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 -
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!
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 the quality of beginning ensembles.
Taylor Livingston, Alex Armstrong, and Habib Jaafar were selected for All-State! The goal is to increase the number of students who make states next year. Let’s keep up the good work!
Here are the details of our remaining events:
Upcoming Performances and Events
Wednesday, May 10th at 6:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Spring Concert - Call Time for Students is 5:00 PM
Thursday, May 18th at 6:30 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Senior Night - Senior Speeches + Senior Performances
This evening will be honoring our 40 Seniors! Here is the link to purchase tickets - everyone but seniors themselves will need a ticket. Ms. Karim will share their senior speech and students will be performing solos, duets, and small groups. Seniors, please fill out this form as we prepare to honor you!
Thursday, June 1st at 6:30 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Banquet - 6:00 PM Dinner and 6:30 PM Awards Ceremony Begins
Here is the link to pay for dinner - Mission BBQ. 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.
Concert Attire AND Honors Chorus Point are due on Friday, June 2nd
Students need to have all of their Honors Chorus points submitted and turn in all pieces of their uniform for dry cleaning by this date.
Ensemble Placement Auditions
May 22nd - May 26th [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 will prepare for auditions in class after the concert. 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.
Wednesday, May 31st [Lightridge Singers Callback Audition at 4:30 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 student’s transcript for college admissions.
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