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Ensembles
PREP
In our open-entry Prep class, designed for K-Grade 1 students, students are introduced to the basics of choral singing.
No prior musical experience is required.
The class' focus is on accessing the head tone and matching pitch. Students will explore general musical concepts of high and low, fast and slow, and different rhythmic patterns through rhythm games and simple songs. Students have the opportunity to perform in front of friends and family at bi-annual sharing sessions.
Two different classes (Prep A and Prep B) are offered, for the convenience of families. The content of each class is the same.
Prep A
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Anne Tyler
Grade Cohort: K-1
Times: Sundays 1:20 - 2:20pm
Winter Semester: September 22nd - December 8th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 26th - May 18th, 2025
Prep B
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Anne Tyler
Grade Cohort: K-1
Times: Sundays 2:30 - 3:30pm
Winter Semester: September 22nd - December 8th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 26th - May 18th, 2025
TRAINING ENSEMBLE
In Training Ensemble, recommended for students in Grades 2-3, students refine basic skills explored in Prep class.
Once again, the class focuses on accessing the head tone and matching pitch. Students will also be exposed to following a musical score and some beginning part singing through rounds and partner songs. Students will have the opportunity to perform at both Winter and Spring concerts.
Training Ensemble is offered at both our Northwest and Southwest DC locations.
NW Training A
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Anne Tyler
Grade Cohort: 2-3
Times: Sundays 3:40 - 4:55
Winter Semester: September 22nd - December 7th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 26th - May 18th, 2025
NW Training B
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Anne Tyler
Grade Cohort: 2-3
Times: Tuesdays 4:45 - 6:00pm
Winter Semester: September 24th - December 7th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 21st - May 18th, 2025
SW Training
Venue: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Director: Para Perry & Christen Hernandez
Grade Cohort: 2-3
Times: Wednesdays 4:00 - 5:15pm
Winter Semester: September 25th - December 7th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 22nd - May 21st, 2025
TREBLE CHORUS
CCW’s preparatory performing ensemble meets once a week for 1.75 hours. Singers at this level have demonstrated an ability to match pitch and maintain their part in singing a two-part round. In this ensemble, young singers improve their unison singing skills and begin to sing two-part and three-part songs. Note reading, basic score reading, and basic vocal technique is also developed. Each rehearsal includes 30 minutes of musicianship (theory) class. Most students spend two years in Treble Chorus before moving on to the Bel Canto Chorus. Treble Chorus typically performs approximately four times per season.
NW Treble
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Christen Hernandez
Grade Cohort: 3-5
Times: Tuesdays 4:45 - 6:30pm
Winter Semester: September 24th - December 10th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 21st - May 20th, 2025
SW Treble
Venue: St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
Director: Para Perry & Christen Hernandez
Grade Cohort: 3-5
Times: Wednesdays 5:30 - 7:15pm
Winter Semester: September 25th - December 7th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 22nd - May 21st, 2025
BEGINNING
BEL CANTO
Beginning Bel Canto is our lower division intermediate level chorus, meeting once a week for 1.75 hours. Students in this ensemble have basic elements of choral singing: able to sing in their head voice within an ensemble; hold their part in a 2- or 3-part song; sing in different languages; developing performance skills and confidence on stage. Musicianship classes (30 minutes each) will be once a week and are based on skill level. The focus is on sight-singing using the Kodaly method (solfege syllables and application of music reading to singing).
Beginning Bel Canto
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Cecile Audette
Grade Cohort: 5-6
Times: Thursdays 5:00 - 6:45pm
Winter Semester: September 19th - December 17th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 23rd - May 29th, 2025
ADVANCED
BEL CANTO
Advanced Bel Canto is our upper division intermediate chorus, requiring twice per week rehearsals and a more active performance calendar than Beginning Bel Canto. Students sing in two to four parts, in multiple languages and styles, and in a variety of musical repertoire. They will continue to have 30 minutes of musicianship (theory) class once a week.
Advanced Bel Canto
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Margaret Nomura Clark
Grade Cohort: 6-9
Times: Sundays 4:00 - 5:40pm AND Thursdays 5:15 - 7:00pm
Winter Semester: September 19th - December 17th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 14th - May 29th, 2025
CONCERT CHORUS
CCW’s advanced ensemble meets twice a week for a total of 2.75 hours. Singers in Concert Chorus have established good vocal technique, are excellent sight readers, and can sing independently in four or more parts. Concert Chorus typically performs at least six times per season, and students have the opportunity to tour internationally every two to three years.
Concert Chorus
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Margaret Nomura Clark
Grade Cohort: 8-12
Times: Sundays 5:10 - 6:40pm AND Tuesdays 6:45 - 8:15pm
Winter Semester: September 19th - December 17th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 14th - May 27th, 2025
YME
This ensemble for singers with changed voices meets once a week for two hours. YME performs approximately four times per season, and collaborates with the Concert Chorus to perform SATB pieces.
YME
Venue: St. Columba's Episcopal Church (TBC)
Director: Don Cotton
Grade Cohort: NA - Changed Voices
Times: Tuesdays 7:00 - 9:00pm
Winter Semester: September 17th - December 17th, 2024
Spring Semester: January 21st - May 27th, 2025
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
A small ensemble of choristers selected via audition from Concert Chorus and YME meets on an as-needed basis for specific performance needs. Singers in Chamber Ensemble are identified based on demonstrated vocal and musical abilities, must have excellent attendance records, and must be committed to participating in additional events and appearances.
Chamber Ensemble performs at special events throughout the season.
4910 Massachusetts Ave NW
Suite 316
Washington, DC 20016
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