1. ALEXANDER MACKENZIE HIGH SCHOOL ENRICHMENT CHOIROctober 27, 2010

2. Our Mission • To improve a student’s musical talents and appreciation for music; • To establish a cohesive group of students who share the common bond of singing; • To lay a foundation for success in the high school music curriculum.

3. Importance of Music Education • Singing is one of the most natural forms of self-expression and provides an ideal educational basis for learning both the intellectual and aesthetic aspects of music. • The ultimate objective of the enrichment vocal program is to develop the singing voice and music literacy skills. • The study of singing contributes to personal growth, social and cultural awareness, and the intellectual and emotional development of the individual.

4. PART 1Music Education Elementary School • Students learn the basics of how to read music and sing in a group. High School • Continue to improve vocal development and musical skills • Join a larger ensemble (70+ singers) with the option to join smaller ensembles (5-20 musicians) After High School • Continue to sing for fun (in community choirs etc). • Music as a career • Appreciate music with understanding and musical literacy

5. PART 2The benefits of music • Develop confidence performing in front of an audience; • Builds teamwork skills and discipline; • Music students have higher grades than average high school students; • Make friends with common interests; • "There is a very high correlation between positive self-perception, high cognitive competence scores, healthy self-esteem, total interest and school involvement, and the study of music.” Norwegian Research Council for Science and the Humanities.

6. PART 3The Enrichment Choir This choir is intended for grade 6, 7 and 8 students who enjoy singing. No auditions. Requirements: Need to attend 17 out of 21 rehearsals to play in the concerts.

7. PART 4 Music in High School • Once a student graduates from elementary school, we hope that he or she will take grade 9 music; • Improved confidence and musical talents; • Continued involvement in a music ensemble; • Extra-curricular involvement sets a student apart from others in vying for admittance to post-secondary institutions and scholarships.

8. Rehearsal Details When: Wednesday evenings Time: 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Choir rehearsal Sectionals Small ensembles (Duets/Trios/Jazz) Where: Alexander Mackenzie H.S., Room 196

9. Rehearsal Details • Sectionals will be run by high school students who perform in The Mackenzie Singers (84 member concert choir), and at least one other ensemble: ***Men’s Choir/Women’s Choir ***and/or A cappella/Jazz Choir, ***and/or Musical Theatre. • Students will have the opportunity to also sing duets and receive one-on-one attention and feedback.

10. Concert Details • Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 • A.M.H.S.’s Annual Coffee House & Silent Auction • Wednesday, April 20th, 2011 • Intimate parents’ concert • Duets would be performed at this concert • Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 • A part of the A.M.H.S. Music Department’s Fanfare concert at the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts

11. Membership Fees What do the fees ($65) cover? • Instruction, sheet music, folder, snacks at practice, unlimited tickets to the Parents’ Concert and a t-shirt

12. My experience • Graduate of the University of Western Ontario, specialist in vocal music education. • Continued studies at Pepperdine University in California and Le Domaine Forget in Quebec. • Bachelor of Education, O.I.S.E (University of Toronto). • Scholarships for solo vocal performance from Kiwanis and NATS, as well as a award for teaching from the Ontario Music Educators Association. • Currently perform in the Windago Chamber Choir, Opera Kitchener Chorus, and Aurora Performing Arts Group. (July 2010: the Hawaii Performing Arts Festival).

13. Questions??? We welcome any questions you may have.