May 23, 2016
Dear NY/ACDA Middle School Honor Choir Parents and Participants,
Congratulations on being accepted into the Summer Middle School Honor Choir, sponsored by the American Choral Directors Association of New York State (NY/ACDA)! This exciting event takes place at the Hilton Albany on Saturday & Sunday, August 13 and 14, 2016 as part of the summer music conference co-sponsored by the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and NY/ACDA.
CONDUCTOR: Our guest conductor this year is Dr. Judy Bowers, Professor of Choral Music Education at Florida State University. From 1990-2000, she led the Capital Children’s Choir program at FSU and more recently has developed a community service partnership with an urban middle school. We are very excited to have Dr. Bowers join us. She has chosen repertoire for you that is diverse, fun, and challenging.
HILTON ALBANY: Our rehearsal and performance site is the Hilton Albany. You are not required to stay at the Hilton Albany, however it is very convenient as all rehearsals and the concert will take place there. Hotel arrangements should be made on your own as soon as possible, as the hotel fills up quickly for the summer music conference. All reservations must be made online at www.hilton.com. Use group code 1NYSSM. Rates start at $144/night.
PAYMENT AND MEDICAL FORM: The registration fee for participation in the Honor Choir is $125.00 per singer. Payment can be made via Paypal:
OR checks should be made payable to NY/ACDA and mailed to James Ludwig. A notarized medical form must be submitted along with all registration fees and POSTMARKED by Friday, July 9th.
CONCERT DRESS: Concert dress for each student will be black dress pants, belt, shoes and an honor choir t-shirt, which will be provided upon arrival.
CHAPERONES: Chaperone information and cell phone number must be submitted via e-mail to James Ludwig by July 9. Chaperones may be nominating teachers or a parent who volunteer on a rotating basis to be present for 1-2 hours of rehearsal over the weekend. While we do not expect all chaperones to be present at rehearsals, we ask that chaperones are reachable by cell phone should an issue arise.
NAMETAGS: Students must wear nametags to all rehearsals, which will be distributed at registration. (We will not wear nametags for the concert/photo opportunity.)
Tentative Schedule:
Saturday, August 13
- 12:00-1:00pm – Registration – Hilton Albany Ballroom Foyer
(Lunch with families prior to arrival) - 1:00-3:00pm – First Rehearsal – Ballroom A
- 3:00-3:30pm – Break – Snack Provided for Participating Students (Not for Chaperones)
- Second Rehearsal – 3:30-5:00pm Ballroom A
- 5:00-7:00pm – Dinner Break with families.
Please return promptly. It is critical that every student attend every minute of every rehearsal. - 7:00-8:30pm – Third Rehearsal –Ballroom A
- Evening free with families.
Sunday, August 14
- 9:00-9:45am – Fourth Rehearsal – Ballroom A (Breakfast with families prior to arrival. Please be punctual.)
- 10:00-10:45am – Open Rehearsal – 10:00-10:45am Open to all Parents, Teachers, Summer NYSSMA Conference Attendees.
- 10:45AM-11:45am – Short Lunch Break with families
Please return promptly. It is critical that every student attend every minute of every rehearsal.
- 11:45am – Pre-Concert Warm-up – Behind Ballroom A
- 12:00pm – Concert – Open and Free to the Public, No Tickets Required
All further correspondence will be via e-mail. Students should practice music daily, as it needs to be memorized! It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend. See you in Albany!
As always, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions at all. Â Â Â Â
All the best,
James Ludwig
NY/ACDA – Middle School Honor Choir Chairperson
Herricks Middle School
7 Hilldale Drive
Albertson, NY 11507
nymiddleschoolhonorchoir@gmail.com
FORMS:Â 2016 Medical Release Form – Middle School Honor Choir