Letter to parents and students

Dear Parents and Students,

I am looking forward to working with the fifth and sixth grades this year, in choir and in the fifth and sixth grade play this fall.

The date for the play is Friday, October 21. Mark your calendars! The evening performance begins at 7:00 p.m. There will also be a morning performance at 9:15 a.m. at which parents and guests are welcome. I’ll tell the kids more about the show in a couple weeks, but already I can promise it will have singing, dancing, acting, and comedy, as well as some things to think about.

In choir we will learn music that spans the centuries and the globe. Fifth and sixth graders are ready for musical challenges--I’m looking forward to accomplishing great things with this group of singers. Something new this this year--we will have regular tests, related to the music we learn for each performance.

The choir needs everyone to be present for performances. This is part of your student’s obligation to the school and to his or her classmates. When students fail to attend performances, it makes it harder for the students who are here to do a good job, and it makes it difficult for all of us to take pride in our work. Watch for reminders about when we sing for worship in the Friday principal note and in classroom newsletters. If your student is unable to attend a worship service when the choir is singing please let me know with an email or a note at least a week ahead of time.

Choir and dramatic performances are activities where students work together as a community. We bring different talents, different levels of ability to this process, but we apply our varied gifts to a common goal, supporting one another along the way. It requires focus and concentration. It isn’t easy, but it’s often fun--and it’s good practice for life.

Making music and putting on plays are also ways of praising God our Creator and imitating Christ’s Creative Spirit at work in the world. With God’s help, we will grow in grace and wisdom this year as we serve God’s people through the performing arts.

Ms. Gotsch
ggotsch@graceriverforest.org

Getting ready for the 2011-12 school year

The beginning of the school year is three weeks away. I'm still enjoying summer, but thinking about what the fall will bring--including a drama presentation by grades 5 and 6 on Friday, October 21, and the 5-6 choir's first performance in Sunday worship on October 30. I will be directing the 5-6 choir this year, and I'll also be directing the 5-6 play. Stay tuned! I'll use this blog, as well as the usual email and paper channels, to keep parents informed.

Meanwhile, listen to what kids' choirs can do!
Toronto Children's Chorus singing a Newfoundland folk song
Free downloads from the American Boychoir