The Ruth Eckerd Hall Children’s Choir
Levels I & II
Ages: 7–12, Saturdays, 9:00–11:00 am
Tuition: $375.00, includes musicianship class and Choir
Lead Instructor: Kathy Bawel; Associate Instructor: Justin Havard
Artistic Director: Roseann Sheppard
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Children’s Choir prides itself both in entertaining its
audiences and in achieving music literacy for all its members. Students are trained in
sight-reading, vocal training, and two- and three-part harmony. Performances reflect
the diversity of choral repertoire, including renowned choral literature, American folk,
classics, traditional holiday music, musical theater, Disney, etc. Instructors nurture the
love of music in children and provide them with the necessary tools to enhance musical
growth. Students perform a variety of concerts both at Ruth Eckerd Hall and off site.
As started in the ’07–’08 season, the Children’s Choir will audition to be part of Disney
Magic Music Days for a performance at Disney and a day in the park. Auditions are
held by Disney. If selected, additional fees will be required. Parents will be required to
provide transportation to Disney. Come audition to be a part of this fun and high-level
performance choir!
Level I: The Language of Music
Ages: 7–9
Instructor: Roseann Sheppard
Just as every language has an alphabet, grammar and structural rules, so does the language
of music. This course teaches musical notation of rhythm and melody. Using the Kodály
Methodology, students learn to sight-read on solfeggio through age-appropriate songs and
rounds. Students reach mastery levels in sight-reading in the key of C, rhythmic dictations,
beginning ear training and melodic notation. This methodology allows students to learn
while using a fun approach which reinforces long-term retention of concepts.
Level II: The Language of Music for Growing Singers
Ages: 10–12
Instructor: Kathy Bawel
This course builds on the theory foundation provided in The Language of Music. Students
begin to explore key signatures beyond C, study ear training and rhythmic and melodic
dictations in further depth. The Language of Music for Growing Singers continues the
development of vocal literacy, music theory and keyboard skills. Students are prepared for
the Florida Vocal Association All-State auditions and college placement tests.
Ruth Eckerd Hall Teen Choir
Levels III, IV & V
Prerequisite: Must be a high school student or have approval of Director of Education
Ages: 13–18, Saturdays, 11:30 am–3:00 pm
Tuition: $550.00, includes musicianship class and Choir, performance fees PLUS two Intersession Workshops
Lead Instructor: Kathy Bawel; Associate Instructor: Justin Havard; Artistic Director: Roseann Sheppard
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Teen Choir is a four-part ensemble that endeavors to provide local teens an opportunity to work together in building
mastery of song as well as camaraderie. This high-level, professional training prepares students for life experiences in the arts by
providing a foundation of skills in music literacy, vocal development and group dynamics. Students showcase their talents individually
and collectively through a diverse repertoire of musical genres and styles. Continuing in the tradition of past seasons, students will have
many opportunities to perform both on and off the Ruth Eckerd Hall campus. Once again, we look forward to being accepted as a part of
the Disney Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir and hope to add the new goal of a choral tour to our upcoming season.*
* Participation fees for the Disney Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir and the choral tour are not included in tuition.
Level III: The Foundations of Music Theory
Instructor: Roseann Sheppard
This course focuses on building a solid foundation of music theory and understanding
of the musical language through an in-depth study of music literacy, music vocabulary,
ear training, sight-reading and keyboard skills. Students are prepared for the Florida
Vocal Association All-State auditions and college placement tests.
Level IV: Music Theory
Instructor: Justin Havard
This theory class is designed to prepare students for the Florida Vocal Association All-
State auditions and college placement tests. Students use prior knowledge from earlier
music theory classes to build a higher level of theory skills including chord progressions,
transposition, two-part ear training, sight-reading and piano skills.
Level V: Advanced Music Theory
Instructor: Kathy Bawel
This college-prep course is for the serious student
who understands the important balance between
natural talent and studied musicianship. The material
gives students the edge necessary to compete at a
higher level for All-State placements, college auditions
and scholarships. Students work toward mastery of
college entrance proficiency levels in music theory
and ear training, including notation, intervals, key
signatures, major, minor, augmented and diminished
chords, music vocabulary, beginning analysis of form
and chord structure.
Vocal Track Teen Troupe: A Vocal Track perk!
Application forms are available from the Education Registrars.
Vocal Preparatory Division students from 14 to 18 years of age may apply to become part of this group
and are eligible to use it as their community service project for Bright Futures Scholarships. Each month,
the Teen Troupe creates a thematic presentation of songs which are selected, rehearsed and choreographed
by the students. The mission of the Teen Troupe is to bring an atmosphere of healing to members
of our community through the joy of music. In partnership with Morton Plant Mease Hospitals,
the Hoffman Institute Teen Troupe performs at hospitals twice a month as part of the Arts in Medicine
program. Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Teen Troupe has been featured on Fox 13 News! The Troupe is limited to 12
members and four swings that are currently enrolled in the Vocal Track. |
