The Illuminate Choir is Getting an Upgrade. Miss Cassie explains.
Eleven years ago, our first choir made its debut - the "High Notes Children's Choir" - as part of our second junior production. A few years later, Miss Cassie had registered her kids for classes at illuminate and just a year later she was at the helm, ready to tackle our choir program.
Illuminate has a history of being gifted with teachers who happen to have professional experience in their fields and give their all to teaching the incredible students who walk through our doors. Miss Cassie is no exception (have you read her bio? Click here and scroll to the Music section).
Over the years, under her careful guidance, our Music Department has grown to offer multiple levels. The names have changed as we have worked it out (Melody Makers, Music Makers, High Notes 1+2, illuminate choir). This year, after careful consideration, some new "upgrades" have been made for what we think will be the best choir experience yet: all under the umbrella of "The Illuminate Choir," in multiple sections: Treble Choir (ages 7-12), Mixed Choir (ages 13-18), and Select Choir (by audition).
Here's how Miss Cassie explains it:
Our choirs have been growing in both numbers and skill level so we have expanded our offerings for Year 12! We are very excited to offer "Mixed Choir" in the fall for the first time at the request of many students. We have also added an audition-only Select Choir for the second semester, which will perform alongside the Mixed Choir as well as performing some of their own more advanced repertoire. Auditions for Select Choir will be held in October and details for the class can be found below.
Due to the smaller numbers in the Middle School Choir last year, it seemed best to have the older students of that ensemble to go back into a Mixed Choir and the younger students to remain in Treble Choir for another year or two. Students in Treble Choir who are 11-13 may audition to be in Mixed Choir but will only be selected based on skill level, vocal range, and space availability. Please email Miss Cassie directly if you have any questions about this!
Miss Cassie (cassie@illuminateartsco.com)
Miss Cassie is basing this breakdown on her experience teaching the award-winning choirs at the Needham Public Schools for 10 years, and as the Illuminate Choir continues to grow, this was the next step to take in order to take it an octave higher... if you will.
If you are NEW to choirs with illuminate, know that all of our classes are encouraging and welcoming, where beginners are gently encouraged and those with experience are challenged. Our classes, and especially the choir classes, are rich with team-building expercises and fun, where students get to know each other and build friendships.
Click Below to go to our Illuminate Choirs in our Course Catalog and register before spaces fill up!
This beginner choir is composed of treble voices from ages 7-12 and introduces children to healthy and confident vocal production, musicianship skills, and the fun of group singing. Students will learn a variety of repertoire as we focus on pitch matching, beginner ear training, and rhythm through movement. Students at this level will perform both unison and two-part songs including rounds, partner songs, and eventually simple two-part harmony.
This intermediate level choir builds upon the skills learned in Treble Choir but is open to all students ages 13-18, regardless of previous singing experience. Students will be taught to further develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship skills, and attentiveness to their individual voice part as we focus on the importance of each voice within the ensemble. Students are assigned voice parts based on vocal range and can request individual voice checks or small group voice checks on the first day of rehearsal. Singers at this level perform two to four part harmony within their choral pieces. *younger students by audition only based on vocal range and balance of parts
Select Choir will be by audition only, in October. More details to follow!
Here at illuminate we are SO grateful to have talented instructors like Cassie Hanudel leading these students as they explore their gifts and talents in the arts. If you want to be a part of their story, click here to support our programs as we continue to grow+shine!
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