5/6/12

Choir Info:

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the choir will be rehearsing first period for our choir competition that takes place on Thursday. All students singing harmony parts (second parts) will also practice during upper grade recess as needed. On Thursday, May 10 all choir members should be at the school by 8:15 to board the bus. We should return by lunchtime at which point choir members will resume their normal class schedule. Last but not least, no student will be permitted to board the bus if they have not turned in a permission slip. If you haven't turned one in, please do so asap.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

4/25/12

Congratulations and thank you!

I would like to offer my congratulations to the student body on a job well done at last night's concert! All the hard work paid off with a superior performance. Also, a great big thank you to all of the teachers, staff, and volunteers for their hard work and patience! Without you, the show would have been merely a shell of what it was. Great job!!

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

4/23/12

4/14/12

4/2/12

Just a reminder that our spring concert is closing in fast! After we get back from Easter Break we have only one week till the concert. If you don't already know, the concert date is Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30PM. All students at the Academy participate and are required to be there. 

A note to our 8th grade students: All lines for the play are to be memorized upon our return on April 16. We will be rehearsing 1st period on the 16th, so please be prepared.

-Mr. Elder

3/18/12

FYI,

Monday, 3/19/12 and Wednesday, 3/21/12 we will have play practice during upper grade recess. Next week Monday Tuesday, and Wednesday March 26, 27, 28 we will also practice during upper grade recess. Please don't forget to bring your scripts!

Monday "Rock Band" practices will be suspended until our 8th grade play development is a little further along. 

Mr. Elder

3/11/12

The 8th grade will begin their extra-curricular rehearsals for Snow White on Monday, March 19. I will do my best once again to confine all of the rehearsals to be within school hours. Should we need an extra day to practice it would be Saturday, April 21. We don't see it being necessary at this point, but like to be prepared should something arise.

As we begin our last trimester, I would like to remind all students to keep in mind that both the preparation and performance of our spring concert are major factors in their last trimester music grade. 

Yours in music, 

Mr. Elder

3/1/12

Our annual Spring Concert is Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30PM. Please mark the date on your calendar. All grades are starting to work on songs for the event. The 8th graders are running lines for their play and the potential for a great performance is definitely present. Rock Band is learning some new songs for spring and the Choir is working on material for the competition in May. 

The excitement is starting to build!

Mr. Elder

2/16

Younger grades have been exploring songs about our current holidays such as Groundhog Day, St. Valentines Day, Presidents Day, the 100th day of school (you can call this an in school holiday). After the break we'll sing songs about St. Patrick's Day as well as Easter, and begin working on music for our Spring Concert.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

2/7/12

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to work we go! The 8th grade has selected Snow White as their final class project to be performed at our Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 24 at 7:30PM. Along with memorizing lines and performing the parts, they'll also be involved with all aspects of the play such as building props, design and painting of backdrops, costumes, stage placement, and solving any and all problems that might come up along the way. No doubt some of the younger grades will be singing selected songs associated with the production. Yes, the lyric rings true, "it's off to work we go"..........

I would like to thank the choir for all they did during CSW! They rehearsed hard and sang with their all. The collaboration with the Rock Band was a huge success. I saw some surprised looks in the pews when people realized that the students were combining vocal and instrumental music. This concept takes our music program to a whole new level and we undoubtedly will see more of it in the future.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

1/24/12

The choir/rock band ensemble is looking forward to performing at this Sunday's Mass for the kickoff of Catholic School's Week. I would like to have one more rehearsal this Friday if at all possible. Please stay tuned for a confirmed time as I navigate through the many activities and schedules to find a time that will work. 

Lately in class we've been studying a wide variety of musical subjects. Opera, percussion day (complete with dividing up into percussion ensembles), songs of health, a song for MLK, songs of science, basic music theory, and some student performances are just some of the things we've been doing. The 8th grade is pondering which play to do for their FINAL class project (to be performed at the spring concert). A decision will be made soon followed by the reveal of the title.

