Senior Chorale (9th to 12th grade) – Open to all students
Place: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark
Director: Ira Rodrigues
Rehearsal Day/Time: Monday Evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Fall semester starts September 14, 2026
Fees:
Registration Fee: $115.00/semester
Music deposit: $20/semester refunded when music is returned
Uniform Costs (one time only):
Ladies’ uniforms approximately $75
Gentlemen’s uniforms approximately $30
Credit: ¼ credit per semester
Description: Mt. Sophia Academy Chorale is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades 9 through 12. We aim to equip our students to maximize their musical potential through choral singing. We will cover advanced concepts in vocal production including breathing, phonation, diction, foreign languages and expression. Students will be exposed to a variety of choral literature from different styles, periods, genres and languages. There will be a concert at the end of each semester where the students will have the opportunity to share their musicality and achievements. Students do NOT need to be enrolled in Mt. Sophia Academy in order to participate in Senior Chorale. Our choir members will also have the opportunity to audition for the Delaware All-State Choir.
If you have a student who enjoys singing, the Chorale may be just what you’re looking for, and you’ll find the Monday evening practices are also a wonderful time for your son or daughter to make new friends!
Any questions can be addressed to the director, Ira Rodrigues, at mtsophiachorale@gmail.com
Hand Chime Choir (5th to 12th grades) – Open to all students
Place: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark
Director: Debra Arnold
Rehearsal Day/Time: Monday Evenings, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Date: Fall semester starts September 14, 2026
Fees: $65/semester
Description: The Mt. Sophia Academy Hand Chime Ensemble is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades 5 through 12. This ensemble gives us the unique opportunity to challenge more advanced musicians and provide extra support and help to those who may be new to music ensembles. Our main focus in the Hand Chime Ensemble will be on fundamental music reading skills, working as a team, expression, accompaniment skills and ringing techniques. Students will play music from a variety of styles, periods and genres. There will be a concert at the end of each semester where the students will have the opportunity to share their musicality and achievements. They will present both Hand Chime Ensemble features and will also accompany the MSA choirs. Enrollment in the MSA Senior Chorale or Concert Choir is encouraged, but not required. If your child is interested in being part of an instrumental ensemble that is friendly to musicians of all levels, the MSA Hand Chime Ensemble may be the perfect fit.
Concert Choir (5th to 8th grade) – Open to all students
Place: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark
Director: Debra Arnold
Rehearsal Day/Time: Monday Evenings, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Date: Fall semester starts September 14, 2026
Fees:
Registration Fee: $95.00/semester
Music deposit: $20/semester refunded when music is returned
Description: Mt. Sophia Academy Concert Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades 5 through 8. We aim to equip our students to maximize their musical potential through choral singing. We will cover fundamental music reading skills, singing in parts, expression, foreign languages, instrument accompaniment skills and physical singing techniques. Students will be exposed to a variety of choral literature from different styles, periods, genres and languages. There will be a concert at the end of each semester where the students will have the opportunity to share their musicality and achievements. Students do NOT need to be enrolled in Mt. Sophia Academy in order to participate in Concert Choir. Our choir members will also have the opportunity to audition for the Delaware Junior All-State Choir.
If you have a student who enjoys singing and music, the Concert Choir may be just what you’re looking for, and you’ll find the Monday evening practices are also a wonderful time for your son or daughter to make new friends!
Any questions can be addressed to the director, debdoremi@gmail.com or the manager, Barb Varnell, at dbvarnell@comcast.net
Elementary Choir (1st to 4th grade)
Place: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark
Director: Mary Smith
Rehearsal Day/Time: Monday Evenings, 6:30-7:45 (note: rehearsal will end earlier than the older choirs)
Date: Fall semester starts September 14, 2026
Registration Fee: $80.00/semester.
Description: Like our older choirs, the Elementary Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble. It is open to all students in grades 1 through 4. We aim to equip these younger students with foundational singing skills and give them a love and appreciation for choral music. We will cover beginning aural skills training including solfege, some singing in parts, expression, foreign languages, and an emphasis on age-appropriate vocal technique. Students will be exposed to a variety of choral literature from different styles, periods, genres and languages. There will be a concert at the end of each semester where the students will have the opportunity to share their musicality and achievements. Students do NOT need to be enrolled in Mt. Sophia Academy in order to participate in the Elementary Choir.
If you have a child who enjoys singing and music, the Elementary Choir may be just what you’re looking for, and you’ll find the Monday evening practices are also a wonderful time for your son or daughter to make new friends!
Any questions can be addressed to the manager, Barb Varnell at dbvarnell@comcast.net.
