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Athens Community Music School

ATHENS CHILDREN'S CHORUS

FALL AUDITIONS FOR ADVANCED ENSEMBLE ON 9/4/08. CALL 740-593-4241 TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION
The Athens Children’s Chorus is an ensemble for boys and girls in grades 3 – 9 that rehearses on Thursday evenings at the Ohio University School of Music and is part of the Athens Community Music School.  Founded in 1982, the Chorus has a variety of performing opportunities every year in addition to traditional concerts.         

The Chorus is comprised of two groups— an Apprentice Ensemble that is open to all interested children in grades 3 and above (no audition required) and an Advanced Ensemble that is available by audition to students currently in grades 5 –8 (unchanged voices only).  This is a full-year commitment – September through May – and the tuition is $175. Need-based scholarships are available and no student will be denied the opportunity to participate because of financial limitations.

The primary goal of the Athens Children’s Chorus is to provide the opportunity for children in grades 3 through 9 to experience enjoyment and participation in a children’s choral music program while focusing on healthy and expressive singing habits, rehearsal and performance techniques, and music reading skills.
Other goals of the ensemble include:
a.  To develop proper vocal technique.
b.  To develop an understanding of musical concepts by singing quality music appropriate to the child voice from a variety of periods and a wide range of styles and cultures.
c.  To encourage personal and social growth of members and promote their sense of self-worth, accomplishment, and pride.
d.  To contribute to the cultural life of the members and the broader community.
e.  To hire and retain a director that serves as a model teacher for Ohio University music education students to observe.

Some highlights from the 2007-2008 year include:
+ Sharing a concert with the Singing Men of Ohio and the Women’s Chorale at Ohio University.
+ Performing at the Communiversity Holiday Concert at Ohio University.
+ Singing the national anthem before two OU Bobcat Basketball games at the Convo.
+ Joining singers from the Con Brio Choir and the Hocking Children’s Chorus for a children’s chorus festival guest conducted by Robyn Lana - founding director of the Cincinnati Children’s Choir.


Back stage at Hansel and Gretel, 4/28/07
The Director - Mrs. Melanie Horne
Mrs. Horne teaches K-6 general music at East and West Elementary schools in Athens and has been the director of the Athens Children’s Chorus since 1999. In addition, Mrs. Horne has taught K-8 general music in schools in the Pittsburgh area, worked as a church organist and choir director, and served as accompanist and intern with Children’s Festival Chorus of Pittsburgh, as well as accompanist of Hocking County Children’s Chorus.

Mrs. Horne holds a B.S. in Music Education from Duquesne University and a Master of Music Education with Kodaly Emphasis from Capital University, where she was the recipient of the Gregory Von Stein Scholarship. She holds Level 3 Kodaly and Orff Certifications as well as memberships in the Organization of Kodaly Educators, American Orff-Schulwerk Association, American Choral Director’s Association, and Music Educators National Conference.

For additional information, please contact:

Elizabeth Braun, Director
Athens Community Music School
Glidden Hall 551A
Ohio University School of Music
Athens,  OH  45701
braune@ohio.edu
740-593-4241