SCVA Newsletter (on-line version) – December 2003

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A Resounding Honor Choir Success – Randi Carp, Vice President, High School Honor Choir
The weekend of November 21 and 22, 2003 was one that will likely not be forgotten for 240 young singers. The 2003-04 High School Honor Choir weekend was a triumphant event for all of the singers, conductors, choir directors, and families involved.

Dan Jackson, Desiree LaVertu, and Paul Gulsvig, this year's directors, inspired the members of their respective choirs to contribute to the music as well as to receive something from it. The addition of the Men's Honor Choir was particularly gratifying for me and I hope it continues and becomes a long-standing tradition. Based on the number of thank you notes I've received from members of this year's groups, I know that each one of them felt proud of their accomplishments and walked away enriched both personally and musically.

It takes a virtual army of people to make an honor choir event successful. Fortunately, there was one ready and willing to work before, during, and after this year's concert. Thanks to all of the site hosts, adjudicators, choir directors and SCVA Board members, the event proceeded without even a small hitch.

I've really enjoyed my involvement in SCVA Honor Choir this year. There are many, many directors and students I would not have had the privilege of getting to know had I not been a part of this team. Thank you again for all your kind words. Many of you frequently took time out of your day to send a quick note of gratitude and understanding for the time involved. It was my pleasure!

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Junior High School Festivals – Linda Nason, Vice President, Junior High Festivals
It's not too late for you to sign up to host a festival! The host application deadline has been extended through the end of December.

Remember, when you host, you are able to have one of your choirs participate for free. Also, you save the cost of transportation. A few people have emailed me about possible dates. Last year we had festival dates from mid-March through the end of May. Plan what works for you and your school calendar.

Here are a few other points to keep in mind as you plan to attend festivals in the spring:

· This year, only checks (ASB, Booster Club, etc.) or money orders will be accepted. Purchase Orders will NOT be accepted. If you send in a P.O., your application will not be accepted.

· Try not to take more than two choirs to one festival. It is a courtesy to others who may be tied in to one location/date, and are unable to perform at another time.

PLEASE NOTE: My address, phone number, and email have ALL changed. Please send everything to me at my school, Bernardo Yorba Middle School, 5350 Fairmont Blvd., Yorba Linda, 92886. Phone number and email are also at school: 714-970-0650 ext. 7112; lnason@pylusd.k12.ca.us.

Click here for a festival host application. Please respond by the end of this month so that the festival list can be included in the January newsletter.

Junior High festivals scheduled at this time are:

Thursday, April 1 - 1 p.m.
La Cañada High School
open/clinic

Wednesday, April 7 - 9 a.m.
Brea Junior High School
all/open

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High School Festivals – Joe Modica, Vice President, High School Festivals
Thank you to the SCVA members who have volunteered to host a festival site this spring. A festival application follows this article. Please choose a festival from the list and send your application as soon as possible.

You may wish to consult the SCVA Recommended Repertoire list when planning your festival program. This is not a "required" list, but will give you ideas with regard to the type of material that is performed at SCVA festivals. Here are a few other points to keep in mind as you plan to attend festivals in the spring:

· This year, only checks (ASB, Booster Club, etc.) or money orders will be accepted. Purchase Orders will NOT be accepted. If you send in a P.O., your application will not be accepted.

· Try not to take more than two choirs to one festival. It is a courtesy to others who may be tied in to one location/date, and are unable to perform at another time.

Best wishes for a happy ending of 2003!

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Linda Spevacek to Conduct Junior High Honor Choir – Debbie Montpas, Vice President, Jr. High/Middle School Honor Choir
It's time to encourage your best singers/musicians to audition for the Junior High/Middle School Honor Choir! We are delighted and honored to have Linda Spevacek as our guest conductor this year. Linda is a phenomenal composer/arranger who has sold more than 6 million copies of over 500 published works. Linda's rehearsals are full of energy, enthusiasm, and lots of laughter. This is going to be an exceptional experience for our students!

Our goal is to form a balanced SATB choir. Seventh, Eighth, and Ninth grade members of your choral programs are eligible to audition. (Sixth graders who are part of junior high/middle school program may also audition.) Ninth grade Tenors and Baritones are especially encouraged to audition. These singers are often the backbone of the Honor Choir.

AUDITION PROCEDURES

1. Have your students fill out an application and check to make sure all the necessary information is on the form. You must sign the form to let me know that you think the student will be a responsible member of the Honor Choir if selected. I will confirm audition sites directly to you for all of your students. (If selected, participation fee is $35/singer.)

2. Collect ALL your students' applications and fees and mail them to:
Debbie Montpas
Mesa Robles Middle School
16060 Mesa Robles Drive
Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

3. At the audition, students will be asked to sing:
"America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee) a cappella.
Major scale sung a cappella on any syllable
Major and Minor Triads sung a cappella (these may be sung on any syllable/numbers)
Tonal Memory Skills sung a cappella (a 4-5 note passage will be played on the piano and the students sing what they hear.)
Melodic and rhythmic sight singing.

DATES TO REMEMBER

January 10 Applications postmarked

January 24 & 31 Honor Choir Auditions

March 6 First Rehearsal

April 24 Second rehearsal (music memorized)

May 15 Third rehearsal (Linda Spevacek)

May 16 Technical rehearsal & Performance

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Other Important Information
SCVA Membership Application
Festival Host Application Form