Parent and Chorister Handbook
Founded in 1883 and winner of the prestigious“Coming Up Taller Award”
of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities
In residence at the
Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew
719 N. Shipley Street • Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 543-8657
www.cathedralchoirschoolde.org
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CONTACT INFORMATION
CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE
IN RESIDENCE AT
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SAINTS ANDREW AND MATTHEW (SsAM)
719 North Shipley Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
Phone: (302) 543-8657 Fax: (302) 543-8679
Arreon Harley, Artistic Director, ext. 1
[email protected]
Leslie Acker-Rowe, Director of Mentoring and Student Services, ext. 2
[email protected]
Nick Orlando, Director of Finance and Development, ext. 3
[email protected]
Rashel Stover El, Administrative Assistant, ext. 4
[email protected]
Press ext. 8 for direct access to Choir School staff during after school and
evening hours.
To gain entry from the lobby, please use code 1234 on the electronic PIN pad.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
The Hearing and Interview
Scholarships
Commitment
Student Ensembles and Benchmarks
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Summary of Benefits
Intergenerational Choral Training
Time Commitment
page 4
page 5
page 6
page 10
page 10
page 11
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 9
Page 10
Page 10
Page 11
Benefits in Detail
Professional Choral Training
Private Piano Instruction
Music Theory
Leadership
One-on-One Mentoring & Academic Support
Choir Trips
Summer Choir Camp
Chorister Stipend
Recreation
page 12
page 12
page 13
page 13
page 14
page 15
page 15
page 15
page 15
Page 12
Page 12
Page 13
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 15
Page 15
Page 15
Incentives and Awards
Standards
Promotion
Team Points
Standards and Progress Reports
Parental Support of the Chorister
Parental Involvement in the Choir School
page 16
page 16
page 17
page 17
page 18
page 18
Page 16
Page 16
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18
Page 18
Code of Conduct
Page 19
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The Hearing and Interview
During the course of the hearing, the Artistic Director evaluates the chorister’s
conduct, singing ability, and reading skills.
The Artistic Director takes into consideration the potential
of each chorister as well as any special needs.
The chorister can relax because no preparation is required for the hearing!
1.
Deportment: the professional conduct or behavior of a chorister
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•
2.
Singing
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3.
posture
concentration
pitch
range
rhythm
Reading
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•
accuracy
word recognition
4
Scholarships
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware welcomes
children and youth from a broad geographic area
and from all faith traditions.
Students do NOT have to be Episcopalian
or of the Christian faith
to participate in the Choir School.
1.
Every student who is accepted in the program receives a
FULL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP valued at $8,500.00.
2.
Participating families are invited to contribute to the Annual Operating
Fund and/or the Endowment Fund. Parents are asked to support the Choir
School through participation in a variety of volunteer roles.
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Commitment
The growth and development of each chorister
is realized by a commitment to excellence
that is shared by the Cathedral Choir School of Delaware
and participating families.
1.
The commitment of the Choir School
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•
2.
to provide the finest musical education
to provide the finest in academic support and mentoring
to nurture the best examples of citizenship
The commitment of participating families
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•
•
to review the choir schedule
to participate in scheduled rehearsals, services, and concerts
to communicate limited but necessary absences to the Artistic
Director
Before a family makes a commitment to the Choir School,
the chorister and family can participate in a four week “test drive”.
During this time,
parents and caregivers are encouraged
to observe as many rehearsals, services and concerts as possible.
By the end of the four weeks,
the chorister, family, and Choir School staff
can confidently evaluate the experience.
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Cathedral Choir School Student Ensembles and Benchmarks
Vocal Quality
Intonation
Diction
Cathedral Preps
Cathedral Singers
Cathedral Camerata
The student will work to be aware of vocal quality
and work for the desired open-tone choral timbre.
The student must be able to blend in with ensembles
with preparation.
The student has good vocal quality,
including a smooth, open tone. The
student may have difficulty in
extreme ranges or difficult music. The
student has potential to perform well
in any ensemble.
The student exemplifies the model
choral sound, having an open, free
sound. The student does not struggle
to produce tone. The student's sound
contributes to and strengthens the
ensemble.
Student will gain knowledge of basic singing
technique. Student will work to develop controlled
breath and will work to develop a freely produced
vocal timbre.
The student can match pitch. The student will
develop the ability to sing to the center of a pitch.
Student is able to sing diatonic and melodic
passages with accuracy.
