From: Shanna Hollich
Subject: Re: how old
To: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

--- Jeremiah Shaw wrote:



> Along the same
> lines, are there any
> instructors out there that have had very young
> students or any listers that
> began study at a very young age? I would like to
> hear your stories and
> opinions about this.
>
> Jeremiah
> Milwaukee

Well, at the school I attend, one is required to take
music courses beginning in kindergarten. In
elementary school, music class doesn't consist of much
more than learning some notes and easy rhythms,
singing along to some songs by mimicking the teacher,
and identifying various orchestral instruments. And
in fourth grade they made everyone learn how to play
the recorder for a semester; after that, it was up to
the individual whether to play an instrument or not.
Starting in 4th grade, students had the opportunity to
participate in chorus, but this was mainly for the
purpose of putting on concerts and learning some
songs; very little (if any) technique was taught.

In middle school (7th and 8th grade), one still does
not have the opportunity to advance beyond general
chorus (which is open to anyone and everyone who signs
up for it). Some minimal technique is taught; proper
vowel pronunciations, etc. But it is still hardly
in-depth.

In high school choruses, there is still not much
technique taught. Good posture and proper breath
support are stressed, but once again, nothing very
in-depth. Beyond that, we have a singing group called
Chorale, that one must audition for (it consists of
about 60 students from grades 9-12). Chorale
incorporates harder pieces, more foreign language
songs, and goes more into technique. After Chorale, a
student can audition for Madrigals, which is the
highest level singing group at my high school. This
group consists of about 25 students and focuses mostly
on proper technique, balance, and blend. To get into
this group, one is already expected have a pretty good
grasp of proper breath support and vowel formations,
and should be able to count complex rhythms and
sight-read a piece of music fairly well.

I realize not every school is like this; I also
realize many high schools do not have such in-depth
music programs. I'm curious to see what others have
to say on this subject.


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Shanna Hollich - Shadow123-at-poe.org
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