAN" href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10447348">http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10447348</a></li>

</ul>

Hine Ma Tov

<ul>

<li>mp3 file to practice PART ONE:[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Hine-Ma-Tov-part-one-1ur69ll.m4a"][/audio]</li>

<li>mp3 file to practice PART TWO:[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Hine-Ma-Tov-part-2-wfemer.m4a"][/audio]</li>

</ul>

Dance of the Nations

<ul>

<li>mp3 file to practice this piece:[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Dance-of-the-nations-pijcfy.m4a"][/audio]</li>

</ul>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>All-State Elementary HONORS CHORUS! </strong></em></span>

This year brings an amazing first-time opportunity for our ROYLE chorus members. Up to four of our chorus members will be chosen (by audition) to sing in the Connecticut Music Educators Association Elementary All-State Honors Chorus on May 1, 2015 at the CMEA State Music Teachers Conference! This honors chorus is open to students in Grade 4-6 from throughout Connecticut. Each school may send only four students. Students will be expected to prepare all of the music in advance. (Miss Theisen will help you :) ) Registration is $30 per student, which includes lunch and a festival t-shirt. Music will be provided in advance, but will be returned to CMEA at the end of the concert. Miss Theisen will be with you all day on May 1. This is the first year that Royle will be sending students and the auditions will be open to FIFTH GRADE chorus members only.

Auditions will be held before school between November 24 - December 5. FOUR students will be chosen to attend the All-State Chorus and alternates will be listed, as well, in case any of the four students cannot attend the event on May 1. <strong>All decisions will be made by December 7 and acceptance must be received by December 9.</strong>

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>What will I need to sing for the AUDITION? </strong></span>

1. You will be asked to sing a few musical patterns, such as sol-mi-do or do-mi-sol-mi-do, with and without the piano.

2. You will be asked to sing back a few pitches that are played on the piano. These are just 'random' notes to hear how well you match pitch. For example: F, B or C, E. or A, D.

3. You will be asked to sing "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee) with the piano. Here is a recording:

[audio m4a="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/My-country-Tis-of-the-275yabx.m4a"][/audio]

<p style="text-align: center;">4. Sing a short section of a song that you think shows your voice at its best. (ONE MINUTE of singing would be perfect!) This could be a piece we've sung in chorus or in music class, or something you've worked on outside of school. It should be a piece that you really love to sing and that shows your very best singing. Please bring the sheet music with you so that Miss Theisen can accompany you.</p>

<em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Who will be chosen for the all-state chorus? </strong></span></em>

The four students chosen to represent ROYLE at the all-state chorus will be FIFTH GRADE students that show exemplary vocal skill and a great work ethic. They will be students who are on time for rehearsals, who participate actively and cooperatively in rehearsals, and who are leaders within the Royle Chorus. They will be able to easily match pitches that are played on the piano, can sing America and a solo of their choice with confidence plus an excellent sense of pitch and rhythm - all in an appropriate vocal style.

<em><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Can students sing in the Darien Elementary Honors Chorus AND the All-State Chorus? </strong></span></em>

Yes, but there will be a separate audition in the late winter for the Darien honors chorus. Fourth and Fifth Graders may audition for the Darien Honors Chorus, but only Fifth Graders may audition for the All-State Chorus.

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[caption id="attachment_131" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2014/01/cropped-Screen-Shot-2014-01-08-at-12.19.59-AM-p86g4j.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-131" src="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2014/01/cropped-Screen-Shot-2014-01-08-at-12.19.59-AM-p86g4j-300x96.png" alt="ROYLE MINSTRELS, Winter Concert, Dec 2013. Photo copyright 2013, Kathleen Theisen. All rights reserved. " width="300" height="96" /></a> ROYLE MINSTRELS, 2013 Winter Concert[/caption]

<strong>2013-2014</strong>

<strong>On May 29, we invited 3rd graders to join us for the MINSTRELS rehearsal! </strong> This is a short video of this group of 3rd, 4th and 5th graders singing the ROYLE SCHOOL SONG: <a href="Our winter concert video from December 11, 2013: http://youtu.be/JuZk2Ppvyro " target="_blank">http://youtu.be/8a7Az47LGYw</a>

<strong>Here is a video of our SPRING CONCERT on May 14</strong>: <a href="http://youtu.be/QOKjvZSCWFA" target="_blank">http://youtu.be/QOKjvZSCWFA</a>

<strong>Our winter concert video from December 11, 2013:</strong>

http://youtu.be/JuZk2Ppvyro

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<strong>MINSTRELS</strong> is open to all 4th and 5th Graders at Royle School. We rehearse on Thursday mornings from 7:30-8:20 AM. The Minstrels performs at school events, such as the Veteran's Day Assembly, and also performs a Winter Concert at Royle and a Spring Concert at the High School.

<strong>Performance Dates for 2013-2014: </strong>

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11: Veteran's Day Assembly @ 2:15 PM. Outside, on front steps of the school.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11: Winter Concert @ 9:30 AM. Common Room.

