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2009-2010
Choir Students Nominated for Cappies!
HHS performers Trevor Morgan (Male Vocalist), Joey Truncale (Supporting Actor) and Kirsten Lloyd (Female Dancer) have been nominated for Cappies for the HHS production of Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! These three HHS students will be honored at the Kennedy Center Concert Hall on June 13 at the annual Cappies Gala. Congratulations! Learn about the Cappies here >
Pyramid Concert — TONIGHT!
Tuesday, April 27, 7:00 p.m. | PROGRAM
Choirs from Armstrong, Clearview, Dranesville, and Hutchison elementary schools, as well as from Herndon Middle School, will join Herndon High School's Madrigals, Heatwave Show Choir, and Bennett Street Boys to participate in this year's Pyramid Concert. The concert will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Herndon High School Auditorium.
Concert to Benefit Scholarships Funds
Saturday, April 24 • 7:00 p.m.
Westfield High School, 4700 Stonecroft Blvd., Chantilly, VA
The City Singers and The Youthful Spirits will perform a concert to benefit The Reema J. Samaha Scholarship Fund and The Erin Peterson Scholarship Fund. The scholarships were established by the families of these two young women, who died tragically at Virginia Tech in April 2007. The Samaha Scholarship is awarded to seniors graduating from Herndon High School and Westfields High School.
District XII Chorus Fee Reimbursement
Due to weather circumstances beyond our control, the District XII Chorus was cancelled in February. While some expenses could not be reimbursed, we have received partial reimbursement for the Herndon High School participants. A reimbursement of $18.00 can be returned to you, or donated to the HHS Choir Department. If you would like a reimbursement, please notify our treasurer,
Kara Rider, by April 10: krider1@cox.net. Otherwise, we will post a donation roster on the Choir website which you may print as a receipt for your 2010 taxes (receipt will be posted after April 10). Fees will not be carried over to next year. Questions? Contact Kathy Morgan: president@herndonchoir.com. Photo by Kathy Morgan
STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VOCE EVENT MARCH 20, 21
SPRING TRIP TO NEW YORK!
Departing Thursday, March 4
Check-in at HHS by 8:15 a.m.
Meet in Drama Room (Entrance #7)
Luggage must be labelled
Returning Saturday, March 6
Approx. return to HHS: 10:00 p.m.
Students will call parents 30 minutes before arrival at HHS
Questions? Contact Trip Coordinator Barbara Ramey
Cheesecake Sales Were Very Sweet!
Even though the weather didn't cooperate and delivery was postponed for a week (missing Valentine's Day), our cheesecake fundraiser was a great success! Congratulations to Maegan Donaldson, our top seller, for crediting her account $136.00. The 60 students who sold cheesecakes were able to credit their individual chorus/spring trip accounts anywhere from $4.00 to $136.00. A total of $1616.00 was applied to student accounts. This was a huge increase over last year's profit. Many thanks to Ms. Van Slyke for running things so smoothly from her end. Thanks to Nina Falci and Lori Peterson for keeping you all so informed through e-mails and the web. Sorting and packing the individual orders would not have been done without the help of Kathy Morgan, Kristy Freeman, Julie Frederickson, Rita Ahearn, Ann Vandenberg, and Gillian Gaver. We do look forward to working with everyone next year!
—Patty Shaffer and Beth Czerwinski
DEADLINE FOR VOCE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION EXTENDED TO MONDAY, FEB. 22
Due to the weather-related school closings, Voce has extended the application postmark deadline to Monday, Feb. 22. Voce invites all students majoring in music with a voice emphasis (including musical theater majors) to apply for the 2010 Voce Chamber Singers Scholarship Award. Each applicant must prepare an "Art Song" to sing at the March 9 choir concert. Contact Voce Executive Director Joan Winter Skerritt if you have questions: info@voce.org
< APPLICATION AND INSTRUCTIONS >
CHEESECAKE DELIVERY: THURSDAY, FEB. 18
Contact info for Beth Czerwinski: cheesecake@herndonchoir.com
Cheesecakes will be delivered and available for pickup on Thursday, Feb. 18.
Students may pick up cheesecake orders between 2:10 and 2:30 p.m. in the Choir Classroom.
If a parent wants to pick up cheesecakes before the end of school, they will be available beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the Chorus Classroom. If the student has plans to stay after school on Thursday for a school activity or help with a teacher, please contact Beth Czerwinski to work out a pickup time.
We need a few more parents to volunteer to sort and distribute (1:00 to 2:30). Please e-mail Beth Czerwinski if you can assist.
Be sure to deliver cheesecakes to your customers right away or keep in a freezer or refrigerator until they can be delivered.
DISTRICT XII CHORUS CANCELLED
In an effort to be proactive and fair to all involved, and in the interest of safety, the difficult decision has been made to cancel the District XII Chorus event. The event will NOT be rescheduled. All students who earned the privilege of participation will still receive their medals and the honor of knowing that they were to be part of this event. All-State auditions WILL be rescheduled. Please stay tuned for the date, place, and time. Information will be released as soon as possible. Students' lunch payments will be refunded.
DISTRICT XII CHORUS PRACTICE TRACKS
Practice tracks have been updated and are provided on the Oakton HS Practice Room page. Links are provided below:
Mixed Choir voice parts + performances
Given the snow we just had and the forecast of more snow on the way, students will need to rely heavily on these practice tracks to learn the music as well as possible before next Thursday!
2009 WHITE HOUSE ORNAMENT SALE WRAP-UP
Special thanks go to Maurean Truncale for all of her efforts organizing the sale, as well as her extra dedication to fulfilling orders. Maurean has provided 3 years of top-notch service on this fundraiser. She did an outstanding job, and those kids who needed the opportunity to sell, were able to do so! Thank you, Maurean!!
FACE ADVOCACY
An additional Community Dialogue Session for the FY 2011 Budget has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 2, 2009, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Herndon High School, Hayfield Secondary School, and Lake Braddock Secondary School. Registration is required to attend, and seating is limited to 70:
http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/survey/fy11communitydialogue.htm
Herndon Madrigals Participate in University of Maryland
Choir Invitational
On Wednesday, Nov. 11, the Madrigals traveled to the University of Maryland Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center to participate in their annual choir invitational. Herndon and Fairfax high schools attended from Virginia, and seven high school choirs attended from Maryland (LIST >).
Edward Maclary, Director of Choral Activities at UM, worked throughout the day with the high school choirs on three pieces: Verbum caro factum est (Hassler); "Concord," from Choral Dances from Gloriana (Britten), and Kalinda (Guillaume).
The event culminated in an evening concert in the state-of-the-art Dekelboum Concert Hall. Each high school choir performed one song from their repertoire. The UM Chamber Singers and the University Chorale also performed, then all the high school and university choirs combined on stage to perform the three selections they had studied during the day.
The invitational was an exciting opportunity for the Madrigals to collaborate with and perform for other advanced high school choirs, as well as college-level singers and clinicians, in an inspiring day of
music making.
University of Maryland School of Music and Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center >
Madrigals: Univ. of Md. High School Choir Invitational
< GET THE AGENDA HERE > | < View the flyer >
Wednesday, November 11,
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, UMD
8:30 a.m. - approx. 9:00 p.m.
CONCERT PARKING INFORMATION: For tomorrow night's performance, anyone attending the performance should park in Lot 1 or Lot Z which is located down Valley Drive, past the Stadium Drive Garage and past the performing arts center. Patrons should refrain if possible from parking in the garage for the performance as there is an $8 cash fee prior to entering the garage. Parking in Lot 1 and Lot Z is free after 4pm and plenty of spaces are available.
District XII Chorus Auditions Tomorrow Saturday, Nov. 7
Flint Hill School - West Campus
< Click here for details, practice tracks, audition times >
STUDENTS MUST BRING AUDITION AGREEMENT IN ORDER TO AUDITION
< AUDITION AGREEMENT FORM > | < Info for Students > | < Updated Driving Directions >
The Audition Agreement is your student's admission ticket to the audition! Parents and students must sign the form and provide insurance information. Students must bring the Audition Agreement to the audition and give it to Ms. Van Slyke when they arrive.
