Students are placed in a musicianship class of an appropriate level through an audition process which determines current knowledge of music literacy, sight-reading, ear training and vocal technique. The Vocal Track provides the necessary tools for vocal performance and/or further study.
The Ruth Eckerd Hall Children’s Choir
Levels I & II
Ages: 7–12, Saturdays, 9:00–9:45 am musicianship class
9:45–11:00 am performance building
Tuition: $187.50, includes musicianship class and Choir
Instructors: Kathy Bawel; Bill Cusick
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 technique, and two- and three-part harmony. Performances reflect the diversity of choral repertoire, offering a variety of concerts both at Ruth Eckerd Hall and off site. 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 also 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: Bill Cusick
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. Students reach mastery levels in sight-reading in the key of C, rhythmic dictations, beginning ear training, and melodic notation, 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, and develop vocal literacy 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 the Director of Education
Ages: 13–18, Saturdays, 11:30 am–12:30 pm musicianship class
12:30–3:00 pm performance building
Tuition: $275.00, includes musicianship class, Choir, and performance fees
Instructors: Rosemary Collins; Kathy Bawel; Bill Cusick
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. Students will have opportunities to perform both on and off the Ruth Eckerd Hall campus.
Level III: The Foundations of Music Theory
Instructor: Bill Cusick
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: Rosemary Collins
This theory class is designed to prepare students for the Florida Vocal Association All-State auditions and college placement tests. Students use knowledge from prior level music classes to build even stronger theory skills, including an understanding of chord progressions, transposition, two-part ear training, sight-reading and piano skills.
Level V: Advanced Music Theory
Instructor: Kathy Bawel
This college-prep course 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, and beginning analysis of form and chord structure.
Vocal Track Teen Troupe: A Vocal Track perk!
Preparatory Division vocal students from 14 to 18 years of age may apply to become part of this elite ensemble that performs at hospitals, senior centers, and events for charities, Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater. This experience can serve to broaden awareness of alternative career opportunities and the role of the arts in medicine, while developing a deeper understanding of the connection between students of the Hoffman Institute and the community. Participants are eligible to use the Teen Troupe as their community service project for Bright Futures Scholarships. In partnership with Morton Plant Mease Hospitals, this ensemble brings an atmosphere of healing to members of our community through the joy of music with songs which are selected, rehearsed and choreographed by the students and are performed at hospitals as part of the Arts in Medicine program. The Troupe is limited to 12 members and four swings that are currently enrolled in the Vocal Track. Audition required. Application forms are available from the Education Registrars.
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