Dear 4th-5th Grade Parents,
I am excited to invite your children to sing in the Cowlishaw Chorus! I consider it a wonderful honor and privilege to serve as the chorus director. My passion is music and kids, and in the chorus atmosphere that combination explodes into engaging rehearsals that will give your child the fundamentals of vocal technique and ensemble singing. Our district's 4th-12th grade chorus program is one that, as a professional music educator, I highly value for its consistency in and commitment to excellence.
This year, 4th and 5th grade chorus will be divided into two groups: A group (5th graders) and B group (4th graders). Each week will rotate A week, B week, etc. Chorus rehearses from 8:15-8:50 AM beginning on Thursday, October 21, with the first rehearsal being an A week. We will be singing in the Multi-purpose Room, spaced six feet apart. Drop-off is at the Front Car Drop-Off and then enter Door 2. Door 2 opens at 8:10, if you arrive early, you must wait outside. Students are encouraged to carpool to rehearsals. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO SEND YOUR CHILD WITH 2 MASKS EACH REHEARSAL. Please sign up by October 15, so that I may arrange for appropriate seating.
Chorus Weekly Schedule:
Thursday, October 21- A Group (5th graders)
Thursday, October 28- B Group (4th graders) *recording video
Thursday, November 4- A Group (4th & 5th graders) *recording video
Thursday, November 11- B Group (4th graders)
Thursday, November 18- A Group (5th graders)
*No rehearsal Thursday November 25 (Thanksgiving Break)
Thursday, December 2- B Group (4th graders)
Thursday, December 9- A Group (5th graders)
Thursday, December 16- B Group (4th graders)
(The rest of the yearly schedule will be e-mailed at a later date)
Our concerts are scheduled for the following dates:
Thursday, November 11- Virtual Video Veteran's Day Assembly
(The students will record songs during rehearsal and create their own virtual assembly that the school will watch) *Please indicate below whether your child will be able to attend video rehearsals.
Thursday, March 24 - Combo Concert at Hill Middle School (time TBA)
Saturday, May 21- Fine Arts Festival at Matea Valley High School (time TBA)
During our rehearsals we will be following COVID-19 guidance for music from the Illinois Department of Public health and local health officials. We will implement the following procedures to support a safe rehearsal environment:
*Masking - Students will double mask for rehearsal with well fitting masks.
*Distancing - Our rehearsal space will be arranged to accommodate a minimum of 3 feet of physical distancing between students.
*Outdoor Singing - If the opportunity presents itself to sing outside, a minimum physical distance of 3 feet will be maintained between students, and one mask will be used for singing.
As the school year progresses, we will continue to monitor our local metrics and mitigations to determine protocols for rehearsals and performances.
Commitment is very important to the success of the group. Students should try to attend all rehearsals and performances. If a student needs to miss a rehearsal or performance please let me know ahead of time, if possible. Just send a note, call (630-428-6152) or drop me an email (
cristina_wagoner@ipsd.org).
Chorus is a fun atmosphere, where kids can express themselves musically while following rehearsal expectations. Students must observe the following behavior expectations during rehearsals in order to remain in Cowlishaw Chorus:
· Students will demonstrate respect to themselves and to others at all times.
· Students will listen when other students and/or the teacher is speaking.
· Students will demonstrate respect to choral music, choral folders, and instruments.
· Students will participate to the best of his/her abilities and will not hinder others from learning.
Thanks so much for supporting your child's musical growth! I'm looking forward to a fantastic year!
Musically yours,
Cristina Wagoner
Cowlishaw Chorus Director
cristina_wagoner@ipsd.org630-428-6152
