October Edition

Choral Arts Link Mission Statement:

Preserve and nurture singing and choral performance for children and youth through programs engaging music’s legacy of scholarship, leadership, and teamwork.

Note from the Director:

Welcome, Bienvenidos, Bienvenue, 欢迎, Begrüßen, Uποδοχή

This fall begins our ninth season and our second year as a nonprofit organization. Each year brings new and returning voices and smiling faces. We are thankful for each parent/guardian or volunteer who carves out time in their busy schedule to offer this performing arts-education opportunity for children and youth.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

We are a civic-minded organization and listen to input from many sources, beginning with singers and their accompanying adults. It is our goal to incorporate ideas focusing on our company mission. With this in mind, we begin a project this season centering on ‘giving back’ and recognizing those who have shared their resources and skills with us so we may continue our work through the gift of song.

Last season, a Senior Sonata singer, Tyler Samuel, asked if we could develop an idea of ‘sending a song’ to Tsunami victims. Tyler expressed a desire to send something of value beyond money but did not know what she had to offer. We were unable to fulfill that request then, but did not forget her idea. Time is often needed for a seed to germinate, grow, and develop. Patient diligence is a key. The Lullaby Project, being initiated this fall, is a beginning effort to address Tyler’s idea and our need to give back to so many that make our ongoing efforts possible. As our country continues to respond to disasters at home and abroad, we have an opportunity to show students how to identify, sharpen, and share their talents in many ways. Watch for developments of this three to five year project in future newsletter issues.

It is not Hard, it is a Challenge.

We encourage each singer to approach higher skill levels as a challenge. Sometimes a bump in the road is a pebble to be picked up and moved aside. Other times it may be a boulder needing more equipment, leadership, or knowledge to move. Lastly, there are hills and mountains to scale or surpass where crews may be needed, teamwork initiated, and fellowship developed.

Our work together is rich, rigorous, and rewarding. Each rehearsal or Saturday retreat is rich as our artistic associates bring singers to new levels of performance artistry. Whether working in divisions or tutti ensemble our time is focused on improved reading and understanding how intricate music relationships work. Singing is a tool of expression giving inspiration through its learning process and artistic performance. It’s not hard, it’s a challenge.

Welcome to our 2005-2006 season. A time for singing, mentoring and growing.

Parent Expectations & Responsibilities:

We have worked to set high standards and provide an invigorating environment for singers and directors. Each parent/guardian, guest artist, community supporter and staff member is a VOLUNTEER in this process; our all-volunteer army.

Our time with singers is short, focused, and vigorous.

You play an integral part in preparing your singer for each MET rehearsal / program/event. Input from MET parents and friends helped us identify a need to improve our infrastructure; our inner workings with each other to improve services for singers. Communicating expectations of, and responsibilities for ALL adults involved with this organization is a goal that will take time, diligence, and patience. The intensity of our program works because of parent/guardian/community volunteers.

How you assist us in attending to singer needs is invaluable. This section focuses on parents/guardians. We are developing the same content for staff and community volunteers.

Decorum of all volunteers (staff, parent/guardian, visitors) during rehearsals, programs, / events should be a model for singers and motivate them to focus.

Expectations and Responsibilities

v Attend and observe your singer during rehearsals.

v Read and sign Rehearsal Decorum Guidelines.

v Inform guests you bring to rehearsal of our rehearsal decorum guidelines prior to arrival.

v Participate in monthly parent meetings.

v Take leadership by volunteering to assist during seasonal rehearsals, programs, events.

v Offer new ideas and possible improvements to team leaders and directors.

v Be willing to share (with us) the responsibility of attaining new productivity levels. (If there is a problem, help us fix it.)