As we partner on this musical journey...

​Awaiting both Easter and Spring seems to be a long time for all. While we may all be needing a break - for the Little Lambs this seems to be evidently clear.

As we partner on this musical journey together, staying focused will allow every Little Lamb to be the best they may be at any given moment. Here are some areas where you may gently encourage. There is still much to do, reinforce and internalise.

1. Solfa work is still challenging. It may take more than the scope of a year or two to truly internalise this skill yet all our choirs continue work in this area. It is so important that the Little Lambs make productive use in each class to practise this skill even when it as yet is not internalised; the mere repetition eventually brings all musicians to a place of better understanding.  One must do this in a committed manner with crisp hand signs.

2. Singing is an activity meant to be shared. We all have our God-given voices. Singing on the air effortlessly produces a healthy sound which naturally projects. In a recent class we managed to get to this point and the sound was glorious and it was easy to do.  Now is the time to make this way of singing our new habit for each Little Lamb. Holding back does not lend itself to healthy singing.  

 3. As we add more part singing, it may be advantageous for your Little Lamb to read with you their line in our three larger songs as well as the joint number that was recently decided - ‘May the Lord Bless You and Keep You”. We did this selection last year as well so the returning students have a great opportunity to be leaders here.

4. As is the norm we add choreography to our Year End Concert program. This layer is more challenging than most of our game playing and it replaces some of our game playing. It is a wonderful vehicle to let the Little Lambs be bigger than life storytellers and this year there is a little more characterization in one selection - purposely unnamed.  We will also have two surprise guests from the senior choir playing a part in that selection.  Tutors have been notified of when we are rehearsing so our thanks goes out to them for their support and flexibility and to the students whom have accepted to be a part. Practicing choreography in front of a mirror is a huge help. If your Little Lamb wishes to give you some sneak peeks into what we are doing - great!

5. Congregational singing continues to be a major focus of the curriculum. As older siblings prepare for this, including your Little Lamb would be a wonderful way to sing as a family. Pater Noster is almost memorized and again family support would be very beneficial. 

I have decided that there is not sufficient time to include one of our Latin selections that I hoped to cover this year - The Bach/Gounod Ave Maria.  Should your Little Lamb be diligently working on this, I will find a way to acknowledge their 'at home’ consistent work. 

Lastly, I am very proud of the accomplishments of all of our Little Lambs. They have come such a long way. Our curriculum is ambitious and within that there are expectations -  too many to list here. While many comment on their cuteness which undoubtedly they are - the music curriculum has goals that go beyond that. There is so much to celebrate as I have commented upon in previous newsletters. Here’s to continuing to grow on this musical journey. 

With the greatest appreciation and love,

Miss Katheryne