Broadway Cabaret Auditions November 2!
Everyone at Herndon is welcome to audition for the 2010 Broadway Cabaret. Performances will be on January 28 and 30, 2010. Here is what you need to know for the auditions:
- Auditions are Monday, November 2, in the Choir Room. This is a teacher workday.
- Sign up for a time slot by Friday, October 30. Sign-up sheets are posted outside the Choir Room.
- Prepare a 1½ minute excerpt of a musical theatre or Disney song.
- Bring the sheet music, your iPod, or an accompaniment tape or CD to the audition.
- You may dress in costume if you wish, and add in staging if so desired.
Relax, have fun, and break a leg!
A NOTE ABOUT REHEARSALS:
Songwriters Showcase at the Smithsonian
Are you interested in songwriting? If so, you might be interested in attending the Songwriters Showcase at the Smithsonian: Tuesday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m. at the Natural History Museum. There are some free student tickets available.To get the free tickets, e-mail jml2rc@gmail.com. Parents will have to purchase a ticket if they go. This event will showcase the winners of a songwriting contest that included over 250 applications. There are 12 winners, including four Young Artists (students), two of which are from Fairfax County. The event also features Lamont Dozier, legendary Motown songwriter, who will talk about songwriting.
Click here for more information.
Spring Trip Sign-Up This Week!
Sign-up days for the Choir and Theater Spring Trip to New York City (Thursday, March 4, through Saturday, March 6) are as follows. All forms must be completed and turned in with the $200 deposit.
SENIORS: Thursday and Friday, October 15 and 16 (give to Ms. Van Slyke or Ms. Dillard)
ALL STUDENTS: Friday, October 16 (give to Ms. Ramey in the Choir Classroom immediately after school)
Click the links below for information and required forms. The three forms indicated with an asterisk (*) must be downloaded and printed from the FCPS website.
Trip Info and Itinerary (includes payment schedule)
Sign-up Form (for students and chaperones)
* Parent Permission Form (students will be supervised except while sleeping in their rooms, and transportation will be by commercial carrier)
* Emergency Care Form (parents should fill out completely and sign)
* Field Trip Luggage Search Form (parents should fill out and sign Part II)
Questions? Contact Barbara Ramey, Trip Chair, 571-434-7057, or bjramey@verizon.net
HHS FALL MUSICAL: Rodgers & Hammerstein's
< CAST LIST >
< ENSEMBLE CAST LIST >
HHS CHOIR CAR WASH FUNDRAISER
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Saturday, September 19 Sunoco Rain date: September 26 < Print the Flyer > |
You'll have fun working and meeting friends old and new! The schedule is as follows:
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Concert Choir | 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Herndon Chorale
1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Vocal Jazz & Madrigals | 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Show Choir
Please bring your old rags and a bucket and we'll have a great time!
Show Choir Student Directors Named
Congratulations to the 2009-10 Show Choir student directors!
Sara Talebian |
Rachel Wallis |
Volunteers Made Costume Pickup and Ice Cream Social Successful!
We had a great turnout for our costume pickup last week. This effort was led by Terri and Melissa Miller, who are new as our Wardrobe Chairmen this year, and they are doing an excellent job. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the costume pickup and ice cream social!
Costume Pickup and Ice Cream Social
Costume Pickup: Thursday, Sept. 3, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. / Friday, Sept. 4, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Choir Classroom
Ice Cream Social: Friday, Sept. 4, 1:00–2:00 p.m.,
HHS Cafeteria
All choir students in Madrigals, Vocal Jazz, Herndon Chorale, and Show Choir should pick up their choir costumes BEFORE school starts. An annual costume rental fee is due at pickup. Students in more than one ensemble will have a fee for each ensemble. Pick up early to save money! Fees are as follows. Print, fill out, and bring along the costume rental agreement form on page 7 of the Choir Handbook. Please make checks payable to "Herndon Choral Boosters."
- $35.00 rental fee per ensemble: Payment and pickup on September 3 or 4
- $40.00 rental fee per ensemble: Payment and pickup the week of September 7–11
($5.00 late fee per ensemble) - $45.00 rental fee per ensemble: Payment and pickup the week of September 14–19
($10.00 late fee per ensemble) - $50.00 rental fee per ensemble: Payment and pickup after September 19
($15.00 late fee per ensemble)
Concert Choir students only: Concert Choir students may pick up their costumes before school on September 3 and 4 or during class until September 19 for a fee of $35.00. After September 19, an additional $15.00 late fee will be assessed.
2009-2010 Choir Handbook Now Available
< Download it here > | < View just the revised syllabus >
Get a head start on filling out all those beginning-of-the-year forms! Download the Choir Handbook, and print and fill out the three forms listed below:
- Costume rental agreement form (page 7).
- Student response form for the HHS honor code (page 4).
- Parent/guardian contact information form (page 10).
The costume rental form will be turned in when you pick up your costumes (see above), and the other two forms are due to Ms. Van Slyke by Friday, September 11.
2008-2009
Looking for a Performance Venue?
Calling all student performers! Vocal, instrumental, musical theatre, dance — ArtSpace in Herndon has space available for you to perform. If you're interested in an open mic night or want to play your own music for your friends, please call M.C. Williams to plan and schedule an event.
Home phone: 703-904-0211 | Cell phone: 540-454-5816 | E-mail: mcw592001@yahoo.com
How Children, Adults, and Communities Benefit from Choruses: The 2009 Chorus Impact Study
Educators Say that Singing in a Choir Can Enhance Academic Success and Social Development in Students
According to a new study by Chorus America, children who sing in choruses have greater academic success and more advanced social skills than children who don’t sing, as reported by large majorities of both parents and educators surveyed for the study. Additionally, both parents and educators (from every discipline) attribute a significant part of a child’s academic success to singing in a choir. Click here to visit the Chorus America website for more information and the study results.
Why Music Matters
I’m not an entertainer; I’m a lot closer to a paramedic, a firefighter, a rescue worker . . . someone who works with our insides to see if they get things to line up, to see if we can come into harmony with ourselves and be healthy and happy and well.
Dr. Karl Paulnack said these words in a welcome speech to incoming freshman in 2004 at Boston Conservatory, where he is director of the music division. In this inspirational speech, Paulnack explores what music means to us and why it is important in our lives. Click here to read the transcript.
Paulnack, also a world-renowned pianist and performer, was a professor on the faculty of Ithaca College when Dana and Jim Van Slyke attended.
2009-10 Ensemble Audition Results
CLICK HERE to view the rosters for next year's ensembles. Congratulations to all who auditioned!
Chorale Welcomes HMS Choir Singers
Welcome to the following Herndon Middle School Select Women's Choir students who have been accepted into the Women's Chorale for the 2009-10 school year: Sydney Chervenic, Amy Freeman, Cynthia Kim, and Megan Overton. The following HMS students also will be joining Women's Chorale: Kelsey Anies, Amanda Harvey, and Jessica Homet. Congratulations, and we look forward to singing with you next year!
A Thank You . . .I can’t express enough how appreciative I am for all of the support that the HHS Choral Boosters have given to our program this year. Kathy Morgan is an invaluable leader of our organization. Through her leadership we have welcomed so many new parents into our group and developed so many creative ways to support the kids in their music.
I need to say a few extra thank yous that I did not get to include at our awards banquet. Thank you Lori Peterson for your hours of work on our website and anything computer generated! Thank you Nina Falci and Mary Glenn Mancini for your clerical assistance and time with volunteers. Thank you Kristy Freeman and Julie Frederickson for anything having to do with food. Thank you Melanie Miller-Cvilikas for all of the photo organization and for the time planning our VMEA trip. Thank you to Michelle Tierney for the wonderful Banquet and to Chelle Youmans for the amazing VA Beach trip! Thank you to Barb Ramey and her committee for the new scholarship opportunities! Thank you to Kara Rider for tracking the finances, to Janice Jewell for organizing ushers and running the VHS camcorder at each concert, to Peggy Merryman for arranging for class T-shirts and spirit stickers, to Bonnie Hagstrom for managing the flower sales, and to all of the VA and VMEA Trip chaperones.
