Page 41 - Susquehanna Chorale 40th Anniversary Book

EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM
Inspiring Future Generations of Choral Singers
2019 Youth Choral Festival
The Susquehanna Chorale’s Educational Outreach Program offers talented young singers from grade three through the first year of college an opportunity to rehearse and perform at an advanced level of artistic excellence. The program is meant to complement existing school music programs as well as provide an outlet for singers who may be home-schooled or would not otherwise have an opportunity to experience choral singing with their peers. Students who participate bring their advanced skills back to their school choirs, and many continue to sing through college and beyond.
The Youth Chorale, which includes singers in grades nine through the freshmen year in college, was founded in 1989 by Artistic Director Linda Tedford. The Susquehanna Children’s Chorale, added in 1992, provides a comparable level of training for younger singers in grades four through eight. In 2007, the Susquehanna Young Women’s Chorale was formed
to accommodate the large number of young women auditioning for positions in the Youth Chorale. The Susquehanna Preparatory Choir, a training choir for children in grades three and four, was added in 2008 to give the youngest singers the background and skills needed to successfully audition for more advanced ensembles. In 1993, the Chorale added a conducting internship program for junior or senior music majors
at area colleges. Student interns work closely with the Youth or Children’s Chorale directors to further develop their skills as choral conductors.
The Youth Chorale, Young Women’s Chorale and the Children’s Chorale rehearse for twelve weeks in the fall. Rehearsals focus on preparation for the Scholarship Benefit Concert in October and the annual Youth Choral Festival in November. Repertoire encompasses a wide range of styles and includes selections from many periods of music history. Emphasis in rehearsals is on exploring fine choral literature appropriate for each age level, developing vocal skills through sound pedagogical techniques, and fostering a lifelong appreciation for the choral art.
The Susquehanna Preparatory Choir meets for twelve weeks in the spring and offers educational rehearsals and lessons that combine musical skills and group singing. Activities are presented in engaging and meaningful ways, and include singing, movement, listening, and interacting with other children who share their enthusiasm for music. Young singers improve
their skills of tonal memory, tone production, breathing technique, and choral score reading as they learn to work in an extended rehearsal environment. The season culminates with an informal concert during which the children demonstrate the skills that they have learned.
The Youth Chorale and Children’s Chorale have performed numerous times in the community, including collaborations with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, the York Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, the Central Pennsylvania Youth Ballet, the American Boy Choir, and the Susquehanna Chorale.
Enriching Lives Through Song
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