FEBRUARY 26: All-Town Choral Festival. Darien High School Auditorium. Rehearsal in the morning from 9-11am at the high school; concert at 6:30PM. (Please arrive at the High School by 6:00 PM!) Scroll up to the top of this page for a copy of the permission slip and festival letter which was sent home during the week of January 13. <em>This festival will feature the choirs from all 5 elementary schools in Darien, as well as the Camerata Singers from MMS and the Tudor Singers from DHS. Each choir will perform and then will combine for several pieces!

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MARCH 16: National Anthem at SOUND TIGERS hockey game. 2:20pm-3:05pm, then stay and enjoy the game. See info on this page. Could you please send me an email to let me know if your child will/won’t be singing with us that day, so I have an idea of numbers of singers for the game? See MARCH NEWS (below) for complete info or check your email.

MAY 14: Spring Concert @ 7:00 PM at Darien High School. Please arrive at DHS no later than 6:15 PM. Concert dress: WHITE SHIRT, BLACK PANTS/SKIRT, DARK SHOES. THIS CONCERT IS FREE &amp; OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO TICKETS ARE REQUIRED :) (Rehearsal on the same afternoon from 1:00-3:00pm at DHS) Students will be transported by bus to DHS, but will need to be picked up by parents at DHS at 3pm. Carpooling is recommended. For a copy of the permission slip/parent letter about this performance, click HERE: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle-177re2x.pdf">May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle</a>

MAY 31: DARIEN ELEMENTARY HONOR CHORUS performs at Lake Compounce. (only students selected for Honors Chorus will participate)

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>YEAR-END MINSTRELS TIMELINE:</strong> </span>

Thurs May 1 - rehearsal at 7:30 am - portable

Thurs May 8 - rehearsal at 7:30 am – common room

Monday May 12 – rehearsal at 7:30 am – common room (NOTE CHANGE IN DATE!)

Wednesday May 14 – rehearsal at DHS 1-3pm (students transported by bus; parents pick up kids at DHS at 3pm), CONCERT AT 7PM (open to the public, free). Please arrive at DHS by 6:15 PM!

Thurs May 15 - NO REHEARSAL

Thurs May 22 – rehearsal at 7:30am – portable

Thurs May 29 – rehearsal at 7:30 am – portable

Thurs June 5 – FINAL REHEARSAL of the school year – 7:30am - common room

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<strong>APRIL NEWS!</strong>

We are putting the finishing touches on our concert program for the MAY 14 concert at DHS. See the letter (pink paper) that was sent home on April 24 for more info about this concert. It is also available at this link: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle-177re2x.pdf">May2014CONCERTLETTERroyle</a>

Please arrive at DHS no later than 6:15 and go straight to the CHORUS ROOM behind the auditorium. We will do a short warmup and touch up any spots and solos that need a little extra time. The concert begins at 7PM. Parents &amp; family members are welcome to come to the concert. It is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

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Our SPRING CONCERT repertoire includes:

Green Eggs and Ham, from <em>Seussical</em>

Everybody Rejoice, from <em>The Wiz</em>

We Go Together, from <em>Grease</em>

Don't Stop the Music by Jay Althouse

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<strong>MARCH NEWS! </strong>

March really has come in like a lion! I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to SPRING! <strong>Our first rehearsal in MARCH will be on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, not on Thursday.</strong> Students who are in 4th grade band should go to the band rehearsal instead of chorus this week. Others will gather in the music portable for the Wednesday chorus rehearsal.

We will begin a lot of our BROADWAY tunes this week and next week! These include pieces from Newsies, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, Seussical, and more! It should be an exciting concert on May 14th!

<strong>SOUND TIGERS!!!!</strong>

On Sunday, March 16, the ROYLE MINSTRELS will be singing the National Anthem at the Bridgeport Sound Tigers hockey game. <strong> Click here for a form to order your tickets for the game: </strong> <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/Royle-School-1-qhvrcz.pdf">Royle School Sound Tigers. </a>Logistics regarding the hockey game: Please arrive <strong>by 2:20 PM</strong> at “will call” to pick up your tickets, and then proceed to the security gate closest to “will call.” You will see Mr. Ball (Courtney’s dad) near the gate. He will greet all of the Royle chorus members and then we will all go together to the back of the arena with security to do a warmup before we sing at 3pm. We will be finished singing by 3:05pm and then you can kick back and enjoy the game. I will not be staying for the game, since I have a concert that afternoon in Darien, but I will be there for warmups and the anthem. <strong>Could you please send me an email to let me know if your child will/won’t be singing with us that day, so I have an idea of numbers of singers for the game?</strong>

<strong>NOTE: All students will need a ticket in order to sing. </strong> For financial assistance, please see Mr. Margolus. See the PDF form (link just above) for more details! All Questions may be directed to Mr. Ball, chair of the Fathers' Council: gwb1972@gmail.com

<strong>What to wear? </strong> Please wear a BLUE Royle School T-Shirt or a plain blue shirt, jeans, sneakers. (Please, no black &amp; white)

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<strong>AUDITIONS FOR THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HONORS CHORUS</strong> will take place before school on dates between March 17-31. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the wall in the Music Portable. Students may come out before school to sign up. You will only need 5-7 minutes to sing the audition. Quick and easy :) The audition itself will include:

-Singing America the Beautiful (in the Key of C) - 1st verse only

-Singing back some patterns of notes

-Singing a simple tune while I play a different tune on the piano

Students are scored on a rubric and the highest 10-20 scores will be chosen to represent ROYLE in the Honors Chorus.