Student is familiar with singing
techniques. Student displays proper
breathing, posture and is able to
produce sound freely.
The student can accurately match
pitch. The student will continue to
develop acuity and the ability to sing
to the center of chromatic intervals
and large leaps. Confidence is
present.
Student consistently uses and
understands the elements of diction.
Student will develop a firm
understanding of vowel placement.
Student shows no difficulty when
performing with proper breath,
posture, and mouth formations.
Students will develop the elements of expressive
diction and vowel placement. Student possesses the
ability to match vowels.
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The student can accurately match
pitch and performs pitches
confidently and flawlessly.
Expressive use of the elements of
diction with excellent vowel
placement.
Cathedral Preps
Cathedral Singers
Cathedral Camerata
Musicality
Students will develop knowledge of musical
components. Singers will work to achieve tasteful
and musically informed dynamic contrast and
phrasing. Student must possess a natural tendency
to produce musical phrases.
The student will possess a high level
of control and concept of musicality.
Singer has developed sensitive
singing and phrasing with tasteful and
valid interpretation.
Melodic
Accuracy in
Sight-Singing
The singer will learn to sing diatonic, step-wise
passages with solfeggio syllables. Students will
learn to follow the linear contour of a score.
Students must display a firm
knowledge of musical components.
The singer will achieve a moderate
level of meaningful and uniform
musical demonstration of good
dynamics and rhythmic shaping.
The student will be able to
proficiently sing diatonic, step-wise
passages with solfeggio syllables.
Students will work to develop the
ability to sing tonic and dominant
triads with solfeggio syllables.
Rhythmic
Accuracy in
Sight-Singing
The singer will develop a proficient understanding
of note values and durations. Students will be able
to recognize and execute rhythms with whole notes,
half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes.
The singer will have a firm
understanding of note values and will
be able to recognize and execute
rhythms with whole notes, half notes,
quarter notes, eighth notes and
sixteenth notes.
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The student will master the ability to
sing diatonic, step-wise passages with
solfeggio syllables. Students will have
a competent ability to sing tonic and
dominant triads. The students will be
able to use solfeggio syllables with
confidence.
The singer will exhibit excellent
understanding of note values, meter,
and overall pulse with minor
moments of pulse distortion. Students
will be able to recognize syncopation.
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Each ensemble rehearses separately one evening a week. All choristers come
together to sing on Wednesday evenings with the full Cathedral Choir.
Ensemble
Rehearsal Days
Cathedral Preps
Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30
Thursdays: 6:00-7:30
Cathedral Singers
Tuesdays: 6:00-7:30
Wednesdays: 6:00-7:30
Cathedral Camerata
Mondays: 6:00-7:30
Wednesdays: 6:30-8:30
Cathedral Choir (Intergenerational) Wednesdays: 6:30-8:30
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Summary of Benefits
1.
Professional choral training
2.
Private piano and voice instruction
3.
Leadership development
4.
Academic tutoring and support
5.
One-on-one mentoring
6.
Choir trips and camp
7.
Chorister stipend
Intergenerational Choral Training
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware
is an award winning after-school program
that trains boys and girls to sing professionally with adult singers.
The program incorporates the style of training
that began nearly one thousand years ago and still continues today
in the great cathedrals and collegiate chapels of England.
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware takes pride in its diverse student body
and is open to children and youth of all faith traditions.
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Time Commitment
1.
2.
3.
During the week
a.
Choristers meet for two evening rehearsals.
The specific evenings are determined by the musical proficiency of the
chorister as discussed with the family.
b.
Piano lessons and voice lessons are scheduled at a time during the week
that is convenient for the instructors and the student’s family.
Performances
a.
During the academic year,
choristers are required as a part of their training
to sing for Sunday morning liturgies and community engagements
(September through June).
b.
Additional performances are scheduled throughout the year (September
through June).
c.
The Choir School has opportunities to perform
in a wide variety of venues in Wilmington
and the surrounding region.
Academic Support and Mentoring
a.
b.
c.
One-on-one mentors, tutors and homework helpers are available to our
students Monday -Thursday 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Students have access to a state-of-the-art computer lab, academic
reference materials and a piano lab.
Students are provided with afterschool enrichment activities including:
cooking class, reading groups, ping pong, community outreach projects
and trips to the library.
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Benefits
1.
