THE TREASURE COAST CLASSICAL CHILDREN'S CHOIR

The Treasure Coast Classical Children's Choir (Tc⁴) is a music performance and education based program which emphasizes the development of musical skills and understanding. Singing is the major focus of the musical experience. Tc⁴ is designed to develop a foundation for a lifelong relationship with music.
     

MISSION 
The mission of the Treasure Coast Children's Choir is to provide quality music education with the goal of attaining the highest level of artistic excellence in choral music performance. As a performing and educational arts institution, Tc⁴ values:

Personal and Social Growth - fostering a sense of self-worth, self-esteem, leadership, and accomplishment, pride, and teamwork among singers, parents/guardians, and audience members.

Diversity and Accessibility - enriching the lives of children from all religious, racial, cultural, and economic backgrounds.

BACKGROUND OF DIRECTORS
Amy Curell and Sheryl Durham come with many years of experience and training. Together, they come with a passion to pass on their love of music to the younger generation as a stepping stone for a lifetime of development.

CURRICULUM
High quality music from all styles and periods form the foundation for musical learning and serve as the basis for the curriculum. We believe that "children should be led to musical masterpieces by means of musical masterpieces" (Zoltan Kodaly).

Concepts about music (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style, and performance practice) musical skills (singing, theory, sight reading) are taught throughout the rehearsals using methods of singing, listening, and analysis.  The children are taught to use their vocal instruments through exercises, posture, breathing, and tone production. The essence of the musical experience is based on pitch and movement as it is "felt" and heard. The ability to hear music, to conceptualize music, to perceive and respond musically develops naturally from the human voice. Singing skill and musical understanding are essential components of the creative process and fundamental concepts of music education.

THE PROGRAM

PREPARATORY CHOIR
The Tc⁴'s Preparatory Program (K - 3rd grade) is a non-auditioned experience in which lessons cleverly and energetically combine the learning of music skills, group singing, and play-like activities and games that bring together education experiences and fun in meaningful ways. The program is an outstanding way for youngsters to explore their interest in music and singing--potentially preparing them for opportunities in Tc⁴'s Children's Choir. Our hope is that they will bring their developing talent and experience to other learning and group activities in school and beyond.

PERFORMANCE CHOIR (4th - 9th grade)
Singers in this division are usually entering or currently enrolled in grades four through nine. These singers have auditioned and have demonstrated the ability to sing in tune and a readiness to develop sight reading and harmonic skills. The choir rehearses once a week at New Hope Fellowship - upstairs in the "Attic".

MEMBERSHIP
The Tc⁴ is meant to be a positive learning experience for the singers--one that the will carry with them throughout their lifetime. These young people will be sharing wonderful times together both musically and socially. The Tc⁴ members are expected to understand and practice commitment and responsibility. We encourage all youth to take pride in their membership of this unique choir program. Every member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the entire season of his/her enrollment, which begins September 17th and concludes in May. Both parents will be asked to sign the season long contract.

AUDITIONS
Auditions for the Tc⁴ will be held Wednesday, September 12th at 6:15 p.m. in the ATtIC for children entering grades four through nine. Second semester entry auditions take place in December and January. Special auditions may be arranged by contracting the Directors. Participants in the Preparatory Choir are not required to audition.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Tc⁴ is totally dependent on fundraisers (which will be scheduled and announced throughout the year). ALL STUDENTS ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE. The only financial requirement is the purchase of your child's uniform.

REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Transportation to and from rehearsals is the individual responsibility of the parents. The year begins September 10th with auditions for grades four through nine. September 17th begins the weekly rehearsal - each Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 at New Hope Fellowship upstairs in the 'Attic'.