ORGANIZED: May, 1989. First Rehearsal, September 1989.
PURPOSE: The purpose of the Chorus is primarily educational in
that it teaches children to achieve high artistic standards through
choral singing and performance. An equally important aspect of the
Chorus is the nurturing and growth of discipline, responsibility,
teamwork, and self-confidence.
MEMBERSHIP: Membership in the Chorus is open to boys and
girls, grades 4 through 8, by annual auditions. Children from all
economic and ethnic backgrounds are encouraged to audtion. There are
currently 250 children rehearsing in 5 geographic locations around
Houston.
REHEARSALS: The chorus is divided into three levels. Apprentce
Choirs, Concert Choirs, and Chamber Choir. All choirs rehearse once a
week for one and half hours at various locations around the city.
Currently there are five locations for Apprentice Choirs, three
locations for Concert Choir, and one central location for Chamber Choir.
The entire Chorus combines once a month for a massed rehearsal at a
central location.
DIRECTOR: The Founding Director, Stephen
H. Roddy, is a noted children's choir clinician, festival leader, and
children's recording specialist. He serves in full time capacity as
Executive Director and Artistic Director of the Chorus. He is in demand
as a massed choir festival conductor and has conducted festivals and
music conferences all over the United States, New Zealand, and Indonesia.