Professional choral training
Our choristers:
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•
2.
receive classical singing instruction
learn how to read music
perform a variety of choral music that spans five centuries
sing in English, Latin, French, Spanish, Italian
German, Swahili, and Zulu.
Private piano instruction
Piano instruction is encouraged but not required. Students enrolled in piano
lessons are required to practice regularly in our piano lab during afterschool
hours and at home.
In addition to the enjoyment one receives
when playing a musical instrument,
piano study also:
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•
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increases overall musicianship
enhances abstract reasoning skills
that help children in academic studies,
including math and science
promotes healthy discipline that is transferable
to other areas of interest
Whenever possible, the Choir School will provide a high-quality
digital piano to families who do not have an acoustic piano
or adequate keyboard in their home.
Students can keep these practice pianos in their home
until they complete their piano studies in the Choir School.
Once a student graduates, the piano is placed in another student’s home.
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Benefits (continued)
3.
4.
Music Theory
a.
The study of music theory helps students to read music
and better understand the building blocks of music.
b.
Specifically, students learn about pitch notation, rhythmic notation,
intervals, scales, key signatures, time signatures, chords, and harmony.
c.
Understanding music theory helps students become better musicians.
Leadership
a.
Leadership skills are introduced and reinforced
in the context of every rehearsal and performance.
b.
Citizenship and social skills are fostered as:
•
•
choristers learn how to interact in an intergenerational community
choristers relate to a wide range of personalities and backgrounds
d.
A healthy work ethic is instilled
•
as choristers work and grow together, developing good habits that
sustain them throughout their adulthood.
e.
Specifically, choristers learn to
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derive satisfaction from hard work
compete in a healthy fashion
focus on the task at hand
develop individual standards and leadership skills
become a team player.
f.
Choristers who consistently demonstrate leadership by example
are invited to receive Head Chorister Training and/or become Student
Ambassadors serving as a member of the Leadership Council.
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Benefits (continued)
5.
One-on-one Mentoring and Academic Support
a.
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware is a partner program with
Creative Mentoring and The Delaware Mentoring Council.
b.
All students can benefit from interactions with caring adults other than
family members. Studies show that students with mentors are more
likely to complete school and are less likely to engage in unhealthy
behavior. The Choir School supports mentoring for all students in our
program and strongly encourages all choristers to participate.
c.
Our volunteers are carefully screened before working with our students.
One-on-one mentors receive training from Creative Mentoring, and all
volunteers receive safety and child abuse training.
d.
One-on-one mentors and tutors are scheduled to meet weekly with our
students at the Cathedral Choir School. Homework helpers are available
afterschool Monday-Thursday.
e.
Activities can include
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working on homework and projects
developing new skills (cooking, knitting, chess, etc.)
shared interests (piano, reading, board games, etc.)
just talking
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Benefits (continued)
6.
7.
8.
9.
Choir trips
a.
The Choir School participates in choir trips and has opportunities to sing
in a variety of venues.
b.
In addition to singing for liturgies, the choir is featured in concerts and
civic events throughout Delaware and surrounding states.
Summer choir camp
a.
The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware presents a week-long summer
camp for choristers.
b.
Students participate in a variety of activities, including
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learning new repertoire
studying music theory
leadership training
recreation
Chorister stipend (pay)
a.
Choristers receive a stipend for each rehearsal, service, and concert
in which they participate.
b.
Base pay is $0.50 per call (i.e. each rehearsal, service, concert, etc.) with
an additional $0.25 added each consecutive year of service with
promotion.
c.
Chorister pay provides educational opportunities for
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•
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a sense of accountability
money management
work ethic
Recreation
a.
In additional to rehearsals, lessons and performances,
recreational events with chaperones are planned throughout the year
for relaxation and fun!
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Incentives and Awards
1.
Standards
The Standards System
This system reflects attendance, attitude and the quality of participation
in all Choir School activities.
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Chorister is always focused, shows leadership and a positive attitude
and sets a good example for other choristers.
4
Chorister is mostly focused, shows leadership and a positive attitude and
sets a good example for other choristers.
3
Chorister is focused some of the time and needs to set a better example
for other choristers.
2
Chorister is mostly unfocused and does not set a good example for
others.
1
Chorister is in attendance but is uncooperative, unfocused and sets a
poor example for other choristers.
0
Chorister is absent, is not in uniform or is insubordinate.
2.
Promotion
a.
Choristers are guided and promoted through Levels of Achievement as
they study. Promotion comes upon mastering specific skills and
knowledge and meeting attendance and conduct requirements.
b.