Thank you to the alum parents, Sue Gattoni, Kathy Dunlap, and Anne Vandenberg for our costume assistance and Jerry Vandenberg for all his time doing stage and sound set ups for our department and at times band, orchestra, guitar, and theatre.
A big thank you to my husband Jim and to Patrick Elliott for all of their time working with our students this year. And special thanks to my Fine Arts Colleagues, especially Zoe Dillard and our Administrator Jim Hannon for all of their support of the choir students this year.
Thank you to all of the families for your generous gift of the video camera. I will now be able to give instant feedback to my students and will enjoy documenting things at school and home. Thank you so much for your sincere support. I am truly overwhelmed by your generosity. I feel very lucky to have the job that I have, and to have the help of so many is truly special. Sincerely, |
College Plans for Future Choir Alumni
Many of Herndon Choir's graduating seniors will be attending college in the fall. Some will be pursuing music or vocal studies as a major or as a minor. A few seniors have shared their plans with the website (see below), and hopefully a few more will respond before the end of the year. Congratulations, Seniors! We wish you all much success and encourage you to stay in touch (please post on the Alumni page). We'll miss you!
- Sarah Bentley: University of Virginia ▪ Major: Chemistry; Possible Minor: Education
- Molly Bouffard: Longwood University ▪ Vocal Performance
- Erika Giorgis: Clemson University – Honors College ▪ Elementary Education
- Sarah Goughnour: Old Dominion University ▪ English
- Lauren Hickman: University of Virginia ▪ Systems Engineering
- Kate Merryman: Ithaca College ▪ Voice–Music Education/Performance
- Kat Miller-Cvilikas: Christopher Newport University ▪ Musical Theatre
- Hannah O’Rourke: George Mason University ▪ Nursing
- Maggie Osburn: Tulane University – Honors College ▪ Major: French; Possible Minor: Jazz Studies ▪ If selected, I would love to perform in an a cappella group, or just a school choir.
- Chanel Parks: University of Virginia ▪ Major: English; Minor: Media Studies/Spanish ▪ I will be continuing with music in wind ensembles and maybe the women's a cappella group!
- Sarah Price: Christopher Newport University ▪ Communications
Banquet Celebrates Choral Accomplishments, Class of 2009
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS
(Provided by Adrian Morgan)
Scholarship Recipients Announced
Congratulations to the Class of 2009 Herndon High School Choral Boosters Scholarship Award winners:
• Sonya Frostad
• Josh Hagstrom
• Lauren Hickman
• Kate Merryman
• Maggie Osburn
The scholarship awards were presented at the 2009 Choral Awards Banquet on June 4. This is the first year the Choral Boosters have awarded scholarships to senior choir students. The scholarships are funded by student fundraising and parent donations to the Choral Boosters organization.
Many thanks to Barbara Ramey and the HHS Choral Boosters Scholarship Committee for administering the scholarship application and selection process.
2009 Senior Awards Presented
Ms. Van Slyke presented six Senior Awards at the Choral Awards Banquet on June 4. These annual awards acknowledge exceptional musical study, performance, ensemble participation, and leadership in the Herndon Choir program.
Outstanding Seniors: Loren Collado, Kat Miller-Cvilikas
Maggie Osburn
Rising Star Award: Molly Bouffard, Kate Merryman
Director's Award: Josh Hagstrom
Thank You, Banquet Organizers, Gift Contributors
A big thank you goes to Michelle Tierney for organizing the Choral Awards Banquet. Thanks also to all of the Booster parents who helped to prepare, serve, and clean up at this wonderful event.
Thank you to the senior parents and all other Choral Booster families and students who contributed to Ms. Van Slyke's group gift. Because of their support, we were able to purchase a digital video recorder, a wide-angle lens, an extra battery, a tripod, a storage bag, an extra memory card, and a $100 iTunes card. Thanks to all who made this wonderful gift possible. Ms. Van Slyke can use it in the classroom, as well as on the soccer field or football field with her boys!
"For Men Only" Retires Name, Improves Appropriateness
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Standing Ovation for Pops Concert Performers
Before a packed audience of parents, friends, family, and alumni, Herndon Choir students shared their artistic interpretation of this year's theme, "Love Is All You Need." The program included 39 musical numbers performed by all six choirs, as well as "spotlight" solos and ensembles by graduating seniors.
The Pops Concert, the final concert of the year, features musical favorites selected and choreographed by the choir students themselves. Last night, singers, dancers, and guest musicians from Herndon Guitar and Herndon Band took to the stage to perform popular music from across the decades. Colorful costumes, energetic dance routines, and contemporary musical arrangements showed off the talents and love for music that the students share.
A highlight of the concert was a solo performance by Jim Van Slyke of "Solitaire," a selection from his one-man Broadway event, "The Sedaka Show" (learn more). The Pops Concert finale number was "Love Is All You Need," a medley of Beatles favorites. The concert concluded with "I Will Remember You," the traditional end-of-year song that welcomes back choir alumni, offers good-bye wishes to graduating seniors, and honors choral director Dana Van Slyke.
PROGRAM | CD ORDER FORM | DVD ORDER FORM
Herndon Choir Rocked at All-State!
Congratulations to our All-Virginia Choir singers! Following months of individual preparation and two intensive days of rehearsals with university conductors, five Herndon Choir students performed in the 2009 All-Virginia High School Choirs concert on Saturday, April 25, at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg. Throughout the country, all-state choirs are considered one of the most prestigious and highest levels of achievement for high school choir students. In Virginia, just 24 students from each of the state's 16 districts are selected following a rigorous audition process. More than 380 students in two choirs participated in the 2009 All-Virginia Choir event. Herndon Choir took five of these spots.
The following students participated: WOMEN'S CHOIR: Kat Miller-Cvilikas ('09)
MIXED CHOIR: Josh Hagstrom ('09), Nathan Williams ('09), Mary Peterson ('10), and Trevor Morgan ('10) [alternate - Joey Truncale ('10)]
The All-Virginia Mixed Choir was conducted by Dr. Charles Robinson, Professor of Choral/Music Education at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance; the choir was accompanied by Melvin Goodwin of Woodbridge, Va. The All-Virginia Women's Choir was conducted by Dr. David Brunner, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Florida Department of Music, Orlando; the choir was accompanied by Laura Edelbrock of Alexandria, Va. Choral directors from high schools throughout the state accompanied their students to Fredericksburg. The Virginia Choral Directors Association of the Virginia Music Educators Association sponsors District and All-State Choir events.
The repertoire (click here) for both choirs featured classical, contemporary, and traditional music from around the world. The Women's Choir was priviledged to perform three original compositions by their conductor, David Brunner. A highlight of the concert was a solo by our own Josh Hagstrom during the final song, "If You Believe in Music." Josh rocked the house with his soulful vocals, and brought the audience to their feet at the end of the piece!
Herndon Choirs Earn High Marks at Fiesta-Val
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Congratulations go out to the choir students who attended our choir trip in Virginia Beach last weekend, April 16-18.
We had six choirs participate in the Fiesta-Val music festival. The Herndon Chorale, Madrigals, Show Choir, Concert Choir, and Vocal Jazz all received ratings of Superior, and our Men's Choir received a rating of Excellent! The Concert Choir also won the Best Overall Concert Choir of the festival.
Along with the ensemble achievements, we also had awards given to various soloists. Josh Hagstrom won two solo trophies for Madrigals and Men's Choir. Sarah Price was recognized for her Vocal Jazz solo. Joey Truncale was recognized for his Men's Choir solo. Chanel Parks was given a trophy for her outstanding French horn solo in our women's choir piece.
The students were complimented for their demeanor on and off the stage everyplace that we went. They truly represented Herndon with pride!
