Parents do not need to pay for instrument rental, books, music or any other supplies such as concert props, transportation for rehearsals, performance trips and so on. All this is paid by the district.
This being the case, it is imperative that we have an accurate number of members as we order music and that all students remain in the group for the performance, otherwise great money is wasted when students drop out. For the year 2024-2025 at GVES, music for each chorus student in 4th and 5th grade cost the district an average of $7.00 per concert. That number multiplied by the number of students in each group brings us to an average cost per concert of $930.00. Then multiply by 2 for two concerts a year. Again, the district is very willing to approve this funding provided that your child follow through with his/her commitment in participating in chorus.
Your child will have a two week period in which to withdraw from chorus, after such time, your child is expected to remain in chorus through the performance. **Children can only gain an understanding of singing in an ensemble after attending every rehearsal and experiencing the final performance. Attending one or two rehearsals will not give any child a full understanding of what being part of a performing ensemble truly means.
These performances are only possible when everyone in the group participates 100%.
Q: Will we be singing all of my favorite songs from the Disney channel and the movies?
A: No! The purpose of the choral program at Garnet Valley is to form a solid vocal foundation for all students who participate. Therefore, all music that is programmed is carefully chosen based on the following grade level appropriate criteria:
melodic structure,
rhythmic elements,
harmonic and part singing accessibility
appropriate text
form
Q: Do I need to get dropped off early for chorus rehearsal?
A: No, but it is helpful that your child either takes the bus or is dropped off by 8:45 a.m. to make it in time for the beginning of rehearsal. No matter what time buses arrive at school students should go directly to the rehearsal room.
Q. Will I get to sit next to my best friend all the time?
A: Every attempt will be made to let students sit near their classmates. This will only work if the seating arrangement makes for a productive educational atmosphere.
Q: Will I be able to get breakfast on mornings that we have rehearsal?
A: Yes and no! If you absolutely must eat breakfast here at school you will have until 8:50 to get to rehearsal. If at all possible, please eat breakfast at home before coming to school on chorus rehearsal days.
Q: I have a sore throat, do I need to come to rehearsal?
A: Yes!! It is very important to be in attendance at every rehearsal and students are expected to attend chorus if they are in school regardless of sore throat, etc. As a singer, your director will understand sore throat, sinus issues, etc, as long as we are made aware. Listening is 95% of becoming an outstanding singer.
Q: We have a 2 hour delay, will we have chorus?
A: Yes!! Chorus will be held 2 hours late in the event of a 2 hour delay. Typically, if we have school, we will have chorus rehearsal on your grade level day. We have such little time to sing, we cannot afford to miss a day.
Q: Should I quit if I cannot make the concert?
A: No!! Although performing in the concert is one of the major goals and rewards for all our hard work, the process of learning how to sing in an ensemble takes place in the many months leading up to the performance. We can directly compare this to learning to play an instrument for the entire year but not being able to perform in the spring concert because of an unexpected circumstance. In chorus the instrument that we are learning to use is our voice. In certain cases, ie: family trip to India, major family medical emergency etc., students may need to miss the final performance. Baseball games, practices, etc., are not acceptable excuses to miss a performance in which preparation has taken months.
Q: What do I wear for the concerts?
A: Girls: White blouse or shirt with black skirt or pants. Boys: White shirt and black pants. Dress shoes or the nicest shoes in the closet! Please - no sneakers, 'Ugg' boots or tee- shirts. We do have some extra shirts to borrow on a first come basis should you need them.
Q: Will chorus conflict with early morning language classes?
A. No!! Students will come directly from language class to rehearsal- just across the hall.
Q: Will chorus conflict with orchestra or band lessons and performances?
A. No!! We have a schedule that encourages students to be in both chorus and an instrumental ensemble.