Preparatory Choir (Level 1) 2012
Non-auditioned (age 5-8) commences 23rd February, 2012.

Initially 3.45pm - 4.30pm Thursday afternoon at Gosford Uniting Church, Donnison St, Gosford. (opposite Gosford Library)

This is the first step of the music program and is aimed at children in the early years of school. They will participate in a fun-filled class which focuses on the singing voice. The children will participate in a developmentally sequenced program that introduces them to the basic concepts of music. This includes reading notation and singing using solfa. These beginning skills are vital to acquire before considering starting an instrument.

Fees: $100 per term

Intermediate Choir (Level 2)/ Training Choir (Level 3)
Non-auditioned (age 5-8)

4.15pm-5.00pm Thursday afternoon at Gosford Uniting Church, Donnison St, Gosford

Once children have completed Level 1 of the program they will progress to the Intermediate Choir. This class continues the program started the previous year and musical skills are developed further. During this year an instrumental component is included. The children are introduced to such instruments as the ukelele, recorder, keyboard, percussion, violin. These instruments are used as a tool for music reading but of course they also have the opportunity to see which they prefer and enjoy!

Fees: $100 per term

All students should bring a pop-top bottle of water with them each week to class.

Main Choir
Auditioned choir (age 8-12 yrs)

5pm – 6.15pm Thursday afternoons at Gosford Uniting Church, Donnison St, Gosford

This is an auditioned choir that aims to give its members an excellent music education by performing a variety of choral music at a very high standard. Much emphasis is placed on the development of personal skills in vocal technique and the reading of notation.

Fees: $380 per year plus (once only) uniform hire and deposit.

The Main Choir rehearses from 5pm-6.15pm on Thursdays.

First up:  On arrival at choir, students should mark off their name on the roll and complete the form in the green folder that indicates what equipment they have brought with them. They should get their folder from the box, find their seat and mentally prepare themselves. The Manager is available to assist new students find their way. Equipment needed is: a pop-top water bottle, rehearsal shirt, black shorts/pants/skirt.

Parents: Parents do not stay for rehearsal but on occasions may be asked to assist on a specific task. There is an opportunity during the year when we invite parents into choir to see what occurs. We hope parents will come to our concerts!

Keeping informed: Most communication is via this website and email. Please ensure we have your email address and always check your email before coming to choir. Regular nesletters will keep parents informed. Always ask if you are not sure of an event or proceduure. Correct phone numbers are essential for us to have, especially in an emergency. Please return any responses/medical forms etc promptly when asked.

Leadership: Each semester we appoint a Head and Deputy Head Chorister who are the choir’s representatives and assist when necessary. Voting occurs early in the semester.

Incentives: We try to have many fun activities. The final week of term is ‘party day’. We play some bonding games and share in some party food. ‘Pizza’ is earned when the choir have accumulated $1000 of play money. Play money is given out for many reasons from good posture to being attentive to first to respond etc.

Sight-reading: Each week, (dependent on staffing and parental help) the choir participates in a sequenced sight-reading programme. We will train musical parents to assist us, as the more help we have the smaller the group size.

Fees: We do not issue invoices to parents. This is a community not-for-profit choir and you are asked to either come into choir and pay the manager or to use EFT.

Concerts: Please  check the online calendar at the commencement of the year. To avoid clashes of events you are asked to write into your diary the concert dates that your child will be required to attend. It is a requirement that choristers will be available to attend concerts and the lead up rehearsals to that event. Should a chorister have missed too many rehearsals, in the opinion of the Director, that chorister will be unable to participate in that event.

Uniform: Parents are asked to ensure that they check the length and fit of the uniform in plenty of time prior to a concert. If you are missing uniform please contact our Wardrobe Manager. We hire the performance uniform to you. The fee for this is a once only payment of $70.  Rehearsal shirts are available for $25. New students will be outfitted during choir. Students wear any black bottom half to rehearsals. Extra uniform you need to supply: black polishable school shoes, black socks (not skin to be showing), black jacket for winter. Unfortunately, choristers not correctly attired for performances will be unable to take the stage.

Tours: We tour once a year, staying overnight. We always seek parent help with this as accompanying supervisors.

Katandra Voices
Auditioned choir (High School age)

6.00pm-7.30pm Thursday evenings, Gosford Uniting Church, Donnison St, Gosford.

For High School students who love singing. Emphasis on vocal skills and aural development. Great camaraderie and fun and as a team they will create a variety of music styles to a high level.

Fees: $380 per year (various discount options available)
Katandra Voices rehearse from 6.00pm – 7.30pm on Thursdays. (6.15pm – 6.30pm is social time and activities are planned.)