Be sure to visit the Guitar website for the Guitar 3 ensemble's Fiesta-Val results.
CLICK HERE to view all the photos on Flickr!
District XII Choral Festival Results
On March 21, the Herndon Madrigal Singers and the Herndon Chorale sang for District XII adjudication at Chantilly High School. Both groups were honored by earning straight superior ratings from all judges! Congratulations to those students for their hard work and dedication to their music!
Go Stinger Singers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Herndon Choir Students Join the Cast of "Grease"
Nearly 20 Herndon Choir students will perform in the Herndon Drama Summer Musical Theatre Experience production of Grease! Following rehearsals throughout July, performances will be on Thursday, July 30, Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, at 7:30 p.m. at the high school. Visit the Herndon Drama website for the cast list and updates.
The History Boys Features Herndon Students
The Elden Street Players' newest show, The History Boys, features Herndon students Nathan Williams and Matt Jackson. The show opened June 5, with 10 shows in the month of June!
Choral Awards Banquet — Thurs., June 4
HHS Cafeteria
Dinner: 6:30–7:15 p.m. • Awards: 7:30–9:30 p.m.
All Herndon Choir students and their families and friends are invited to celebrate another great year of music-making! During this evening of beach-themed fun and food, we'll pay homage to our seniors, give participation awards, and enjoy a delicious barbeque meal. And you won't want to miss the "Paper Plate Awards."
A special feature of the evening will be a retrospective slide show prepared by senior Kat Miller-Cvilikas.
The banquet includes a catered barbeque dinner ($8.00 per person, $25.00 for a family, kids 3 and under free) and an awards ceremony. Reservations are required for dinner (click here for reservation form). The awards ceremony is free. You are welcome to attend the dinner and awards, or just the awards. Dinner will be served from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.; the awards ceremony begins at 7:30 and will conclude around 9:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Tierney at 703-963-1986 or myoungers@TrustedCS.com. If you are available to volunteer, please contact Nina Falci at cmfalci@cox.net.
Pops Concert: "Love Is All You Need"
Tuesday, May 19 • 7:00 p.m. • HHS Auditorium
This final concert of the year — and the last concert as an HHS student for graduating seniors — will feature solos, duets, and performances by all Choir ensembles. You'll enjoy music from across the decades, including dance numbers choreographed by the students themselves! The program finale will be a groovy Beatles medley, "Love Is All You Need."
Flowers, concessions, and Choir spirit gear will be available. You can also make dinner reservations for the Choral Awards Banquet.
Support HMS Choir and Herndon Guitar Fundraisers
If you're planning to eat lunch or dinner out this week, stop in at one of the local restaurants who are hosting fundraisers for our fellow musicians.
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All-State Choir Info
ALL-STATE SCHEDULE/INFO: CLICK HERE
ALL-STATE PRACTICE TRACK: Janger
NOTE: More tracks to come. Files are in mp3 format. Click to play in Windows Media Player, or right-click the link, save to a new location on your computer, and open with the desired player (QuickTime, Windows, etc.).
ALL-STATE MARKED SCORES: My Spirit is Uncaged
SATB conductor Charles Robinson has asked that students make these marks on their music prior to the first rehearsal to save time. There may be more . . .
RCP Teen Ensemble Performance Coming to Herndon
"Our Not So Secret Life"
Date: Sunday, April 19
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., with an Ice Cream Social at 6:00 p.m.
Place: ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon
Tickets: $10.00
Directors: Haley Murphy and Heide Zufall
For details, visit www.ArtSpaceHerndon.com or www.restonplayers.org.
To reserve tickets, call 703-956-6590. Also visit the Facebook page.
Herndon Choir and Guitar Virginia Beach TripThursday, April 16 – Saturday, April 18, 2009
Click the bumper sticker for the Trip Packet
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2009-2010 Auditions
Shepherd University Choir to Visit March 30
Singers from Shepherd University, from nearby Shepherdstown, West Virginia, will visit during the school day on Monday, March 30. Visit their Music Department website: www.shepherd.edu/musicweb/
SATURDAY NIGHT: Teen Talent Open Mic at ArtSpace Herndon
Saturday, March 28
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
ArtSpace Herndon
750 Center Street, Herndon
This is a great opportunity for artists to perform in front of a live and encouraging audience! All types of talent and genres are appreciated. Mics, keyboard, sound system, and hookups provided. Cover charge is $3.00 per person. Even if you're not ready to perform, come out and support your fellow performers. This will be a monthly venue, so your chance will come! Dates for April, May, and June are being scheduled and will be announced.
Click here to view the flyer for details and to reserve a slot.
2009 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW AVAILABLE
Click the link below for the 2009 Choral Boosters Scholarship application, which includes all submission instructions and forms. Applications must be submitted via mail, postmarked by May 1, 2009.
Questions? Contact Barbara Ramey, Scholarship Committee Chair: scholarship@herndonchoir.com
Thank You, Choral Boosters!
The HHS Choral Boosters would like to say THANKS to...
- Jim Van Slyke for an excellent presentation on the educational and professional options for students interested in music and musical theater.
- Beth Czerwinski and Patti Shaffer for managing the 2009 Cheesecake fundraiser. We couldn't do it without you!
- Evi Hickman and Nina Joyce for hosting the 2009 Choral Booster Social. It was a lovely event and a most enjoyable evening!
- Julie Frederickson and Kristi Freeman for organizing breakfast for 60 Susquehanna College Choir Members and pulling it off on March 2, a morning when the schools were closed for snow. A special thanks goes to Dave Frederickson who jumped in his truck and drove in the deep snow to pick up 5 dozen hot bagels for the Susquehanna singers, and delivered all of the food to a last minute alternative location. Your efforts were truly heroic!
On behalf of the HHS Choral Boosters, I would like to say thanks to all who support the HHS choir program in any way. Every volunteer makes such a difference and we appreciate your time, talents and service.
— Kathy Morgan, President, HHS Choral Boosters
Upcoming Drama Productions
The Grand Summer Musical Theatre Experience: Grease!
Herndon Drama announces the new Summer Musical Theatre Experience at Herndon! Open to rising 7th graders through '09 graduates, we're emulating the very successful Summer Stage at Westfield.
The first year's production will be Grease! Click here to view the audition and performance details.
Arsenic and Old Lace
Herndon Drama will presents its Mainstage production of Arsenic and Old Lace. Show dates are
April 30, May 1, and May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Herndon High School.
Complete information about the Herndon High School Drama Department can be found on their website: www.herndondrama.org. Contact Zoe Dillard at ZWDillard@fcps.edu with questions.
2008-09 Herndon Choir Directory Now Available
The first edition of the Herndon Choir Directory has been published. A hearty thank you goes to
Nina Falci, volunteer coordinator for the Herndon Choral Boosters, for collecting contact information for all Herndon Choir students and parents — not an easy task! — as well as creating and producing the directory. Directories will be distributed in class.
DISTRICT XII CHORAL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Herndon Chorale and Madrigals only
Saturday, March 21 • Chantilly High School (get directions)
SCHEDULE
Madrigals: Warm-up – 9:30 a.m.; Performance – 10:00; Sight-reading – 10:25
Chorale: Warm-up – 10:50 a.m.; Performance – 11:20; Sight-reading – 11:45
Jim Van Slyke Stars in "The Sedaka Show"
Herndon's Vocal Jazz Clinician Jim Van Slyke celebrates Cabaret Month and the music of pop icon Neil Sedaka. In a rare New York appearance, Jim lends his beautiful voice and charm to the intimate melodies of Neil Sedaka in his latest project, "The Sedaka Show."
Directed by Tony-nominated singer/actor Brian Lane Green with music direction by MAC Nominee/Backstage Bistro Award Winner Tim DiPasqua, this tour de force trio have created a magnificent evening of Neil Sedaka favorites, lost gems, and a few surprises!
"The Sedaka Show" made its premiere at The Laurie Beechman Theatre last weekend. Reviews were excellent! The final two performances are this weekend: Saturday, March 14, at 4:00 p.m.; and Sunday, March 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Click here to learn more and get ticket information.
