From: Becky Luce
Date: Mon, 9 Dec 2013 13:39:57 -0500
Hi Jody,
I have always had chorus during school. In my school of a little over 400,
I have 3 choruses; 1 each for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. They each meet for
45 minutes a week. They are considered a class and everyone is required to
take it (I LOVE that!). My groups are approximately 87 kids per group.
When I'm absent, my sub covers the class but I never expect anyone to lead
an actual rehearsal. My principal has given me permission to leave a movie
for a sub on those days. Fortunately, the only time that usually happens
is when I'm away at a conference or some other type of professional
development.
I always hold chorus, even when concerts are over. We'll review the
concert, talk about what went well and set goals for the next concert
season. Since I don't ever have soloists in concerts, I also use the
rehearsal after to let anyone who WANTS to try a short solo in front of the
group. We talk about risk-taking, supporting our classmates, etc., etc.
It's almost always a positive time for them and something they look
forward to.
Becky in NH
On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 1:28 PM, Jody Parisi wrote:
> Seasons Greetings!
>
> I have a question for all elementary, in-school chorus teachers.
>
> I have always (for 16 years) taught chorus after school. This year,
> however, my VERY small district has gone to 1 bus run per day for all K-12
> students, thus getting rid of after school events. Long story short: now
> chorus is during the day. This has brought up issues I have not previously
> given thought to!
>
> How do you in-school chorus teachers handle canceling chorus? Is chorus
> ever cancelled? Do your subs teach chorus? And do you still have chorus
> even after your concerts are over?
>
> Many thanks for your input!
>
> Jody
>
> Jody Parisi
> Vocal Music
> Caledonia-Mumford Elementary School
> Caledonia, NY
> jparisi@cal-mum.org
>
>
> "The fact that children make beautiful music is less significant
> than the fact that music makes beautiful children."
> Cheryl
> Lavendar
>