Westmoreland Children's
Chorus
PHILOSOPHY
Designed as an educational outreach of the Westmoreland Choral Society, http://www.westmorelandchoralsociety.com, the Westmoreland Children's Chorus emphasizes training in vocal production, performance skills, and the fundamentals of singing through quality choral literature. The children learn the vocal techniques of posture, breath support, and tone production. Particular emphasis is placed on developing a natural and healthy vocal tone. Musical concepts are taught through singing, listening, analysis, and self-evaluation. Repertoire includes works of the master composers along with spirituals, carols, and folk songs from around the world. Each choir meeting is considered a lesson in musicianship training, not just a choral rehearsal.
MISSION
The Westmoreland Children’s Chorus was established to educate and to develop the musicianship of children in the fine arts through the study and performance of quality choral music. Focus is placed on enabling each child can reach his/her highest potential as a musician and performer. The chorus fosters the personal, musical, and social growth of choir members and promotes their sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and pride. Above all, the children experience the joy of creating choral beauty. It is hoped that this experience will form the foundation of a life-long relationship with quality music for the singers.
MEMBERSHIP
Open to children of all religious, racial, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, the Westmoreland Children's Chorus consists of approximately 50 singers in grades 4 – 10. Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 7:30 at the First Lutheran Church, Greensburg. The calendar year closely follows the public school calendar, with vacations generally falling during the traditional Christmas and summer seasons. Rehearsals start in September and end in early May. Performance opportunities include concerts with the Seton Hill University Handbell Choirs and with the Westmoreland Choral Society. New singers wishing to join the choir should make an appointment for an audition by telephoning the Seton Hill University Community Music Office at 724-830-1079 or Shirley Huls at 724-830-1058.