MSUM Concert Choir to Perform March 15
Dr. Paul Nesheim — who was the guest conductor for the District XII Chorus Mixed Choir this past February — will be bringing his college choir, the Minnesota State University Moorhead Concert Choir, to the D.C. area this month. All choir students are invited to attend a concert they will perform locally, in Sterling. More information will be provided; concert details are as follows:
Sunday, March 15, 2009
3:00 p.m.
Community Lutheran Church
21014 Whitfield Place, Sterling, VA
The church is located in the Cascades Town Center, adjacent to the Eastern Loudoun Regional Library.
Visit the MSUM Music Department website at: www.mnstate.edu/music
Drama Productions
Children Of Eden — March 13–15
Zoe Dillard is directing Westfield, Oakton, and Herndon high school students, as well as quite a few students from area middle schools, in a production of Children Of Eden at Centreville Presbyterian Church this weekend, March 13–15. If you want to see how well a church pseudo-stage can be transformed, and hear some great Schwartz music, it's worth the trip. Click here to view the poster.
Susquehanna University Choir to Visit March 2
Due to school closing on March 2, the Susquehanna University Choir visit was cancelled.
The choir is conducted by Dr. Rodney H. Caldwell, Associate Professor of Music. The choir presents several concerts per year, tours annually, and performs in service of the university on and off campus. The visit is part of their spring tour. Susquehanna University is located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, 50 miles north of Harrisburg. Visit their website at: www.susqu.edu/music
Cheesecake Sales Were Very Sweet!
Our cheesecake fundraiser was a great success! Many thanks to Ms. Van Slyke for running things so smoothly from her end. The 47 students who sold cheesecakes were able to credit their individual chorus/spring trip accounts anywhere from $3.80 to $65.20. A total of $967.70 was applied to student accounts. Thanks to Nina Falci, Volunteer Coordinator, for filling our volunteer slots. Kathy Morgan, Melanie Miller-Cvilikas, Kristy Freeman, Nina Joyce, Mary Glenn Mancini, Mary Catherine Williams, Bonnie Hagstrom, Peggy Merryman, and Cheryl Rodakowski all helped organize the cheesecakes for student pick-up. Thanks to them, the job was easily completed, and the cheesecakes picked up with no problems. We look forward to working with everyone again, except, of course, our fabulous senior parents who will be gone (and missed) next year! — Patty Shaffer and Beth Czerwinski
Yearbook Photos on Monday, Feb. 23
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Yearbook photos of the choir ensembles are scheduled to be taken at the following times.
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Students who are also enrolled in theatre, band, orchestra, or guitar should check the complete schedule for additional times. |
All-Virginia Choir Audition Results
Congratulations to the following students for auditioning and being selected for the 2009 All-Virginia Choir:
SENIORS: Kat Miller-Cvilikas, Josh Hagstrom, and Nathan Williams
JUNIORS: Mary Peterson and Trevor Morgan
Junior Joey Truncale was also selected as an alternate.
They only have 24 spots available in our district, and Herndon Choir took 5 of those spots! These students will participate in the state festival April 23–25 at Massaponax High School in Fredericksburg, VA. Please congratulate them when you see them!
CONDUCTORS: The All-Virginia SATB Choir will be conducted by Dr. Charles Robinson, Professor of Choral/Music Education at the University of Missouri Kansas City, Conservatory of Music and Dance (accompanist is Melvin Goodwin of Woodbridge, Va.). The SSAA Choir will be conducted by Dr. David Brunner, Professor of Music, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Florida Department of Music, Orlando (accompanist is Laura Edelbrock of Alexandria, Va.).
District XII Chorus Wrapup
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Call for Photos! Students and parents — If you have photos to share, please submit them to Melanie Miller-Cvilikas (click here). — CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM — Order CDs from: Bandman Music |
Click here for the District Chorus info page. | Click here for the 2009 All-State audition page.
Cheesecake Pickup Feb. 11
There have been inquiries about the peanut butter used in the Sweetz PB Fudge Cheesecake. They do not use peanut paste; the peanut butter is name-brand jarred peanut butter.
Thank you to all who participated in the Sweetz Cheesecake Fundraiser. Students may pick up cheesecake orders at 2:10 p.m. in the Choir Classroom.
Be sure to deliver cheesecakes to your customers right away or keep in a freezer or refrigerator until they can be delivered.
Contact Beth Czerwinski with questions: cheesecake@herndonchoir.com
Jim Van Slyke Speaks at Feb. 9
Booster Meeting
The Herndon Choral Boosters are excited to have guest clinician Jim Van Slyke join us for a presentation at the Monday, February 9, meeting. Mr. Van Slyke will provide information for parents and students about identifying college music programs — classical and musical theater; determining a good college match for music students; and identifying sustainable career opportunities in the field of music beyond Broadway and American Idol
The February 9 meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Choir Classroom. This is a general parents meeting; however, students are invited and encouraged to attend. In addition to the presentation by Mr. Van Slyke, Dana Van Slyke will participate in a question-and-answer session addressing expressed topics of interest. Please bring your questions and join us! Light refreshments will be served.
Photos
The Photo Gallery is now on Flickr!! Click here to view all of the photo collections.
Thanks go to Melanie Miller-Cvilikas for taking most of the photos and managing them for the Boosters and the website. Contact Melanie if you have questions or want to submit additional photos.
2009 Cabaret Photos
Herndon's 2009 Cabaret, "A Broadway Song and Dance," closed January 24 to rave reviews and record turnouts.
2009 Herndon Cabaret
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009 7:30 p.m. HHS Auditorium Tickets $10.00
Tickets also available at the door Herndon High School proudly presents the 2009 Broadway Cabaret, "A Broadway Song and Dance." Starring 50 of Herndon's talented singers and dancers, the production will feature hits from the Broadway musicals Mamma Mia!, Saturday Night Fever, The Goodbye Girl, and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown . . . and many more! The Cabaret, presented annually, is directed, produced, choreographed, and accompanied by Herndon High School Choral Director Dana Van Slyke and HHS Vocal Jazz Clinician Jim Van Slyke. |
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ONLINE TICKET SALES
Click the "BUY TICKETS" button above to purchase Cabaret e-tickets online through TicketLeap. Note that there is a nonrefundable processing fee ($.97 + 3.99%) per ticket for tickets purchased online. You must print and bring the e-ticket with you to the event.
Ithacappella Visits January 12
On January 12, Ithacappella, Ithaca College's all-male collegiate a cappella ensemble, held an in-school workshop with music students during the school day and performed a concert benefiting the Herndon Choral Boosters that evening. Photos | Article in the Herndon Connection
Annual Cheesecake Fundraiser: Everyone loves dessert!
Sell Sweetz Cheesecakes and raise money for the spring trip to Virginia Beach and other choir expenses! Ask neighbors, relatives, parents of your friends, friends of your parents, co-workers, teachers, and other people in the school to place an order to support the Herndon Choir program.
Cheesecakes keep for several months in the freezer. Encourage customers to order now for Valentine's Day and order extras for desserts on special occasions in the spring.
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PRICES |
STUDENT PROFIT |
All 1-lb cheesecakes |
$12.00 |
$3.80 |
All 2-lb cheesecakes |
$21.00 |
$7.50 |
Carrot cake |
$13.00 |
$4.20 |
FUNDRAISER SCHEDULE
January 22 |
Cheesecake orders due. Collect payment when you make the sale. Checks payable to "HHS Choral Boosters." |
February 11 |
Pick up cheesecake orders at 2:10 p.m. in the Choir Classroom. Be sure to deliver them to your customers right away or keep in a freezer or refrigerator until they can be delivered. |
ABOUT SWEETZ CHEESECAKES
Sweetz Cheesecake is a local product, made in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Sweetz Cheesecakes are available in many fine restaurants and hotel dining rooms. The cakes you sell are the same products in special fundraising sizes.