Choristers need to earn 350 standards to be promoted to the next level of
achievement.
c.
Promotion results in a pay raise.
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Incentives and Awards (continued)
3.
4.
Team points
a.
In addition to making individual progress in the Choir School,
choristers learn how to function as team players.
b.
To foster team effort, group skills and healthy competition,
the choristers are divided into two teams, Cantoris (Can) and Decani
(Dec).
c.
Team points are earned when choristers set the best example
in deportment, singing and overall participation.
Standards and Progress Reports
a.
Choristers receive a monthly Standards and Progress Report
that evaluates how each chorister is progressing in the following areas:
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attendance and punctuality
communication
leadership and attitude
musical skills
mentoring and academic support
piano and voice
b.
The monthly reports must be reviewed by the parent with the chorister.
Parents must acknowledge this report via a brief phone conversation or
email before the chorister receives his or her monthly stipend.
c.
Immediate behavior concerns will be addressed via a phone call to the
parent. Disciplinary pink slips will be sent to the parent who must
review the form with the chorister and return the signed pink slip to the
Choir School.
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Parental Support of the Chorister
1.
The Choir School program has many built-in incentives and rewards;
however, parental support and encouragement is ESSENTIAL!
2.
During the course of the choir season, the chorister will experience
many high points and exciting opportunities. Parents and family members
can provide praise and share in the joy and satisfaction of these achievements.
3.
Parents will also need to provide the chorister with encouragement and
support during those times when he or she may be tired or need a boost
in maintaining a positive attitude.
4.
The Choir School, which includes a combination of short-term
and long-term goals, discipline and a nurturing environment,
can be a significant investment in the child’s future.
Parental Involvement in the Choir School
1.
Choir School families do not have to be Episcopalian nor of the Christian
faith. The Cathedral Choir School of Delaware takes pride in its diverse
student body and is open to children and youth of all faith traditions.
2.
Parental attendance at Choir School events is optional and is strongly
encouraged as choristers seem to especially blossom when parents attend
services and concerts in which they sing.
3.
As a fully-scholarshiped program, the Choir School is dependent on
volunteers. Parents are needed and invited to support the Choir School through
participation in a variety of volunteer roles.
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CATHEDRAL CHOIR SCHOOL OF DELAWARE CODE OF CONDUCT
IT’S ABOUT RESPECT, FAIRNESS, RESPONSIBILITY
TRUSTWORTHINESS, CARING AND CITIZENSHIP!
When I am RESPECTFUL, I:
Treat others fairly,
Listen to what other people are saying,
Am polite and courteous,
Recognize adult authority.
ABOVE ALL, I honor others and treat them as I
want them to treat me!
Examples of DISRESPECT:
Being mean, bullying or insulting,
Interrupting, or talking over others,
Arguing, shouting, or cursing,
Being dismissive or back talking.
When I am FAIR, I:
Take turns,
Am a good sport,
Respectfully stand up for myself and others.
ABOVE ALL, I treat others with equality and
think about how my actions affect other people!
Examples of UNFAIR:
Being disagreeable,
Ignoring the rules,
Acting threatening or rude.
When I am RESPONSIBLE, I:
Use self-control,
Think before I act,
Follow directions; do as I am told,
Give my best effort and complete my work.
ABOVE ALL, I take ownership of myself and my
behavior!
Example of IRRESPONSIBILITY:
Blaming others,
Making excuses,
Thinking only of myself,
Being shortsighted.
When I am TRUSTWORTHY, I:
Am reliable and keep my promises,
Am honest,
Am loyal.
ABOVE ALL, I am the one others can count on to
do the right thing!
Examples of DISHONESTY:
Ignoring my commitments,
Lying, stealing, or cheating,
Gossiping.
When I am CARING, I:
Am kind,
Am thoughtful,
Am sensitive to people’s feelings,
Am careful.
ABOVE ALL, I love and adore others!
Examples of UNCARING:
Ignoring or excluding others,
Being silly at inappropriate times,
Being mean or hurtful,
Disrespecting people or things.
As a CITIZEN, I:
Clean up after myself,
Take care of the environment,
Help others and am a good neighbor.
ABOVE ALL, I am a leader and help make the
world a better place for everyone!
Examples of SELFISHNESS:
Leaving a mess,
Littering and wasting resources,
Disregarding the needs of others.
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