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 11, 2023
Fees:
Registration Fee: $95.00/semester
Music deposit: $20/semester refunded when music is returned
Uniform Costs (one time only):
Ladies’ uniforms approximately $73
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 irailda_eneli@yahoo.com.br.
Handchime Ensemble (7th to 12th grade) – 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
Date: Fall semester starts September 11, 2023
Fees: $55/semester (registration fee – no music deposit)
Description: The Mt. Sophia Academy Handchime Ensemble is a non-auditioned ensemble open to all students in grades 7 through 12. Because of the nature of this ensemble and the limited number of chimes, we may need to limit the number of players that are accepted into the ensemble based on the level of interest. 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 Handchime 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 Handchime Ensemble features and will also accompany the MSA choirs. Students do NOT need to be enrolled in Mt. Sophia Academy in order to participate in the Handchime Ensemble and 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 Handchime Ensemble may be the perfect fit. And with the MSA choir programs meeting immediately afterwards from 6:30-8:00pm on Monday evenings, we would love for your child to stay and sing with us as well. Why not make it a full evening of music and meet other students who share your child’s love of music and performing!
Any questions can be addressed to the director, debdoremi@comcast.net or the manager, Barb Varnell, at dbvarnell@comcast.net.
Concert Choir (4th to 8th grade) – Open to all students
Concert Choir (4th 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 11, 2023
Fees:
Registration Fee: $75.00/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 4 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 3rd grade) – Open to all students
Elementary Choir (1st to 3rd grade) – Open to all students
Place: Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark
Director: Lindsay Rhein
Rehearsal Day/Time: Monday Evenings, 6:30-7:45 (note: rehearsal will end earlier than the
older choirs)
Date: Fall semester starts September 11, 2023
Registration Fee: $60.00/semester
Description: Like our older choirs, the Elementary Choir is a non-auditioned ensemble. It is
open to all students in grades 1 through 3. 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.