1/17/12

Choir Update:

The choir will be singing the next two Sundays at the 9:00AM Mass for Catholic Schools Week. The dates are Jan. 22 and Jan. 29th.  On the 29th our school's Rock Band will be joining the choir at the 9:00 Mass. 

Mr. Elder

1/2/12

I hope everyone is well rested and ready to get back to music class!

This Thursday 1/5/12 from 3:00-4:00 we will resume choir practice. Next Monday 1/9/12 "Rock Band" will resume Monday rehearsals during upper grade's recess from 12:00-12:35. 

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

12/14/11

Great job by all last night! We're very proud of the student's effort in making last night's event a memorable one. Last night marked the debut of "Rock Band". As most know, it's not easy to be in a small group performing for a lot of people. It takes a lot of preparation and focus. Our "Rock Band" played with authority and confidence and I couldn't be happier with the result. Look for "Rock Band" to take the stage sometime during Catholic School's Week.

The 8th grade gave a wonderful performance with their play. This type of performance takes nerves of steel and determination to pull off. Excellent job grade 8! I can't wait to see what they'll be performing in the spring.

And of coarse we are blessed with the best student body that sang and danced at a high level for a school Christmas concert. Thank you!

Special Thanks to Mrs. I, Mr. Radwill, and Mrs. Frith. You're the best!

-Mr. Elder 

12/12/11

A great big THANK YOU to the choir students (and their parents!) who came and sang at the Advent Event on Sunday. The choir has been logging many hours in the last month and is due a much deserved break. So, there will be NO CHOIR PRACTICE this Thursday, December 15.

Tuesday is the big day! We have all worked very hard and it all culminates into this one performance. Can't wait!!

Students must arrive at the gym no later than 7:10. The "Rock Band" will begin playing at 7:25 as parents and families get seated and settled. Lower grades should be in their rooms no later than 7:20. Likewise, upper grades should be in the Parish Hall by 7:20.

Thank you,

Mr. Elder

12/6/11

Choir News:

Just a reminder that there will be Choir practice this Thursday, Dec. 8. We need to review the songs we will be singing at the Advent Event this Sunday evening, Dec. 11. Tentatively, we will not have choir practice on Dec. 15.

12/1/11

Wednesday, December 7 (next week!) is the choir's trip to see the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. If you haven't turned in a permission slip, please do so asap. We simply have to have it in order to go.

Sunday evening, December 11 the choir will be singing at the Advent Event in the church. Everyone please come out and join us in singing the songs of the birth of Jesus. Guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit!

Tuesday, December 13 is our school's Christmas Concert (coming up very soon). The concert begins at 7:30, however, the students must be there no later than 7:10.

Mr. Elder

11/25/11

The choir did a wonderful job singing for Cardinal McCarrick and the Parish at the Thanksgiving Mass last Wednesday. I must comment that I was truly inspired to see the church and choir pews full, something I've never seen in my 12-13 years at the Academy. Evidence that we are growing by leaps and bounds. Singing with the adult choir was a pleasure and a great experience for our young singers. We received excellent feedback from all involved and once again hard work and perseverance paid off with a superior performance. Great job choir!!! 

Only two more weeks to prepare for the Christmas concert and we still have a lot of work to do. 8th grade will have play practice 4th period on Monday, 1st period on Tuesday, 3rd period (and possibly 4th period) on Wednesday. Beginning December 5 scripts can be used for reference only.

Rock Band practice on Monday 11/28 12:00-12:35.

-Mr. Elder

11/22/11

All choir members should be at the church tomorrow 11/23 at 6:45PM for the 7:30 Mass. We need to get our robes on, have a proper warm up, and get situated with the adult choir well before the 7:30 start. Please see me at school today or tomorrow if anyone has a problem. If for some reason you can't find me, please report your problem to the school's office or send me an email through schoolnotes. Also, on Sunday evening 12/11 we will be singing in the church for Sister Sandy's Advent event. We will be singing Christmas songs and all are invited.

