Youth Singers Program - The Bainbridge Chorale

Bainbridge Chorale Young Singers Program

What is this program?

Under the auspices of the Bainbridge Chorale, this independent program is open to all area youth to participate in any one of three age-appropriate vocal ensembles while learning music theory, developing vocal techniques, discovering the joy of singing, building self-esteem, and exploring diverse cultural music. A limited number of scholarships are available for each class. Capacity is 150 total.

For each session, each choir meets for an hour weekly for 10-12 weeks, working on vocal technique and song genres appropriate to the age level, and to prepare for performances in the Bainbridge and greater Kitsap communities. Rehearsals involve learning healthy breathing methods, singing posture, producing good vocal quality, and music theory. The rehearsal/performance schedule is similar to the Chorale’s schedule of two or three concerts a year in the fall and spring.

The Director for the program is Kathleen Bullivant. She resides and teaches music on Bainbridge Island, and currently directs youth choirs for Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church. The accompanist is Nancy Bergman Lyman, a local resident, organist at Rolling Bay Presbyterian, and member of many local performing groups.

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BAINBRIDGE CHORALE YOUNG SINGERS PROGRAM (YSP)
mission statement

To inspire and nurture a love and enthusiasm for singing
To foster and develop each singer's individual musical ability into a cohesive ensemble setting
To partake in and support the local Arts community; to build relationships with artists, audiences, and students
To offer an opportunity to local youth to sing and perform diverse repertoire in a fun, relaxed environment that builds and fosters self-esteem

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structure

There are three auditioned choirs, arranged in the following age groups:

Choir 1 for Grades 2 - 4 Choir 2 for Grades 5 and 6 Choir 3 for Grades 7+

All rehearsals are at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church
Choir 1: Thursdays 4:30-5:30 pm
Choir 2: Wednesdays 4:00-5:00 pm
Choir 3: Thursdays 3:15-4:15 pm

Auditions are held twice a year, in August and January. To coordinate policy between the two groups, the musical directors of the Bainbridge Chorale (Anthony Spain) and Young Singers Program (Kathleen Bullivant) have agreed on the following principles:

2nd through 10th graders will normally sing with the YSP program; the YSP director may recommend exceptional 10th graders audition for Chorale
11th graders may audition for either group in September, and may progress to Chorale mid-year if (a) both directors agree that the singer is ready for such a transition, and (b) provided the singer has committed to singing through the winter concert with YSP and then may audition for Chorale
12th graders may audition for YSP or Chorale and the respective directors will make the recommendation for placement in one or the other program
singers entering either program will be auditioned by the director of that program
the directors recognize there may be exceptions to strict age limits in light of a singer's vocal ability and social/rehearsal maturity

All adult musicians associated with the Bainbridge Chorale Young Singers Program have been Washington State background-checked

Contact Information – Kathleen Bullivant, Director
Phone: 206-780-2467
E-mail: ysp@bainbridgechorale.org

Fees – $50.00 per session

Scholarships – are available; please contact the Chorale office 780-2467 for an application

Music – for each performance, music is chosen by the Director and may include multi-cultural songs, Christmas carols, celebration of holidays and feast days. Various genres including folksongs, jazz, and classical.

Performances – Choir 1 will perform in two concerts, fall and spring. Concerts will
                    be held locally for the community. Other performing opportunities are
                    possible and participation will be assessed on a case by case basis.
                        – Choirs 2 & 3 will perform two concerts a year minimum. Once
                    repertoire is learned there are many opportunities for performance
                    for these ages.

Parental support – is encouraged anytime, and for performances is expected

Communication – e-mail will be the primary means of communication

What steps do I take to sing with the YSP?

STEP 1: Discuss the commitment of weekly rehearsal attendance and performance preparation with your family.

STEP 2: Print the audition information form, complete it and send it in to the Bainbridge Chorale office.

STEP 3: Wait for someone to contact you to schedule an audition time and place; meanwhile, be thinking about a short song you can sing unaccompanied.

STEP 4: On the scheduled date, arrive a few minutes early to focus and prepare. The audition will be a private hearing for you to sing to one or two adults. Your family members must remain close by (but not in the audition room) to answer any questions we may have for them. There will also be time allowed for you to ask us any questions you have, so please bring them along.

From the Director: Each audition is private and approximately 10 minutes in duration. Included in the audition is listening to different notes and rhythms, and repeating them back to me. I will ask you to sing a song. Keep it simple and familiar. I’m looking to see how well you can sing in tune! For choir three, sight-reading a short melody will also be part of the audition.

STEP 5: You will hear back shortly after the audition, by phone or e-mail, whether you have been accepted for this year or if the recommendation is that you wait until a later date.

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