What is the All-Schools-Chorus?
The All-Schools-Chorus (ASC) is a county-wide program from Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus (SBCC) that brings together students from all participating elementary schools into a single group performance held in the Spring.
When was the ASC established?
This is a new program for 2012/2013 school year. Currently SBCC is finalizing participating schools. If you are interested in participating, please fill out an application before September 30th, 2012.
Who’s in charge?
Paul Freeman is the All-Schools Chorus (ASC) Program Director. Paul can be reached at: director@sbchildrenschorus.com or 805-512-9840.
Why does this program exist?
This program was developed to provide a unique collaboration and performing opportunity for schools and their students. Students who participate will have the opportunity to:
• Represent their school and fellow students to the broader community
• Experience the joy of singing in a group of hundreds of other students
• Gain broader perspective by performing with students from multiple grades, ethnic backgrounds, and skill levels to work toward a common cause — to sing!
What are the program expectations?
All students are expected to learn pieces over a 24 week-at-school training period. At the end of the training period, each participating school selects up to 25 “ambassadors” gathered from across all participating grade levels to perform in a group performance. Selected students are then brought together from various schools for group rehearsals and a final performance.
Are there fees?
Materials cost per student for this program is $500 flat fee per school. This fee covers costs for music, rehearsal CDs, club “kit” and other supporting materials.
What grades can participate?
The ASC is designed for children in first through sixth grades. Ideally each school will send 2-3 students from each of those grades to represent their school at the ASC performance. Because many schools do not have a vocal program for 4-6th grades, many of our schools limit the program to that grade level.
How do schools prepare the children for the concert?
Participating schools will be expected to incorporate the All-Schools-Chorus songs into their regular music programs, or to create an at-lunch or after-school “Glee club” utilizing existing music, volunteer staff or local volunteers. For schools that do not have music staff, or need additional assistance, the ASC staff can assist with finding volunteer or other fee-based specialists who can run the ASC club.
What will the schools be provided to assist with teaching ASC songs?
Participating schools will receive an All-Schools-Chorus “training kit” that will contain sheet music, pre-recorded CDs with piano accompaniment and a “playbook” of week by week suggested rehearsal activities. We will also provide a warm up CD with 10-15 minutes of optional vocal warm ups.
When are the group rehearsals and performances?
Students will be expected to attend group rehearsals in January and March, with the final concert planned for April 2013.
We’re interested – what do we do next?
If you’re interested in participating in the All-Schools-Chorus next school year, please register online or contact Paul Freeman – director@sbchildrenschorus.com. Once enrolled, we will contact you to coordinate further.