Next week the 8th grade will be stepping up their play rehearsal time and by the week of 12/5 all lines should be memorized and no scripts will be allowed except for reference. 

Mr. Elder

11/12/11

If you are in choir and have not received a permission slip for our Dec. 7 trip to Radio City please see me or pick one up at the school's office. We must have a signed permission slip from every student that plans on attending.

All choir members are expected to sing at the 7:30PM Mass on Wednesday, Nov. 23. If you cannot attend please tell me ASAP. This coming Thursday, Nov. 17 from 3-4 will be our last rehearsal before the Mass. Please try to be there if at all possible.

Mr. Elder

11/3/11

I'm certain we're all looking forward to returning to school tomorrow. The storm put us a week behind schedule in preparation for the Christmas concert, however, I am confident that with hard work and perseverance we will be ready for our Dec. 13 performance. I'm counting on the 8th grade giving up some recess time to complete the prep and practice for the play. Tomorrow I will distribute copies of the script and expect the 8th grade to have completed reading the entire script by next Wednesday's music class so we can assign roles and begin multiple oral readings. 

All students k-7 come to class prepared to stand and sing. Along with our "fun" songs we must also learn and/or review the traditional carols of the birth of Jesus. I will speak to the homeroom teachers and hopefully insure that everyone will be permitted to get a drink of water before going back to class.

Choir every Thursday 3-4. 

Wednesday, December 7 is the date that the choir will be going to Radio City Music Hall in NYC to see the all new Christmas Spectacular. Further info to come soon.

Rock Band every Monday 12:00-12:35. Time permitting we will perform a song at our Christmas concert. We will definitely be performing in some capacity during Catholic Schools Week.

10/25/11

We have arrived at a firm time for our Rock band rehearsals, Monday's during recess. Every Monday we will rehearse from 12:00-12:35 unless otherwise noted. 

After Halloween all classes k-8 will begin their preparation for our annual Christmas concert. While to some this might sound like an early start keep in mind our concert is Dec. 13 and I meet with each class only one class period per week. Allow for our Thanksgiving break and all of a sudden, we don't have that much time to prepare. 

Also, please mark November 23 7:30PM on your calenders which is the night the AOLP choir will join forces with the adult choir to sing for our visiting Cardinal during Mass. It will be a great event you won't want to miss!!

Yours in music,

Mr.Elder

10/12/11

Choir practice tomorrow 10/13/11 3-4.

Rock band rehearsal next Monday 10/17 12:00-12:35.

FYI Our Christmas concert this year is on Tuesday, December 13 at 7:30PM. Please mark it on your calender and note that it is a mandatory event for all students K-8.

Autumnal Equinox, You're My Bud, I'm a Little Ghost, School's Back in Session, Rolling On, Hey Jack, Akindrum, these are a small sampling of the songs we have been singing in various classes. We have also been working on basic music theory as well as studying classical composers, their lives and music. 

Mr. Elder

10/4/11

Our first Rock Band rehearsal took place today and was extremely encouraging. If time allows I'd like the band to debut at either our Christmas concert or the Christmas luncheon. This ensemble has potential and with continued work will be playing at various events throughout the year. Stay tuned!

Boo! shocka la ka la ka! If you hear this coming from your child's voice, don't be alarmed! "Hey Jack" (as in Jack-o-lantern), is one of the new songs about Halloween that several classes have been having fun learning and singing. 

Choir practice Thursday, 10/6 3-4. Please try to attend! We will be going over songs for Mass on Friday.

Thank you,

Mr. Elder

9/30/11

"Rock Band" rehearsal will take place next Tuesday, Oct. 4 12:00-12:35. We are seeking a bass player and drummer. A certain degree of proficiency is required. If interested please contact me asap.

