Hello Lightridge Chorus Families -
It has been a while since I’ve reached out - it’s been a busy season! There are a number of updates that need to be shared, but first, we have some congratulations to share -
Lightridge Music received the Blue Ribbon Award. This award is given to fine arts programs that received Superior Ratings with their advanced ensembles. Lightridge Singers did just that and we are thrilled to have contributed to this award! We will have a Blue Ribbon Award Ceremony on Thursday May 19th at 1:15 PM for Lightridge Singers, Concert Band IV, and Artist Orchestra.
ALL ensembles in Lightridge Chorus received Superior Ratings in both literacy and performance! Their hard work paid off and established Lightridge as one of the leading choral programs in Loudoun County. Many directors were especially impressed with our enrollment and quality of beginning ensembles.
Taylor Livingston was selected as Lightridge Chorus’ first student who qualified for All-State Chorus! The goal is to increase the number of students who make states next year. Let’s keep up the good work!
What is in store for the end of the year? We have a Spring Concert coming up at the end of May that will have songs from all ensembles and will feature our first seniors. There will also be a Chorus Banquet that will wrap our year with awards and acknowledgments. Lightridge Singers students will be singing at graduation. All returning Lightridge Chorus students will be focusing on their Ensemble Placement Auditions to finish out the school year.
Here are the details of our remaining events:
Upcoming Rehearsals
Monday, May 23rd at 4:15 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Rehearsal
Upcoming Performances
Tuesday, May 24th at 7:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Spring Concert - Call Time for Students is 6:15 PM
Thursday, May 26th at 9:20 AM and 10:30 AM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Treble Chorus Performance - Call Time for Students is 8:45 AM
Thursday, June 16th at 7:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Singers Graduation Performance - Call Time for Underclassmen Students is 5:00 PM
Underclassmen are to wear semi-formal attire.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, June 8th at 6:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Banquet
6:00 PM Dinner catered by Moe’s [OSP Payment for Dinner]
6:30 PM Awards Ceremony Begins
If you are not planning to join us for dinner you are more than welcome to come at the beginning of the ceremony. This event is not mandatory but highly encouraged since many students and their peers will be receiving acknowledgments.
Ensemble Placement Auditions
May 25th - May 31st [Individual Auditions In-Class]
Auditions are challenging for both students and teachers alike. The purpose of auditions is to place students in ensembles that are appropriate for their current skill level. As the program continues to grow and we continue to attempt increasingly challenging music, this differentiation is vital. We have been preparing for auditions in class for the past couple of weeks and will continue to do so. Students are evaluated on musical literacy, vocal technique, vocal characteristics, and work ethic. I will record each individual audition and carefully assess to see what level is best suited for each individual.
June 1st [Lightridge Singers Callback Audition at 4:15 PM]
Some students might receive a callback audition for Lightridge Singers. This audition will be a group audition and students will have about a day to prepare. Not all students who receive a callback will be selected for this ensemble - the callback invitation is equivalent to a “pat on the back - keep up the great work - Ms. Karim needs to see more from you in order to make a decision.” Students in this audition will be evaluated on musical literacy, vocal balance and blend, preparation, and vocal characteristics.
The image above showcases the progression that Lightridge Chorus offers. Students will progressively move up levels. All freshmen will enter through either Bass Chorus or Treble Chorus. Students are guaranteed to move up at least one level through their time in Lightridge Chorus if they are in the program for three or more years. Sequential electives are an important part of a students transcript for college admissions.
Concert Attire is due on Friday, June 10th.
At the end of this school year, all students will have to turn in their CLEAN uniforms due to inventory data that needs to be submitted. We will mark returning students and give the uniforms back to the next year to make the process easier. If a student has changed sizes over the summer, we will get them a new uniform!
Whew! May will be action-packed but very worth the reward. We are almost at the finish line! I know its a crazy time with many SOLs and AP Exams. Summer is near!
Best,
Helai Karim