Project Grant

1. Educational outcomes: each of our six choirs will learn specific musical, dance, and theatrical material with the outcome of performing two performances. There is a structured weekly schedule of incremental instruction for each age group, one hour each week for youngest choirs, approximately two hours per week for middle and high school age choirs. Additional instructional and preparation time is employed in the week prior to each major project. 2. For each choir student to grow in understanding of singing and style by performing a variety of repertoire that will expand their knowledge base according to their age and commensurate with their skill level. Members learn how different musical styles need to be approached differently from a technical perspective. 3. For students to grow in understanding of music theory, especially harmony, through practice and performance of multi-part music which requires each member to learn to listen intently while singing in order to hear the proper balance of parts. 4. To culminate all weekly, structured learning through a concert performance, so students will profit by their hard work and preparation by presenting the results of their efforts for family, friends, and the community. 5. For the members of the choir, the family members, and the community to observe performances from staff at a very high level, and to witness what professionalism and musical expertise looks like. To increase awareness of choir families and community of the talent of the staff so that they see artistic staff experience and skills as performers and musicians and not just teachers. 6. To maintain educational and artistic offerings of the Command Performance Choirs in the region. 7. To offer accessibility to our performances for seniors in the communities that we perform. 8. Boys/Girls Club collaboration: this is beneficial to advance our mission and the mission of the Boys/Girls Club to provide arts education or enrichment opportunities youth in the region.Outcomes 1 and 2 are measured based on musical exactness, instructor feedback, improvement of singing, technique and interpretation as assessed by the instructors throughout the course. Learned material: students learn material and performance skills by rehearsing, practicing, skill building, and performing. Outcome 3 is evaluated by constant critique by the instructors during instructional and rehearsal times, and Outcome 4 is measured by conducting the concert and surveying members of the choir and the families involved to gauge artist and audience response and appreciation. Outcome 5 is evaluated by post concert assessment or survey of choir members and families. Outcome 6 is evaluated by the continuity of our program and the maintenance of artistic program offerings for regional youth. We will achieve outcome 7 by direct contact with local senior housing facilities, to personally invite them to our performances. We will engage survey methods for parents and board members to assess educational and overall effectiveness in achieving outcomes and meeting organizational goals. Survey methods may employ any or all of the following: verbal, written, video.