 Mr. Elder

9/26/11

There is no rock band rehearsal tomorrow during recess. A new time will be posted soon.

Choir practice Thursday 9/29 3-4.

9/21/11

Choir practice tomorrow 9/22 3-4.

Tentative rehearsal for "Rock Band" next Tuesday 9/27 during recess. I will confirm asap. 

What's happening in music class?

Depending on the grade level, we are currently either learning new songs, exploring numbers and letters through music, studying the string family of instruments, learning to sing songs of faith, singing vocal exercises, learning songs of our country, and digging in to basic music theory. The 8th graders are beginning the planning stages for their first class project, a short play for the Christmas concert. Rehearsals won't start for quite some time, but when they do we want to hit the ground running and know exactly where the production is going.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

9/10/11

Our first choir rehearsal will be next Thursday, Sept. 15 3:00-4:00. Choir is open to all students grades 3-8. Please note that this is a year long commitment. There is flexibility (within reason) in regard to combining with other activities. If you are interested and did not receive a choir form, please pick one up at the school's office. A parent must sign the form and have it turned in to the office by next Thursday's rehearsal.

Thank you,

Mr. Elder

9/6/11

Welcome back to AOLP music!

This is were you will find your weekly updates for music class. I am looking forward to us having a wonderful year. If you want to know about a class assignment, need choir information, or need info on our new Rock Band club, this is the page to look at. If you ever have a question regarding music class don't hesitate to come and talk to me about it, or if you're a parent send me a quick email, another option is if you're at the school go to the office and have me paged. It is most important is to contact me sooner rather than later so we can resolve any question or issue in a timely fashion. By doing this  the children can focus on the most important thing at school, which is their education.

Let's have a great year!

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

5/14/11

Congratulations to the AOLP Choir on their performance at the ISING Choir Festival. All members sang their hearts out and performed at a level I have never heard from our choir before.  We received the EXCELLENT rating. For our first time at such an event that is a wonderful accomplishment. All members should be very proud of their efforts. I must note that the upper grade choir leadership has been outstanding this year and has been invaluable in raising the performance level of the choir. Bravo to all! 

Also, I must thank the parents who took time out their schedules to drive the choir to the event. Your time and support are very much appreciated. THANK YOU!

Don't forget! Grades 3-7 your invented instruments are due next week. There will not be time for everyone to present in one class period, but nonetheless, you must bring in your completed project. Please see me if you have any problems. I'll be happy to help.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

5/2/11

Choir Update!

On Thursday, May 12 the choir will be participating in the Archdiocese of Newark choir competition in Kearney, NJ from 2:15-3:00PM. We feel this will be the most practical and constructive event for the choir to attend this year.

We will be needing parent volunteers to drive children to and from the event. Also, expect to leave sometime after the lower grades' recess and return to the school by 3:30. Please contact the school's office if you are available to provide transportation.

The choir will be rehearsing several times during recess to prepare and will meet during school hours within the next two days to discuss the event and distribute handouts to take home.

Thank you!

Mr. Elder

4/10/11

Congratulations to the entire student body on a stellar performance at last weeks spring concert! The feedback has been great and all grades, from pre-k 3 to 8th grade should be proud of their efforts. I certainly am. I must add an extra congratulations to our 8th grade. Their hard work really showed as they shined in their performance of Aladdin. More importantly, they worked incredibly well as a team to complete their class project. From selection of the play to assigning parts to props and costumes to the actual performance, they controlled their own destiny in regard to the play. Bravo 8th grade.

There are too many people to thank to list them all but two people who must be mentioned are Mrs. Tyler and Mr. Radwell. Thank you so much for your help and hours of hard work.

Mr. Elder

3/24/11

8th grade. No scripts at rehearsals next week. Please come prepared.

