WELCOME TO THE DIAMOND MIDDLE SCHOOL CHORAL PROGRAM!!!
It is an honor and a privilege to work with you this year. Many of you are aware of the fine music tradition that exists here in Lexington. We are very pleased to be a part of this program.
CHORUS COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The Diamond Middle School Choirs meet three times per cycle for the year as graded, elective courses and are open to any 6th, 7th or 8th grader who likes to sing and is willing to commit to a group performance effort. During the rehearsals, students are asked to concentrate on greater refinement of previously acquired choral skills. These skills include diction, articulation, dynamics, octave reading, and producing a clear tone. Emphasis on part-singing and ear training are also part of this class. A variety of literature in multiple languages and styles will be chosen at the conductor’s discretion, commensurate with the group’s ability.
It is better to try and fail than to fail to try... Your PERFORMANCE grade in chorus is an earned one. It will be based upon the contribution you make to the success of choral rehearsals and concerts. It will not be enough merely to say that you are interested in the group’s success; you must demonstrate through your actions that you are dedicated to that goal.
If you have any questions or concerns throughout the year, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Jessica Delgado & Irina Chelnokova
Diamond Middle School
e-mail: jdelgado@lexingtonma.org, ichelnokova@lexingtonma.org
CONCERT SCHEDULE:
Each choral concert is the result of many weeks of hard work and preparation of the whole ensemble. Chorus is a Performing Arts class and concert participation is a requirement (see pages 3 and 4 for more info). Please post your concert dates on your family calendar and plan to attend these concerts to support your child/children. The memories of your supportive presence will stay with your child long after the words and the melodies have been forgotten.
Diamond Middle School 2023-2024 Choral Concert Schedule:
Dec. 4th:Winter Concert: 6th gr. Chorus, 7th gr. Chorus @ 7pm @ Diamond Auditorium
Dec. 5th: Winter Concert: 8th gr. Chorus, Cambiata Choir, Treble Choir, and The D-Minors @ 7pm @ Diamond Auditorium
May 20th: Spring Concert: All Choirs!!! @7pm @ LHS Auditorium !!!!!
NOTE: Students’ Call Time is 5 pm!!!!!
* Additional concerts for the D-Minors (the auditioned select choir) will be added to this schedule
CONCERT DRESS:
All students in 6th, 7th and 8th gr. Chorus: all black, black or dark dress shoes.
All students in Cambiata Choir, Treble Choir and D-Minors: TBD..more information to come.
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES:
Junior District Chorus:
Junior District Chorus is an opportunity to sing with other middle school and high school students in the area. It is open to girls & boys in 7th and 8th grades, and boys only in 6th. Please DO NOT audition unless you know you can make all rehearsals as well as the concert.
Students who intend to audition will be responsible for purchasing their audition materials, as well as learning the audition song on their own. This is not part of our required choral curriculum.
Auditions: Saturday, January 27, 2024 (Methuen, Ma)
Rehearsal Dates: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, 2:30-8:30 pm (Wakefield, Ma)
Friday, March 15, 2024, 2:30-8:30 pm (Wakefield, MA)
Concert Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024, rehearsal and concert (Wakefield, Ma)
(7:30 am- and students will return with parents after the concert)
!!!PLEASE NOTE!!!
1. Homework, sports activities, rehearsals/performances for other shows, and inappropriate last moment obligations are not considered valid reasons for being absent from a concert. The concert is considered a major exam.
2. Students who are in school on the day of the concert and on the day following the concert will NOT be granted an excused absence for illness without a doctor’s note or an email from a parent.
3. Any anticipated concert absence due to travel, etc. must be cleared with Ms. Delgado or Ms. Chelnokova, in writing, two weeks prior to the concert.
(Travel plans must be consistent with school policy.)
4. An unexcused absence from a performance will result in a lowered grade, no higher than a B (Beginning) for that trimester. See the grading rubric on the next page.
5. Parents of students who anticipate transportation issues affecting their child’s participation in an upcoming concert should contact Ms. Delgado or Ms. Chelnokova at least two weeks prior to the concert. The school will make every effort to help facilitate your child’s participation in each scheduled concert event.
