Choruses (Adult and Youth)
Morris Conservatory -- Choruses
If you can walk, you can dance. If you can talk, you can sing! -- African Proverb
ADULT CHORUSES
Unlike many choral organizations, the Morris Conservatory Symphonic Chorus does not require auditions for membership. By the adaptation of group vocal methods (as specifically developed by the late Frauke Haasemann) and group vocal rehearsal techniques (as developed by Edwin Foster), the Chorus is able to achieve a unique, uniform sound seldom heard in amateur choirs. Both singer and audience are exposed to the great choral and orchestral masterpieces of Western culture in the process. The Chorus is enriched by the variety of ages, backgrounds, professions, and cultures, which is afforded by its open membership policy.
Morris Conservatory Symphonic Chorus -
Morris Conservatory Chamber Choir -
Morris Conservatory International Tour Choir -
YOUTH CHORUSES
"Formal schooling - reading, writing, arithmetic - prepares us for the doings of business. But we are not just human do-ings, we are human be-ings! The Fine Arts, particularly Music, are essential in the development of the human being."
FROM 1997 to 2002 our membership has grown from 25 youths to over 150!
At Morris Conservatory, we teach that to work hard is an admirable
and noble ethic which produces high quality results. It teaches self
discipline, enables one to be proud of his or her accomplishments,
and results in lasting self-esteem and satisfaction.
These endeavors help prepare a child for success in life no matter what occupation he or she may choose.
The Morris Conservatory Youth Choruses also teach:
For information or to schedule an audition, please call 973-402-2004.
Primary Chorus (Grades 1-2)
Director: Erin Delaney
They learn to sing music that is classical in form, yet whimsical, spirited
and fun. Children learn that when they sing from the heart, it feels good!
Three performances are held each season and an AUDITION IS NOT required.
Rehearsals are Tuesday afternoon from 4:15 to 5:00PM at St. Peter's
Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.
Junior Chorus (Grades 3-4)
Intermediate (Grades 5-8) and Advanced Choruses (Grades 6-10)
Our Advanced choristers perform in the annual "Youth Chorus Festival," an
invitational choral music exhibition for New Jersey Choirs, established by
the Morris Conservatory, and made possible through funding by The
Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. This festival takes place in the Spring.
Rehearsals for Intermediate Chorus are heald on Tuesdays, 6:15 PM - 7:15 PM
and the Advanced Chorus on Tuesdays, from 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM.
For more information please call 973-402-2004.
SCHOLARSHIPS:
No child will be denied membership because of the inability to pay. Scholarships are available on an as needed basis. If you are in need of financial assistance, please call the Conservatory Office at 973-402-2004. All information is kept strictly confidential.
Updated: 16 Sept. 2006
The Morris Conservatory Symphonic Chorus is an independent, non-profit,
non-sectarian, equal access organization founded in by Edwin R. Foster
in 1987. The Symphonic Chorus DOES NOT REQUIRE AUDITIONS for membership.
Each fall and spring, the chorus performs two major concerts of classical
symphonic choral and orchestral repertoire.
Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 8:00 PM-9:30 PM at Saint Peter's
Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey.
Morris Conservatory Chamber Choir is a group of selected singers from
the larger chorus and is dedicated to the performance of music suitable for a
small group of singers. Auditions are
held mid September, and participation in the Morris Conservatory
Symphonic Chorus is required. The Chamber Choir performs frequently
throughout the season, with special performances planned for holiday
celebrations and community out reach programs. Rehearsals are held Monday
evenings from 6:30PM - 7:45 PM, preceeding MCSC rehearsal,
at Saint Peter's Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes,
New Jersey.
This group has undertaken
international concert tours in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary,
Italy, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, England and France.
For more information call 973-402-2004.
E. Foster, 1997
Accompanist: Judith Stuss
We begin teaching the three "cardinal principles" of singing that are the
fundamental building blocks of choral singing as taught, by the late Frauke
Haasemann, and developed by Edwin Foster. Children are taught how to sing
using Deep Breathing - diaphragmatic breathing,
Articulation - the correct production, emission and enunciation
of ALL the vowels and the diphthongs, and Relaxation - of the vocal
chords.
Director Erin K. Delaney.
Accompanist: John Conte
Children continue to develop the fundamental singing principles and perform
slightly more advanced levels of music. Classical music sung in Latin,
harmonized American folk songs, and children's "jazz" songs that teach
rhythmic "counting" and coordination, are all part of the curriculum for
our young artists! Our Junior chorus appears in three performances per
season, and rehearsals are held on Tuesday afternoons from 5:15 to 6:00PM
at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey. An audition is
required for the Junior Chorus. For information please call 973-402-2004.
Intermediate Director
Edwin R. Foster
Advanced Director
Edwin R. Foster
Accompanist: John Conte
These choruses require an audition and are open to Morris County students
to Grade 10. Children learn advanced singing techniques and methods of
vocalization. The repertoire includes pieces from the most celebrated
composers in history, like Handel, Bach, Vivaldi, Irving Berlin,
and Ray Charles. Our Intermediate and Advanced Choruses have been performing
to sell-out audiences throughout Morris County with resounding success.