Choir and Handbell Program
Choir is a co-curricular activity which gives HCA students a chance to grow through musical learning, self-discipline, performance demeanor, and the common joy of singing. It requires a commitment for the entire school year from its members. All students who join choir must agree to fulfill the performance obligations.
Both the Senior and Junior Choirs have very important performance roles in and out of the HCA community. Both choirs perform at Holy Child liturgies, special events, and the Christmas and Spring Concerts. They also will perform at nursing homes and other regional locales during the Christmas season. In the past, the choir has performed in Washington, DC; Baltimore; Harrisburg; Old Westbury, NY; Society of the Holy Child Jesus Chapel; New York City; the Philadelphia 30th Street Train Station; Franklin Square; Hershey Park; at Phillies Games at Citizens Bank Park; the Anacosta-Bolling Joint Base; and on the Battleship New Jersey.
Junior and Senior Choirs:
Junior Choir: Grades 2 to 4
Senior Choir: Grades 5 to 8
Choir Concert Attire
Senior and Junior Choirs - Both Choirs have to wear concert attire for special occasions. It consists of a special order cummerbund and tie set, white shirt and black bottom.
The cummerbund and tie set must be purchased through the school. The fee is $20 per set and will be added into your FACTS account. If your child already has a set, he/she need not buy another unless it is lost. The skirts, cummerbund, and tie sets will be distributed during the month of November. If you are new to choir, please indicate on the choir registration form that your child needs a cummerbund and tie set.
The details of concert attire are:
Boys: Black pants, long or short sleeved white button-down collar shirt, green cummerbund and tie, black socks, black belt, and black dress shoes.
Girls: Black choir skirt (school will provide), long or short-sleeved white button-down collar blouse, green cummerbund and tie, stockings, slip, and black flat dress shoes.
Holy Child has purchased the choir skirts. The skirts are washable and shrink-free. Please keep your skirts hung on a hanger and looking fresh. When you return the skirt in the spring, please make sure they are washed and returned on a hanger. I appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Choir members will receive their skirts in November.
Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir consists of students in Grades 7 and 8. This Choir performs at the Christmas liturgy, prayer services, graduation, and other special events at HCA. They also travel during the Christmas season and in the spring for concerts off campus. The Grade 7 and 8 Handbell Choir meet weekly during music class. There may be some additional after school rehearsals in November and December.
About the Handbell Choir
The Handbell Choir was added to the Holy Child music department in 2003. Our students experience the ringing of handbells as part of the Grade 7 music curriculum and by choosing to be part of the Eighth Grade Handbell Choir. This group performs at many religious events and concerts. The school owns a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells.
The appeal of handbells in our school is spreading because of the immense educational value bells add to the music curriculum. They are challenging and fun to play. Handbells are used in the classroom to teach music reading and theory; they make a beautiful sound and stay in tune. The basic techniques are easily learned, yet there is considerable room for the development of very advanced techniques and musicality.
The fee for Junior, Senior and Handbell Choir is $57.00 for new members which includes the purchase of the cummerbund and tie set for the year. It will be added into your FACTS account.
The fee for returning Junior, Senior and Handbell Choir is $37.00. It will be added into your FACTS account.
Questions? Please contact Ms. Brown