Choral Caffeine: High Quality is NOT a Fantasy

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away . . .

Except that it’s today.  And it’s right here in the good ol’ U.S. o f A.  Here, I’ll let Emily Ellsworth tell you in this excerpt from her article, “Where Imagination and Reality Meet.”

 

“Imagine a school district where every elementary child sings every day, healthfully and well.”

 

“Imagine schools in such a district which begin with an all school, 15-minute assembly each morning with
all-school singing (in tune, using head voice, in parts), exposure to beautiful artwork, symphonic music, and student-led announcements for the day. The students file in peacefully and happily and leave the same way, ready to begin their day. Imagine a school district where every elementary school with 500 students or more is automatically staffed with a second vocal music specialist, with his/her own room, and daily classes.”

 

“Imagine a school district which every fall holds a culminating, all-city festival for EVERY fifth grader in the district (that’s 1000 kids) with fine, age appropriate repertoire, accompanied by the high school orchestra, held in a university basketball stadium (no other venue is large enough) with a guest clinician. This festival is part of every fifth grader’s assessment for the year, which supports the need for extra rehearsals and busing to and from the stadium on performance day.”

 

“Imagine a school district which has its own Director of Fine Arts, supporting and nurturing the finest of teaching, and the belief that the arts are imperative for every child. “

“There is such a place . . . .”

To find out more, read Emily’s article on page 14 of the Central Division Resound.