When I was in high school choir this was the song we sang at the end of every concert. It often brought tears to the eyes of singers and audience alike. These are the traditions, bonds of friendship, and aesthetic experiences that are so important to keeping kids in school and engaged with their studies, their teachers and their peers.
Already knowing I wanted to be a music major in college, I was extremely fortunate that I had the flexibility in my schedule to take classes that would prepare me for my future. In my senior year, my class schedule included marching band (a two-period class), orchestra, choir, music theory, senior English, and second year French. Few students nowadays have the luxury of focusing so intensely on the arts unless they are in an arts magnet school.
It is very important however that musicians have a variety of experiences and musical skills and this cannot start too early. Instrumentalists should be able to hold their own part in a vocal ensemble and sing a melody on sight without the help of an instrument. Singers should develop the technical prowess of mastering an instrument. All musicians need fluency on piano.
If your child is not able to get all the music courses he or she wants at school, please consider signing up at colibrí. Check the website for the next audition date!
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