I’d like to welcome everyone to the 2012-2013 concert season! I am very excited to be continuing my work with the choir this year. Our annual Choral Camp this summer was a great way to sing together, learn more about music and make some new friends. Almost 40 new young singers joined us at the Dalton Congregational Church and Stockbridge Congregational Church this summer.
Now in its 16th year, the Blafield Children's Chorus has a special place in the Berkshire community. In 2004, we added the Berkshire Singers, our teen chorus, ages 14-19. The Berkshire Singers is led by Berkshire Lyric's dynamic accompanist Joe Rose. Both choirs perform a wide variety of the best music for young chorus in several styles and languages. Recently, we have featured the choirs in certain works with the Berkshire Lyric Chorus such as the Faure Requiem.
We are excited to welcome everyone back and we also look forward to greeting new members. Rehearsals begin on Saturday January 5th. To become a new member simply come to a rehearsal. If you have any questions, you can contact me directly at 413 298 5365 or by email at jjbrown3@verizon.net.
You can also contact our very active and dedicated youth activities director and Berkshire Lyric Board Member Debbie Kelson at 413.446.5426 or by email at dkelson@interconnect.com.
Rehearsals:
Rehearsals take place in the auditorium of the Berkshire Athenaeum on Saturday mornings as follows:
Ages 6-13 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Ages 13-19 from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 a.m. (For further information on the Berkshire Singers, including guidelines for 13 year old qualification criteria click here)
Prospective members are encouraged to attend a rehearsal. Following the rehearsal, basic pitch matching and range are observed for vocal placement.
Rehearsal Drop-Off:
Please accompany your child into the Athenaeum through the children’s library to the auditorium. Parents are responsible for the safe drop-off and pick-up of their children from the rehearsal space.
Registration:
Families are asked for a donation of $30/semester (September-December; January-May) to cover music expenses though it is not required for participation. This is in contrast to other music opportunities in the area which charge $75 to $125 per session for professional vocal music instruction. The cost of operations is primarily covered through fundraising events, grants, corporate and individual donations.
Payments can be made either via cash or check at rehearsal. Checks should be made out to Berkshire Lyric.
Rehearsal & Concert Attendance Policy:
Chorus members are expected to attend rehearsals and concerts. You are asked to notify the director, Jack Brown, AND a steering committee member if you/your child must be absent. If transportation issues arise, please call any steering committee member so that we can identify possible carpooling opportunities for you.
Concert Dress:
The following attire is required for children's chorus concerts:
Girls: White long-sleeved or short sleeved top that must cover the waistband of the bottoms, black skirt with black tights, or black pants with black socks, black shoes, black or white hair accessories
Boys: White long-sleeved shirt, black pants, black socks, black shoes, black bow tie.
Clothing Exchange:
A box serving as our concert clothing exchange is available at rehearsals 2-3 weeks before performances. You are encouraged to deposit concert attire that no longer fits and take anything that may be suitable for your child.
Special Needs:
If your son or daughter has medical or other special needs that the Children’s Chorus staff should understand in order to provide greater comfort, security, or access while attending chorus rehearsals or other functions, please note these considerations on the back of registration form and notify Debbie Kelson.
Parent Involvement:
The operational aspects of the chorus are run by a steering committee under the direction of Director, Jack Brown and the BLT Board of Directors. If you would like to become involved in the activities of the children's chorus, please contact our Steering Committee Members
Debbie Kelson (413) 446-5426 dkelson@interactconnect.com
Barb Smachetti (413) 684-4978 bes20@msn.com