White House Ornament Fundraiser Results
The Herndon Choral Boosters want to express their deepest appreciation for the hard work and dedication of parent volunteer Maurean Truncale for successfully managing the 2008 White House ornament fundraiser. Thanks to her tireless efforts, 700 ornaments were sold! Maurean's efforts helped support not only the Choir program at HHS but also the students who are trying to raise money for the spring trip.
You are greatly appreciated, Maurean! Thanks also to Barb and Tim Ramey for handling eBay sales of previous years' ornaments. A small number of 2003 and 2005 White House ornaments are still available. Please send an e-mail to ornament@herndonchoir.com if interested in purchasing these.
Herndon Madrigals Perform at Local Venues
The Herndon Madrigals ensemble is performing holiday music in the Herndon/Reston area throughout the month of December. Please check the performance schedule for upcoming concerts.
Above left: At Dranesville Elementary School, Dec. 5 (photo by Randy Hickman). Above right: At Dulles Town Center, Dec. 7 (photo by Kirsten Frostad).
Fall 2008 Herndon Pyramid Choir Concert
Tuesday, November 25 • 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Our 4th Annual Pyramid Concert! Choirs from Clearview, Hutchison, and Dranesville elementary schools, Herndon Middle School, and Herndon High School performed. The program finale was performed by all choirs together — more than 500 students!
PROGRAM | CD ORDER FORM | LOTS MORE PHOTOS!
Also visit the Herndon Middle School choir website for photos: www.hmschoir.com
Congratulations to the HHS Vocal Jazz Ensemble!
The Vocal Jazz Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2008 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) annual conference. They traveled to Hot Springs, Virginia, the weekend of November 20-22 for their performance at the Homestead Resort. This is a wonderful honor for the Vocal Jazz Ensemble. These talented singers were hard at work preparing for this performance since last summer. They performed seven jazz selections, including a premiere performance of Jay Althouse's arrangement of the Cole Porter standard, "Let's Do It." Congratulations to Choral Director Dana Van Slyke, Vocal Jazz Clinician Jim Van Slyke, and all of the ensemble members for this accomplishment! Vocal Jazz Schedule Update
The Sound of Music
CLICK HERE for the latest photos. Also be sure to visit the Drama website: www.HerndonDrama.org.
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Share your photos! Submit photos online on the PHOTOS page.
FCPS Budget
Next year's FCPS budget shortfall is likely to affect music education programs. Music is integral to our students' education because of the skills acquired through learning, practicing, and performing music.
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Read entire article on www.WashingtonPost.com (Nov. 17, 2008, p. B02)
Men's Workshop Chorus Held November 10
Congratulations to the men of the Herndon High School Choir who were selected to take part in the 2008 All-County Men's Workshop Chorus on November 10. The following men participated:
Jared Ambrose |
Tom Lyver |
The day-long workshop was held at the Performing Arts Center at George Mason University. Eugene Rogers, Director of Choral Activities at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, was the guest conductor. The day culminated in an “Informance” — an informal performance/instruction session demonstrating what they learned during the day — for parents, family, and friends.
The annual Men's Workshop Chorus is co-sponsored by the FCPS Fine Arts Office and the Fairfax County Choral Directors Association.
STUDENTS: Sell White House Ornaments and Earn $$ for the Spring Choir Trip!
CLICK HERE FOR ORNAMENT ORDER FORM
The annual White House ornament fundraiser is underway!
The 2008 White House Benjamin Harrison Ornament (pictured at left) honors the 23rd president of the United States, President Benjamin Harrison (1833–1901). This ornament is a glimpse of the first Christmas tree ever to have been documented in The White House.
White House ornaments are popular holiday gifts. Each ornament costs just $18.00. For each ornament they sell, students earn $3.00 credit toward their cost of the spring trip.
A limited number of previous years' ornaments also are available for purchase.
Questions? Contact Maurean Truncale, ornament@herndonchoir.com
2008-09 Cabaret Audition Results
NOV. 6: Congratulations to the entire cast! Please stop by the Choir Classroom to initial next to your name on the roster and accept your position on the cast.
THE WOMEN |
THE MEN |
Our first meeting will be We will also meet on
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District XII Chorus Audition Results
OCT. 28: On Saturday, October 25, singers from high schools throughout VMEA's District XII auditioned for the District XII Chorus. From among the 14 high schools in the district, 55 Herndon Choir singers were selected, as well as three alternates.
Listed below are some cool honors earned by our singers!
- Hannah Kwon is the #1 Soprano 2 in our district (SSA)!
- Hannah Glass is the #1 Alto 1 in our district (SSA)!
- Mary Peterson is the #3 Soprano 2 in our district (SATB)!
- Joey Truncale is the #1 Tenor 1 in our district (SATB)!
- Trevor Morgan and Josh Hagstrom are tied for the #2 Tenor 1 spot for our district (SATB)!
- Ian Guildea is the #2 Bass 2 for our district (SATB)!
Congratulations to everyone who auditioned. I am very proud of you! –Ms. Van Slyke
Herndon Middle School will hold auditions for the District XII Workshop Chorus on Nov. 6 and 12. View their calendar at www.hmschoir.com. Let's wish them luck!
DISTRICT XII CHORUS EVENT
February 12–14, 2009Marshall High School, Falls ChurchTimes: Get directions (www.fcps.edu) |
Cabaret Auditions Coming November 4!
The 2009 Broadway Cabaret 2009 will be on January 22 and 24, 2009. Soon, we will be auditioning. Anyone at Herndon is welcome to audition. Here is what you need to know for the auditions:
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Auditions are Tuesday, November 4, in the Choir Room. Sign up for a time slot by Friday, October 31. Prepare no more than a 1½ minute excerpt of a musical theatre or Disney song. Bring the sheet music or an accompaniment tape/CD to the audition. You may dress in costume if you wish, and add in staging if so desired. Relax, have fun, and break a leg! |
A NOTE ABOUT REHEARSALS: Dress rehearsals are scheduled as follows:
January 10 and 17 (Saturdays) — 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
January 20 — During the day
January 21 — 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Check to make sure you are available on these days before auditioning. Conflict sheets will be collected from the cast, and the rehearsal schedule will then be made for after school throughout the months of November, December, and January.
District XII Chorus Audition
Saturday, October 25, 2008Yorktown High School, 5201 North 28th Street, Arlington, VA 22207Get directions (Google Maps) |
TIME BLOCKS |
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8:00–10:00 a.m. |
B |
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon |
C |
1:00–3:00 p.m. |
The audition piece is "He, Watching Over Israel" (Mendelssohn).
You must provide your own transportation. Arrive 15 minutes before your assigned time. You will be called into the appropriate room. You will sight-sing and sing your audition piece for two judges. The judges will not see you while you sing.
Students with the highest scores will be placed into this year's District choir. There are two choirs: one for 9th and 10th grade women, and one for 11th and 12th grade women and all of the men.
If you are going to audition, please make sure that you are available for the District Chorus event dates.
State Honors Choir Results |
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OCT. 6: Congratulations to seniors Maggie Osburn and Josh Hagstrom for being selected to this year's State Honors Choir. All of the senior singers from around the state gathered at Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, on Saturday, October 4. They auditioned individually for collegiate judges. Josh is ranked as the highest scoring Tenor 1 in Virginia! Maggie was ranked #2 in the state for Alto 2! Also to be congratulated is Kate Merryman, who placed as an alternate for Soprano 1. Josh and Maggie will attend the Virginia Music Educators' Conference in November to participate in the Honors Choir event.
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Car wash kudos, from Booster President Kathy Morgan
I want to thank the volunteers who helped make Saturday's car wash a great success. We appreciate everyone who took part in pre-selling tickets, working at the car wash, and bringing their cars to be washed. I really appreciate everyone who pitched in. Thanks to Jim for making a much needed ice run, and Randy for getting the kids organized and keeping the cars moving for 4 solid hours. Maurean & Julie did a great job keeping kids on task and focused while they worked and played, and thanks to Melanie for keeping track of the tickets and the money, as well as providing some company for the many parents who stopped by and waited for cars to be washed. Finally, thanks to Kara who works behind the scenes to tally and total it all for us.