For complete info about the time commitment, rehearsals and performance at Lake Compounce, click here for a downloadable letter: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/2014-EHC-parent-letter-u770fn.pdf">2014 EHC parent letter</a>

If you'd like to practice America the Beautiful, here is an accompaniment for you to use. You only need to sing the First Verse. <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/22-America-The-Beautiful-PAT-P225-1-2aepmgg.m4a">22 America, The Beautiful PAT P225 1</a>

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<strong>FEBRUARY NEWS! </strong>

Tickets for the February 26 concert were sent home with each MINSTRELS member on Monday, February 24. Each family received their allotment of 1 or 2 tickets, up to the maximum of 2. There are 21 extra tickets remaining for Royle families. Those will be distributed via EMAIL and you can pick them up at the door on the night of the event. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Please check your email about the availability of those extra tickets. If you didn't get the email, please email Miss Theisen immediately. </strong></span>

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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>What will happen on Wednesday? </strong></span>

1. Students should bring a sack lunch from home, since we may not arrive back at Royle in time to eat in the cafeteria. We will have tables set up in the Common Room. Miss Theisen and 3 parents will assist/supervise.

2. We will take a bus to DHS at approximately 9am and will return to Royle at approx 11:15am. Students will then eat lunch in the Common Room (see above) and then will return to their regular classes.

3. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>All students should arrive at DHS and go to the NORTH GYM no later than 6:00 PM</strong></span> to warmup and line up for the 6:30PM concert. It is imperative that everyone be ON TIME for this warmup. Please plan for<em><strong> heavy traffic</strong></em> into DHS.

4. Students should wear white shirts and black pants/skirts for the evening concert. Please wear black or dark dress shoes. (No sneakers, no sweatpants, &amp; no other colors please.) There is no need to dress up for the morning rehearsal. Please wear regular school clothes to school.

5. If there is a school delay or cancellation due to snow, the entire festival will be moved to THURSDAY.

<strong>ANY QUESTIONS or last-minute problems? </strong>Please EMAIL Miss Theisen: ktheisen@darienps.org. I will be checking email 24/7 until the time of the concert.

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<strong>JANUARY NEWS! </strong>

<strong>The ROYLE MINSTRELS will be performing on February 26 in the All-Town Choral Festival. </strong> Permission slips are being sent home with all MINSTRELS musicians during the week of January 13 and are also available here as a PDF file: <a href="http://blogs.darienps.org/ktheisen/files/2013/10/ChorusFestivalLetter2014-1df76ga.pdf">ChorusFestivalLetter2014</a>

Please return the bottom portion of this letter to MISS THEISEN before January 31 in order to give your child permission to ride the bus to the high school for rehearsal and to order TICKETS for your family for the 6:30 PM concert on February 26.

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Our <strong>repertoire</strong> throughout the year varies by season, but will include a lot of BROADWAY music, since that is the theme in the entire district this year!

<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Winter Concert:</strong></span>

Reach for Your Star by John Riley

<a title="Showbiz Snowman audio" href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10275176" target="_blank">Showbiz Snowman</a> by Andy Beck

<a title="We Wish You a Merry Christmas mp3" href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10364726" target="_blank">We Wish You a Merry Christmas</a>, arranged by Roger Emerson

<a title="Hanerot audio file" href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10089788" target="_blank">Hanerot Halalu (Light the Candles</a>), arranged by Becki Slagle Mayo

If you would like to listen to the songs, click on their names above to open a link with a sound file.

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After the Winter Concert, the MINSTRELS will begin to work on a variety of Broadway tunes to go along with our district-wide Broadway theme! There <strong>will</strong> be rehearsals on Thursday, December 19 and on Thursday, January 2, as usual.

<strong>Winter and Spring Repertoire:</strong>

<a href="http://youtu.be/MAFHneJO4HI">If Wishes Had Wings </a> by Paul Caldwell and Sean Ivory

<a href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10087846">Don't Stop the Music</a> by Jay Althouse

<a href="http://www.jwpepper.com/sheet-music/media-player.jsp?&amp;type=audio&amp;productID=10306947">Green Eggs and Ham</a>, from Seussical the Musical by Ahrens and Flaherty, arranged by Andy Beck

selections from Grease

selections from Fiddler on the Roof

selections from Guys and Dolls

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