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 ensembles. Lightridge Chorus did just that and we are thrilled to have contributed to this award!
Penny Ehring, Katie Benner, Annika Kumar, Zerben Hebert, 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 1st at 6:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Spring Concert - Call Time for Students is 5:30 PM
We will be rehearsing during the last block of the day and teachers are aware through this dismissal document. We will be rehearsing during the last block of the day to minimize conflicts with after school commitments.
Tuba - 3:00 - 3:30
Tshela Moya - 3:30 - 4:00
Precious Lord - 4:00 - 4:15
Wednesday, May 8th at 7:00 PM in Chorus Room
Chorus Boosters Meeting
We will be discussing the upcoming chorus banquet, senior night, and the Lark open mic fundraiser. The main portion of the evening will be reading the essays seniors submit for the senior scholarships and choosing a winner or winners. Seniors, scholarship applications can be found here and the deadline to submit is Tuesday, May 7th at 11:59 PM. Sign-Ups to serve as one of the parents on the senior grading committee will be available at the concert on Wednesday.
Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Banquet - Award Ceremony
This event is not mandatory but highly encouraged since many students and their peers will be receiving acknowledgments. Please make sure to sign-up to bring either appetizers or desserts for the event.
Wednesday, June 5th at 6:00 PM at Lightridge HS
Lightridge Chorus Senior Night - 6:00 PM Performances and 7:00 PM Dinner During Speeche
This evening will be honoring our 38 Seniors! Seniors and Senior Families - no need to purchase tickets for performances, however, you will need to purchase dinner tickets.
6:00 PM - Performance Tickets
Tickets for performances are being charged to offset the costs of running sound for the event.
7:00 PM - Dinner During Speeches Tickets
If you are not planning on eating dinner, you do not need to purchase a dinner ticket. Please note that this event is about an hour and a half - two hours long. Dinner will be catered by Ciro Ristorante from Stone Ridge. Mrs. Rutan 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, May 30th from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Lark Hospitality
We are currently in contact with Lark Hospitality that recently opened about hosting an open-mic fundraiser on Thursday, May 30th from 5 -7 PM! We'd love for students and families to join us. This is not finalized yet and we will have more information soon.
Concert Attire and Garment Bags + Honors Chorus Points are due on Friday, May 31st.
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. Please have all uniform pieces inside garment bags so that its’ easier to track who turned in what.
Ensemble Placement Auditions
May 28th - 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 will prepare for auditions in class after the concert. Students are evaluated on musical literacy, vocal technique, vocal characteristics, and work ethic. We will record each individual audition and carefully assess to see what level is best suited for each individual.
Thursday June 6th [Lightridge Singers Callback Audition at 4:30 PM]
Frida June 7th [Lightridge Chamber Callback Audition at 4:30 PM]
Some students might receive a callback audition for Lightridge Singers or Lightridge Chamber. This audition will be a group audition and students will have time to prepare. Not all students who receive a callback will be selected for these ensembles - the callback invitation is equivalent to a “pat on the back - keep up the great work - Mrs. Rutan 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. If you have questions regarding these ensembles and their expectations, please reach out to Mrs. Rutan!
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.
Friday, June 14 at ION Center at 2:00 PM
Class of 2024 Graduation - Lightridge Singers Performances
Students in the 2023-2024 Lightridge Singers will be performing the National Anthem at graduation. Current Lightridge Singers will have this serve as their last major summative assessment of the quarter. Class of 2024 seniors, you will walk up during graduation and sing with us one final time! 2024 - 2025 Lightridge Singers are invited to perform with us - the roster for this ensemble will be posted by then. The timing of the bus departure from Lightridge to the ION Center is not available yet - but it will be around noon.
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!