I feel so blessed...

What a productive period of time it has been - a time of breaking down increasingly complex skills, persistent, focused practice, relating new information to prior knowledge and being patient as we try to put it altogether. We are singing in two parts more and while this proves to be a challenge - particularly for those who are still working so hard to find their in-tune voices - they are all delving in and I can literally see their excitement as they get better. 

Choreography has started with Miss Lisa and all who know her from last year were very excited to have her return. Choreography allows the Little Lambs to have even more fun with storytelling, relating to their audience in a bigger than life way with an authenticity which lets their personalities shine through. Yet it is precise and concentrated work which would benefit greatly from practising at home in front of a mirror. I realize that many may wish to keep choreography a surprise so please be patient If they periodically monopolize the mirror space in your home. 

I am very excited that the Little Lambs are more consistently singing on the air which makes singing an effortless activity and allows them to enjoy a bigger more mature sound. Quite a feat for Grades 1/2 but well within their capabilities. 

Here are some things you may focus on at home:

1. "Loving Shepherd Of Thy Sheep" - all verses should be known. Our rehearsal for Tenebrae Is APRIL 4th but please keep this current as we will continue with it to build additional skills.  

2. “May The Lord Bless You and Keep You” has been chosen for our joint piece which will be done at the Mass in Canmore and at our Year End concert. This piece has been a mainstay of the Senior Choir. However, the majority of the Little Lambs have siblings in either the Junior and/or Senior Choirs and this would be an excellent opportunity for them to work towards a common goal. 

3. Tracking text and notes is one of our curricular goals. For those who are excited about reading, this activity both expands their reading vocabulary, significantly aids the learning process and has them depending less on me. Please read the following longer songs with your child - “There Once Was A Tortoise”, “Whisper” and “This Is It”. This latter one you may know if you were ever a Bugs Bunny fan! 

4. Ave Maria - both the chant and Bach/Gounod’s version will be done at the Mass in Canmore in May. We will sing the first one with the congregation and the second one will be sung as the Communion Motet by the Little Lambs.

While this list is long, and we are well on our way with all of the above, singing each day even for a few minutes truly feeds us. 

At the time of the circulation of this newsletter, we will have less than two months left in this schola year. While we have accomplished so much, it is important that we stay focussed and energised even if our concentration wanes at times. That’s all part of both learning to internalize skills and being a performer. I am so proud of the accomplishments of each of the Little Lambs. Individually and collectively they have grown so much. I feel so blessed to be a part of their musical journeys.

Miss Katheryne