Mr. Elder

3/23/11

Choir News

Looking ahead, the tentative date for our choir competition is May 20. We will most likely attend the competition at Dorney Park, not Hershey Park. The same company runs both venues and since Dorney is much closer than Hershey, we will hopefully go to Dorney and be back for dismissal. The country fair is that night and I believe many want to attend so I will do my best to accommodate their after school plans. I plan to confirm the date within one week.

Mr. Elder

3/18/11

On Monday 3/21 the 8th grade will be running Aladdin with no scripts through scene 6. On Tuesday 3/22 we will run the entire first act with no scripts. By Monday 3/28 I plan to run the play from beginning to end with no scripts. I will allow some "stumbling" but expect the 8th graders to display that they have made an effort to memorize their parts.

Mr. Elder

3/11/11

We are working very hard on all aspects of the spring concert. 8th gr.  are going over and over the script and next week we hope to take it to the stage and start using props as well as marking spots. All other classes are learning the "fun" songs they will be singing on stage as well as two Aladdin songs. It should be a wonderful event. Don't forget the concert date is Tuesday, April 5 at 7:30 PM.

2/14/11

We will soon begin working on songs from Aladdin. Which grades will sing which song? That will be determined by level of difficulty. The songs are very involved and are not easy to enunciate. However, I feel our Academy students will meet the challenge head on and with hard work will come through with a wonderful performance.

FYI:  The spring concert is April 5 at 7:30PM. It is a mandatory event for all Academy students.

-Mr. Elder

1/24/11

Choir members please let me know as soon as possible if you cannot be at the 9:00AM Mass this coming Sunday 1/30. We're planning on a great Catholic schools week at AOLP and we (the choir) are going to help get it started.

Immediately following the book fair the upper grades will be starting a new project in conjunction with another subject. Therefore we must wrap up our study of music theory in the next couple of weeks which means, you guessed it, test time. The staff, time signatures, names of notes within the staff, note values (or duration), and accidentals are some of the test topics. There will be nothing on the test that we haven't covered in class.

The 8th grade will be performing 'Aladdin' as part of our spring concert. Other classes will be involved singing and possibly bit parts but for the large part, this is the graduating class' chance to put their best foot forward and shine in what will be their last major project for music class at ALOP. It's a huge undertaking, however, I'm very confident they will make the most of it.

-Mr. Elder

1/4/11

The AOLP choir will be singing Sunday 1/23 and Sunday 1/30, both days at the 9:00AM Mass for Catholic Schools Week. A note will be sent home to choir members as the dates get closer. 

The spring concert is only three months away so, sometime soon we hope to announce the play for the show and begin the theatrical process. For the vast majority of grade levels we will working on other areas over the next month and a half. Music theory, notation, note values, rhythms, classical music, jazz and latin styles, more work with composers, and I hope to have a 'drum day' at some point as well.  Stay tuned for more info.

-Mr. Elder

12/19/10

Congratulations to the student body on a job well done at last Tuesday's Christmas concert. I've received a lot of great feedback about the performance and am very proud of the students' efforts.

If you were not at the Dec. 12 Advent event you missed the wonderful job the AOLP choir did in leading all in song. The choir is sounding better and better each week. This is a good sign because soon we will begin preparation for the choir competition this spring.

On January 30 the choir will be singing Sunday Mass to help kick off Catholic Schools Week. Choir members please mark the date and stay tuned for more info. 

Merry Christmas,

Mr. Elder

12/11/10

On Sunday 12/12 choir members should be in the church by 6:30PM. To non-choir members please bring your families, friends, and neighbors to this wonderful Advent event that begins at 7:00PM.

Tuesday 12/14 is our school Christmas concert. All students should be at the school no later than 7:10PM. The show starts at 7:30PM. This is a required event for all students K thru 8. If for some reason you cannot attend you must bring a note from home telling us why you cannot attend. Notes should be given to myself or Mr. Berrios. Students should wear their 'Sunday best' unless told otherwise. Reminders will be sent home on Monday for those classes wearing something other than 'Sunday best'.