Workin' at the Car Wash: Students Raised $1,000 for Scholarship Fund
CLICK HERE FOR MORE CAR WASH PHOTOS
Dozens of Herndon Choir students turned out for the Car Wash
Scholarship Fundraiser on Saturday, September 20, at the Herndon
Exxon. The rags and machines were really humming as students washed nearly 90 cars. And the boss didn't mind that they acted the fool (check
out the photos)!
Thank you to all of the students, parents, and patrons who made
the fundraiser a success. Special thanks also to Herndon Exxon for hosting us.
Photos by Melanie Miller-Cvilikas
HHS Music Dept. receives VMEA Blue Ribbon School Award
The Herndon HS Music Department has been awarded the Blue Ribbon School Award from the Virginia Music Educator's Association for our Superior Performing Ensembles. All sections of our department—Orchestra, Band, Choir, and Guitar—received Superior ratings at our festivals in the Spring of 07-08. We were sent a certificate that will be hanging in the main office.
Visit the VMEA website for more information about the award.
Audition results for fall musical, "The Sound of Music"
Audition results are posted on the Herndon Drama website and on the Room 175 callboard. The rehearsal schedule also is available there.
PERFORMANCE DATES: November 13–15, 2008 • 7:30 p.m. | November 16 • 2:00 p.m.
2008-09 Welcome Message from Ms. Van Slyke
Welcome to Herndon Choir, all new and returning chorus students! I hope you enjoyed your summer and are ready for the 2008–2009 school year. I have planned an exciting program of concerts, musical theatre, trips, festivals, and other events for you. This year you will continue to work on musicianship, vocal technique, sight singing, and ensemble and solo performance. You also will have opportunities to audition and perform in district and state honors choruses, as well as school-wide musical events such as our Broadway Cabaret and Fall Musical, The Sound of Music. We’ll add movement and a little musical theatre to our repertoire for the end-of-the-year Pops Concert. In the spring, students who wish to participate will travel to Virginia Beach for our spring competition trip! I am excited to see you and start our music making! Get ready to work hard! Let’s get started!
- Please read the “2008–2009 Choir Handbook.”
- If you haven't already, please read and fill out the following three forms (available in the Handbook):
Herndon High School Honor Code (pg. 4)
Wardrobe Rental Agreement – along with costume rental fee (made payable to "Herndon Choral Boosters") (pg. 6)
Booster/ Contact Information Form (pg. 8)
Return all three forms by Friday, September 5. These forms also will be handed out in class.
- Get acquainted with the Choir Calendar (pg. 5). A significant part of your grade depends on your participation at our concerts.
I look forward to great music making this year!
2007-2008
Spotlight on Singers
Herndon Choir Students Support 2008 "Relay for Life"
Herndon Choir students joined the Relay for Life of Herndon organization by singing and participating in the Relay for Life event during the weekend of July 7-8 at the school. This was a great opportunity for the HHS choral program to give back to the greater Herndon community, and to support the American Cancer Society and cancer research. The Relay for Life performers were the cast of this year's Broadway Cabaret, "They're Playing Our Song." The Madrigals also performed for the Survivor's Dinner. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Liz Smith and Civanna Hoffman, both choir seniors, who spent much time coordinating the Relay for Life event in general. These two are great singers and stellar citizens! Congrats to all of the HHS singers who participated in the walk as well!
Student to Sing in Festival of the Aegean
Senior Alex Bonilla will be participating with the Columbia Collegiate Chorale of Maryland (Columbia Union College, MD) in their 2008 summer tour. As part of their three-week tour, they will participate in the "Festival of the Aegean" in the island of Syros, Greece. They will also visit and perform in Turkey, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Romania. Congratulations, Alex!
Students Selected for Va. Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts
Junior Kate Merryman was selected to attend this year's Va. Governor's School for Visual and Performing Arts for vocal music. Junior Molly Bouffard was selected as an alternate in the same school, also for vocal music. Governor’s Schools give gifted students academic and visual and performing arts opportunities to focus on a specific area of intellectual or artistic strength and interest, and to study in a way that best suits the gifted learner’s needs. Congratulations, Kate and Molly!
Congrats to Josh Hagstrom for his successful performance at the All-Virginia Chorus Concert during the weekend of April 24-26 at Harrisonburg High School, Harrisonburg, Va.
Colleen Rice won the Grand Prize $100 Scholarship at the 1st Annual Teen Talent Competition. Colleen is a senior who performs in both Herndon Madrigals and Vocal Jazz. The competition was sponsored by and held at Herndon United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 10.
Audition Results for 2008-2009 Announced
Click here to view the audition results.
Herndon Choir Students Honor Trish Fraker
Dranesville Elementary Chorus alumni from HHS performed "Fill Your Heart with a Song" with the DES 5th and 6th Grade Chorus. The May 7 concert and awards ceremony was the farewell event for Ms. Fraker, who will retire from teaching at the end of this school year. Herndon Choral Boosters President Kathy Morgan conducted the tribute song.
Festival Disney Results
We returned on April 13 after much success in Orlando. The students were exemplary citizens and represented Herndon proudly! There were over 85 ensembles represented at this festival from areas stretching from Quebec to Texas to Virginia and New England. Herndon High made up 13 of them!
The clinicians were truly impressed with the musical achievement of our students, as were we!
Some highlights of our festival were:
Our GUITAR Students, under the direction of Chris Cunningham: Superior rating and Best in Class for the Guitar division, beating FCPS's own West Springfield!
Our ORCHESTRA, under the direction of Bette Gawinski: Concert Orchestra rating of Good and Symphonic Orchestra rating of Excellent!
Our BAND, under the direction of Rich Bergman
Symphonic Band rated Superior!
Wind Ensemble rated Superior, and they received the Silver Award overall for concert bands!
Percussion Ensembles rated Superior!
Jessica Yu received special recognition for her solo in wind ensemble!
Our JAZZ BAND, under the direction of Jazz Clinician Brett Lemley: Rated Superior and Best in Class for jazz bands!
Our CHOIR, under the direction of Dana Van Slyke
Concert Choir rated Superior!
Herndon Chorale rated Superior, Best in Class, and received the Bronze Award for overall concert choirs and women's choirs!
Show Choir rated Superior!
Men's Choir rated Superior!
Madrigals rated Superior, Best in Class, and received the Gold Award for overall specialty choirs!
Our VOCAL JAZZ, under the direction of Jazz Clinician Jim Van Slyke: Rated Superior and Best in Class for jazz choirs!
It was a great weekend! Please congratulate these musicians on their accomplishments!
District XII Chorus Festival Results
Congratulations to the Herndon High School Choirs for their participation in the District XII Choral Festival on Saturday, March 1, at Langley High School.
Our Madrigals received straight Superiors (1s) for their performance.
The Herndon Chorale received ratings of both Superior and Excellent, with an overall rating of Superior.
I am very proud of their accomplishments. They represented Herndon with much ability and pride!
The Pre-Festival Pyramid Concert was Thursday, February 28, 7:00 p.m. All HHS choir groups performed, along with choirs from Herndon Middle School and Armstrong, Clearview, Dranesville, and Herndon elementary schools.
All-State Audition Results
Auditions for the All-State Chorus were held on Thursday, Feb. 7. The following Herndon High School students were selected:
All-State - Junior Josh Hagstrom (Tenor 1)
Alternate - Senior Meagan Carrick (Soprano 2)
Alternate - Senior Alex Bonilla (Tenor 2)
Congratulations, singers! All-State will be held April 24-26 at Harrisonburg High School in Harrisonburg, Va.
District XII Chorus Event a Success for
Herndon High School
Nearly 500 singers took part in weekend-long rehearsals and concert
More than 100 volunteers set the stage (see Acknowledgments below)
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The District XII Chorus Concert on Saturday, February 9, was the culmination of three days of rigorous rehearsals with esteemed guest conductors, as well as three months of preparation by a cadre of local school choral directors and parent volunteers.
