First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto, 1140 Cowper Street, will be forming a children’s choir the “Rainbow Chorus” beginning August 29, 5pm. The choir is open to children in grades 1-5.
The choir will offer a blend of fun, diverse, and accessible children’s music with more sophisticated music taken from the RSCM curriculum. The RSCM (Royal School of Church Music) curriculum” Voice for Life” is the RSCM’s acclaimed guide for training choirs and singers of all ages. The curriculum develops vocal skills, musical understanding, and knowledge of choral music. For those interested RSCM offers a series of levels and examinations where singers may receive ribbons and awards for passing each level. This is a wonderful way for singers to progress through a step by step method with structured guidance.
Choir rehearsals will take place on Thursday evenings from 5:00-5:50pm in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church. The choir will have the opportunity to sing once a month during the 10am Sunday Service as well as for an annual musical show.
Music Director, Andy Chislett, has 30 years experience as a professional musician teaching music to children of all ages. Andy has a Doctorate of Music from Indiana University’s School of Music, Bloomington, Indiana, and has an extensive background accompanying children’s and youth choirs from his position at St. Joseph Church and Grade School, Seattle, and Indiana University. With St. Joseph’s school choir Andy went on four choir tours across the United States and one to Europe. As a piano teacher for most of his professional career, many of Andy’s students have taken the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music examinations, Grades 1-8. As the Music Director at First Presbyterian Church Palo Alto, Andy directs an adult choir, and plays piano and organ for the church services choosing very eclectic music that ranges from classical music to jazz, folk, and folk-rock. Andy’s view on teaching music is to create a fun environment for learning and to tailor lessons and rehearsals to students’ interests. Andy has a firm belief that students progress through having fun and having a strong interest in what they are learning.
The cost for joining the choir will be $50 per month and scholarships will be available.
For more information, please contact Andy Chislett at andy@fpcpaloalto.org or call (650) 325-5659, ext. 107.