-Mr. Elder

12/8/10

12/10 Choir Trip Checklist

Bring a lunch

Wear your school uniform

Coats, hats, scarves,gloves/mittens, etc.

No backpacks on the bus

Be at the school by 7:50AM

The bus leaves at 8:00AM

Children will join their classes upon our return

(approx. 2:00-2:30)

Pick up at the normal dismissal time

Also, don't forget about Advent Night this Sunday Dec. 12th. Choir members should be at the church by 6:30PM. The event begins at 7:00PM.

11/17/10

Radio City Choir Trip Update! 

On Dec. 10 the choir will be on the bus leaving the school at 8:00AM sharp. Please arrive at school no later than 7:50AM. The show is at 10:00AM and we will be back before 2:30 dismissal. Choir members should bring a lunch and yes, we will have water and snacks on the bus. The cost for the trip is $27 dollars per student. I will be passing out permission slips at choir practice on Thursday. Please fill them out and return them as soon as possible.

The AOLP Christmas show is rapidly approaching and all classes are working hard on their respective songs. We have some fresh new material to perform but still have a ways to go in preparation. After Thanksgiving weekend we only have two weeks till the show. I'm really looking forward to it.

Please don't forget our 'Night of Carols' on December 12 at 7:00PM in the church. Those that attend are guaranteed to walk out of church filled with the Christmas Spirit. Great family fun.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

11/6/10

The holidays are fast approaching and I have some dates you should take note of.

December 10 the AOLP Choir will be going to watch the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall in NYC. As we get closer to the date I will be sending home with choir members all the necessary information pertaining to the trip. I anticipate us arriving back at the school well after our 2:30 dismissal. Again, I'll give firm info soon.

December 12 will be our 'Night of Carols' in the church at 7:00PM. This is turning into an annual event that everyone should try and attend. Families, friends, parishioners, and the entire community are invited to share in the rich tradition of carols focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of Jesus! We will be led in song by the AOLP choir and lyrics are provided. The fact that Dec. 12 is a Sunday might make it easier to fit it into your schedule. This event will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit.

December 14 is our AOLP Christmas Concert. Students should be there no later than 7:10, and the concert will begin promptly at 7:30. We have planned a fantastic show and will be working very hard to make it a success.

Mr. Elder

10/24

This Friday 10/29 is our annual Halloween parade through the Senior Citizen Complex. We're going to do something new this year which is to serenade the Seniors. The 3rd and 4th grades will be singing a few short Halloween selections and the AOLP Choir will sing a rendition of 'Little Shop of Horrors'. I believe the seniors will enjoy it and hope music will become part of the annual parade.

Mr. Elder

10/7/10

Time to get our voices in shape! We've begun vocal exercises in all classes with emphasis on breathing and pitch. We have some great voices in the school and I feel voice development is key to maximizing our performance potential. Immediately after Halloween we will begin learning new songs for the Christmas Concert. Along with our traditional Lessons, Carols, and Nativity we will have the student body singing a variety of not so traditional selections. We will also present a short Christmas play, 'Saint Nicholas', featuring the 8th grade.

-Mr. Elder

9/27/10

Over the next couple of weeks we will be wrapping up our study of classical composers, specifically Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. The list of composers worthy of study could fill many pages, however, with our limited time for the topic we believe the above mentioned give students a great start toward an understanding and appreciation of classical music. Later in the school year we will revisit the topic for further development.

Choir practice this Thursday 9/30 after school. We will work on vocal development with Mark and rehearse Hymns for Mass on Friday. Please be there if at all possible.

Thank you,

Mr.Elder

9/20/10

Please make a note!

The Choir will meet after school on Thursdays this year, not Wednesdays as posted on the school calendar. If you want to be in choir but have another activity you're committed to on Thursdays, please let me know and we'll work something out. There will be no choir practice this Thursday 9/23. We will resume practice on Thursday 9/30.

Mr. Elder

9/8/10

Welcome back!