More than 450 singers from 24 middle and high schools in Fairfax and Arlington counties (District XII of the Virginia Music Educators Association) participated in the annual event. The 2008 District Chorus event was hosted at Herndon High School under the leadership of Choral Director Dana Van Slyke.
Three choir groups rehearsed and performed during District Chorus: Middle School Workshop choir, which was composed of 161 girls and boys in seventh and eighth grades; Women’s Choir, composed of 100 young women in ninth and tenth grades; and Mixed Choir, composed of 198 voices – women in grades eleven and twelve and men in grades nine through twelve.
All singers were selected by audition last November, and they worked on the musical pieces with their school choral directors to prepare for the District Chorus event. Fifty singers represented Herndon High School, and 18 future Stinger Singers from Herndon Middle School participated. Herndon band and orchestra musicians provided musical accompaniment on several of the selections.
Guest conductors from colleges and universities throughout the United States are invited each year to rehearse with and then conduct the students in concert. This year, the Mixed Choir was conducted by Dr. Patrick Walders, Director of Choral Activities at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Va. The Mixed Chorus prepared and performed five selections, including “Missa Brevis in Bb” from Mozart’s Kyrie, Gloria; “Requiem,” by Craig Hella Johnson; and “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord,” by Moses Hogan. Nancy Stowe accompanied the Mixed Choir on piano, substituting for Elaine Stanford, who was unable to attend due to a family emergency.
The Women’s Choir was led by Dr. Lauren Fowler-Calisto, Associate Professor and Director of Choral Studies and Vocal Jazz at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Va. The women, accompanied on piano by Jane Kaye, performed selections across several genres, including African folk, madrigals, and American standard.
The Middle School Workshop choir was conducted by Dan LeJeune, Middle School Choral Director at The Blake School in Hopkins, Minnesota. Accompaniment was provided by Carol Feather Martin. The singers prepared and performed six selections, including “Swell the Full Chorus” by Handel and “A Song to You I Sing” by Jacques Arcadelt.
District Chorus required many hours of planning and preparation on the part of the 24 choral directors at the participating schools. Claire Rowan, choral director at Madison High School in Vienna, was the VMEA District XII chair. Dana Van Slyke was the high school host chair and Lorraine Neill, choral director at Franklin Middle School in Chantilly, was middle school host chair.
Jeff Benson, choral director at H-B Woodlawn High School in Arlington, was the district auditions coordinator. Auditions for the Virginia All-State Choir were held the first evening of rehearsal, coordinated by Theresa Severin of Washington-Lee High School in Arlington.
Led by District Choir Committee Coordinator Melanie Miller-Cvilikas, more than 100 adult and student volunteers joined the Herndon Choral Boosters to transform the entire music department into rehearsal space, set up the stage, and organize meals and refreshments for the singers, directors, and guest conductors.
Special kudos go to Herndon junior Sonya Frostad, who was of invaluable service to all of the committees during the entire three days of the event.
Sweetz Cheesecake Sale Was Sweet!
Many thanks to parent volunteers Patty Shaffer and Beth Czerwinski for organizing the Sweetz Cheesecake sale. The sweet profits will benefit the Choir program at Herndon High. Thanks to you both!
2007 White House Ornament Fundraiser
The Herndon Choral Boosters want to express heartfelt thanks for the hard work of parent volunteers Maurean Truncale and Margie Smith for successfully managing the 2007 White House ornament fundraiser. Your efforts helped support not only the Choir program at HHS but also the students who are trying to raise money for the spring trip. You are greatly appreciated!
Faculty Member of the Week (Feb. 9-15): Dana Van Slyke
"She always goes above and beyond to help her students, comes in early to teach classes before school and holds rehearsals during stinger time. Today Dana is hosting district choir and has planned many other events throughout the year. Thanks for your dedication and hard work, Dana!"
Rave Reviews for Herndon Choir's Fall '07 Sampler Concert!
The Herndon Choir's 2007-08 performance season opened on Thursday, October 25. In their first concert of the year, the talented young singers and dancers turned out spirited interpretations of traditional, standard, pop, and classical music.
Many of the musical numbers spotlighted gutsy solo singers. In addition, the three senior women who made the 2007 State Senior Honors Choir — Colleen Rice, Liz Smith, and Meagan Carrick — delighted the audience with impressive solo performances.
The combined chorus performance of the District XII Chorus audition piece, "And the Glory of the Lord" was awesome — all the more so because the groups do not regularly rehearse or perform on-stage together.
The students were conducted by Herndon Choir Director Dana Van Slyke and Vocal Jazz Clinician Jim Van Slyke, and accompanied on piano by Erin Qureshi and Jim Van Slyke.
Thanks go to all of the Booster committee chairs, as well as the parent and student volunteers who helped to make the Fall Sampler Concert a successful and enjoyable event. All photos by Rick Hancock.
Three HHS Singers Selected for 2007 State Senior Honors Choir
Congratulations go out to the following Seniors for making the 2007 State Senior Honors Choir:
- Meagan Carrick
- Colleen Rice
- Liz Smith
These women traveled to Longwood University this past weekend to audition for collegiate judges from around the state. They will participate in the State Honors Choir at the Virginia Music Educator's Conference in Norfolk, Virginia, November 15-17, culminating in a concert on Saturday, November 17. This is a wonderful accomplishment, so please congratulate them when you see them!
2006-2007
Pops Concert a Tremendous Success
Thursday, May 24, 2007
The Pops Concert, held on , is an annual favorite with HHS Alumni, students, and parents alike. This is the final concert of the year, and the last concert as an HHS student for graduating seniors. The Pops Concerts feature solos, duets, and performances from HHS Choir ensembles: Madrigal singers, Herndon Chorale, Concert Choir, Heatwave, For Men Only, and Vocal Jazz!
HHS Choirs Receive Top Honors in the Fiest-val Music Adjudication
March 22-25, 2007, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Congratulations to the HHS Choirs who traveled to Myrtle Beach this past weekend to participate in Fiest-val Music Adjudication! All of our choirs received top honors, the highest rating of Superior in every category and the Grand Champion trophy for accomplishing all superiors. Those choirs included: Concert Choir, Madrigals, Herndon Chorale, Vocal Jazz and Show Choir.
We also had special awards presented to some soloists. Those students who received that honor were:
Junior Meagan Carrick
Senior Emily Lordahl
Senior MC Hawes
Senior Maryanne Hull
The students were also commended for their exceptional behavior at the hotel, the festival and throughout the trip. We all should be very proud.
Herndon High Madrigal Singers Perform "Bach's Magnificat"
Saturday, March 3, 2007 — Reveille United Methodist Church, Richmond, VA
The Herndon High School Madrigals, along with the Longwood University Chorale, Stafford High School Choir, and Heritage High School, performed "Bach’s Magnificat." This concert was open to the public, and all family and friends were invited to attend. Performed inside the Sanctuary of Reveille United Methodist Church in Richmond Va by Longwood’s premier choirs, Camerata Singers, and the Chamber Ensemble, and joined by the Herndon High School Madrigal Singers and Reveille’s Chancel Choir. Accompaniment provided by members of the Richmond Symphony. Conducted by Dr. Dennis Malfatti, Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities, Longwood University.
Broadway Cabaret Show at Herndon High
Thursday, January 18, and Saturday, January 20, 2007
The Herndon Choir presented "Putting it Together," a Broadway-style Cabaret Show at the Herndon High Auditorium. Directed, produced, choreographed, and accompanied by Dana & Jim Van Slyke with a cast of over 40 EXTRAORDINARILY TALENTED Herndon High Choir students.
Herndon High District XII Choir Members
October 2006, Wakefield High School
Congratulations to all HHS Choir auditioners! Congratulations to the members of the 2006-2007 District XII Choirs! Women in 9th and 10th grades will be in Women’s District Choir; women in 11th and 12th grade and all men will be in the Mixed District Choir. I am proud of all of the auditioners!
