January - 2025

Lightridge Chorus -

Happy New Year! I hope everyone has enjoyed the snow days This newsletter will share information regarding second-quarter grades, Course Selections, the Lightridge Singers - Lightridge Chamber Assessment Clinics, and the Boosters Meeting. Here is a link to our Winter Concert! Thank you to all of you who attended and for your support! At a glance:

  1. Monday, January 13th - Friday, January 24th: Chorus Assassin is back and better than ever! Registration is here with more information.

  2. Thursday, January 16th: All-District Chorus Virtual Rehearsal for those it applies to. More information regarding All-District Chorus will be sent in another email to families of students who have been accepted.

  3. Friday, January 17th: Senior Photos will be taken in the Chorus Room during FLEX FRIDAY from 12:30 - 1:30 PM. All seniors will be in the group banner.

  4. Friday, January 17th: Men’s Chorus Invitational at Dominion HS [Permission Click] for those it applies to. Complete ASAP! Rescheduled due to snow days.

  5. Tuesday, January 28th: Lightridge Singers Assessment Clinic from 1 PM - 4 PM [Major Summative]

  6. Thursday, January 30th: 8th Grade Night - sing the National Anthem with 8th Grade chorus students from Willard Middle School. 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Second Quarter Grades

All grades are up to date at this time for Lightridge Chorus students. Students will be receiving a Major Summative Grade reflecting their cumulative Formal Formative Grades for Rehearsal Skills on the last day of the quarter. This grade will indicate the sum of all of the formative grades combined. Students have until January 24th to submit their 2nd Quarter Sight-Reading Factory assignments. I have them marked as “missing” to show students the impact it will have if they do not complete it. We will have an individual recording assignment due in preparation for assessment season. If you or your students have any concerns regarding their grades, please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

Assessment Clinic - Tuesday January 28th

The Lightridge Singers will be participating in an assessment clinic on Tuesday, January 28th from 1 PM - 4 PM. This clinic will include music educators from Northern Virginia who can specifically assist our singers with vocal technique as we prepare for our assessment season. This change was made due to availability of clinicians. This will serve as a Major Summative assessment for the students. Students in Lightridge Chamber will have their Assessment Clinic on Sunday, February 2nd from 4 PM - 7 PM. This will be a highlight shared in the February Newsletter.

Course Selections

Course Selections for high school are fast approaching. As students continue on or are embarking on the beginning of high school, it is important to consider the benefits of performing arts electives. Please make sure your student has chorus on their Course Requests!

  1. Music courses help students create diversity for their college applications. Creativity is valued in the college acceptance process. A sequential music elective also showcases long-term commitment, diligence, and responsibility. Students utilize these skills in all aspects of their lives. How will your students’ college applications differ from other students in Loudoun County?

  2. Employers hire creative team workers who stand out. The first question asked in many interviews is, “Tell me about yourself?” Does the candidate showcase unique perspectives and skills that can benefit the company? Employers want candidates who are masters in their content knowledge but also excel in skills like communication, listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving - all of which are taught in fine arts.

  3. Honors Music becomes an option for students in high school. The purpose of the honors music option is to challenge students to participate in a diverse spectrum of pre-approved musical activities to enrich their overall musical understanding and provide deeper learning. Successful completion of these requirements will result in an additional 0.5 credit for the chorus class your student is already in.

  4. Students can continue to be a school community. The continuation of growing musical skills will result in more performance opportunities, advanced courses, and new repertoire. As your child gets older, they will have more space in their schedule for additional electives closer to the end of their high school career. Their junior and senior year is a great time for their transcript to incorporate additional interests your student has. Please also consider your student completing a course through Virtual Loudoun during the school year for no cost.

If you or your student has any questions about this process - please do not hesitate to reach out to me!

Best,

Helai Karim Rutan