Chorus and Quaker Notes

Chorus is open to all students in grades 3-6.  In the past few years, we have had over 50 singers in the group.  Chorus rehearses two times a week, once on Wednesday morning before school and once during recess.  The group sings pieces that are arranged for two voice parts, soprano and alto, and that cover a range of musical genres. Chorus sings holiday-related songs, canons (songs sung in a round), traditional folk songs, pop songs, Broadway pieces, and songs that are inspired by traditional African music. We perform throughout the school year, at various community events, including the Fall Fair, the Winter Concert, Black History Night, Grandparents Day, and the Spring Concert.

Quaker Notes is open to students in grades 6-8. Typically, more than 25 students choose to join Quaker Notes.  The group rehearses twice a week during lunch and recess, and the singers commit to practicing on their own, outside of school as well. Quaker Notes performs pop songs of the members' choice, which Director Katherine arranges in a contemporary a cappella style.  Each song is arranged for 4 voice parts (Soprano 1, Soprano 2, Alto 1, and Alto 2), plus solo and vocal percussion. In a cappella music, the 4 voice parts coalesce to imitate the instrumental background of the original piece.  A soloist sings the lyrics of the song over this background.  Quaker Notes performs throughout the year at a number of community events, including the Fall Fair, the Winter Concert, Grandparents Day, Martin Luther King Day and the Spring Concert.