KINDERGARTEN (5 YEARS OLD), GRADES 1 & 2
Each Piccolo group has approximately 18 singers. Rehearsals are 45 minutes long. Piccolos sing in the annual Christmas Concert (Orpheum Theatre) and the Summer concert (Chan Centre, UBC). In weekly rehearsals, the focus is on developing fine singing technique, solfege, ear training, the awareness of musical elements and concepts, as well as sensitive phrasing and musicality.
Please note: We are hoping to return to in-person classes in September. Alternative options will be hybrid rehearsals (reduced numbers in person on a rotating basis, remainder of class joins from home) or fully online if absolutely necessary.
CONDUCTOR: Catherine Campolin
PIANIST: Yihan Zhang
REHEARSALS
Our piccolo choirs have several different rehearsal sections to choose from, including two separate locations. This helps us keep class sizes small and provide the best instruction. Singers choose one section to attend each week for the entire season.
Tuesdays – 4:30-5:15 or 5:30-6:15
Pacific Spirit United Church (2195 W 45th Ave) in Kerrisdale
Wednesdays – 4:45-5:30
Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School (419 E 24th Ave)
Thursdays – 4:45-5:30
Sir Charles Tupper Secondary School (419 E 24th Ave)
PLEASE NOTE: We try our best to accommodate requests for specific rehearsal venue and times, however we also need to balance our choirs in terms of enrollment numbers and vocal considerations. We appreciate your understanding!
AUDITIONS
Singers for this level attend a vocal placement session in groups of up to six children. There is no need to prepare anything for this level. Sessions will include vocal and rhythmic exercises as well as some individual time at the piano with the conductor. These sessions last approximately 20-30 minutes. For Piccolos, this session is meant to be low pressure and a non-competitive audition process. It is as much an opportunity for your child to get to know us as it is a chance for us to meet your future singer.
*For 2020-21: due to COVID-19, all auditions will be conducted virtually for September 2020 entry into the choir. Auditions will be individual, accompanied by a parent and approximately 7 minutes long. There is nothing to prepare in advance- come ready to meet Miss Catherine and play a couple fun musical games! For more information contact us at vbcc.auditions@vancouverbachchoir.com.
CONCERT ATTIRE
PICCOLO BOYS
- grey pants
- long-sleeved plain red shirts (any collar is fine)
- black socks
- black shoes
- any necessary hair clips/elastics should match hair
- hair should be neat and off of your face
PICCOLO GIRLS
- grey jumpers (provided with deposit)
- long-sleeved plain red shirts (any collar is fine)
- white tights (full length, solid white, not sheer. Cotton or nylon is ok. Should not be shiny or patterned.)
- black shoes
- any necessary hair clips/elastics should match hair
- hair should be neat and off of your face
- any jewellery should be subtle so as not to distract during the performance