I hope everyone is well rested and ready for what should prove to be a fantastic year.

Choir will be going once again to Radio City to see the Christmas Spectacular. This year we have fantastic seats that will make the event even better than last year. Also, during the second half of the school year we will be going to Hershey, PA to sing in a choir competition. That being said, we will be working very hard this year on raising our level of performance. It will be both challenging and rewarding. Can't wait!

Our first school event is this Friday. We will be singing God Bless America at our 9-11 service at the flagpole.

-Mr. Elder

August 2010

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer! Don't want to burst anyone's bubble, however, the beginning of the new school year is only a few weeks away! Music surrounds us in our daily lives whether we're aware of it or not. We encourage all AOLP students to have a musical experience this summer. Be it a concert of any variety, a band at the shore, ballet or Broadway show, a favorite track or two from the ipod, music at camp, etc. EVERYONE should bring back to school this fall a musical experience of some sort. 

Enjoy the rest of the summer!

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

The spring concert was a wonderful event that showcased all of the hard work that the student body has been exhibiting in class over the past month. I must acknowledge all of the extra work the eighth grade put into 'Alice in Wonderland'. They've worked as hard or harder than any class I have ever taught. Well Done!

I must also mention the choir's stellar performance at the May crowning. They learned the songs quickly with minimal rehearsal and just sung their hearts out. We're very proud of that group. As the school year winds down we will be having a choir party, don't have a date as of yet but hope to have one in the next week or two. 

Coming events are 8th grade graduation followed by kindergarden graduation. K graduation always involves a lot of music and I hope to involve the choir in the 8th grade event. Stay tuned for further details.

Yours in music,

Mr. Elder

3/26/10

Don't forget our Spring Concert date, Tuesday April 20 at 7:30.The students are working very hard trying to get as much done as possible before the break. Once school resumes after the break we have very little time to finish our prep for the show. The 8th grade has been attacking Alice in Wonderland with great fervor. Learning scripts, painting props, altering costumes etc. There is so much to do when preparing to perform a play. 

We are still looking for parents who can help the 8th grade out with makeup and hair for the show. Please contact me or the school office if you can do it.

Best,

Mr. Elder

1/14/10

The AOLP choir will be singing Jan. 31 at the 9:00 Mass to help kick off Catholic Schools week. I hope everyone can attend.

Come showcase your talent at the AOLP Variety show the afternoon of February 2. Grades 3-8. There is a sign up sheet outside of the school's main office. The cutoff date for those who want to sign up is January 20. Auditions will most likely be Jan. 29. I will keep you posted. Faculty members do not have to audition as I'm sure everyone would like to see them perform.

-Mr. Elder

1/7/10 

I would like to thank everyone who has helped the music department with the ferver of activity that we've been through over the last month. The Advent Night was a wonderful evening enjoyed by all. Next year it will be even bigger, I can't say better because the choir was just fantastic. The Christmas concert was a great school event topped with a beautiful Nativity. And last but not least, the choir's trip to Radio City Music Hall was the most fun I've ever had on a school trip. I only hope that next year we can use some of their ideas for our show and Nativity. Perhaps the spinning blocks? We'll see.

Coming up we have the Pin Ceramony next First Friday and the school will sing Feb. 2 during Catholic Schools Week. Before long the 8th grade will begin work on our 2010 Spring Concert, yet to be named.

Best,                                                                                                                        Mr. Elder

10/25/09

Please mark down these important dates.

11/8/09 The School Choir will sing at the 9:00AM Mass. Let me know if you cannot attend. We will be rehearsing extra hard this week.

12/10/09 Our 'Night of Carols'. Invite friends, family, and neighbors to come and enjoy singing Christmas Carols in the church, The AOLP Choir will be singing at this event.

12/15/09 Our school Christmas Concert. All students must attend this event. If for some reason a student can't be there, a note must be brought from home. Please give the note to myself or Mr. Berrios. For those who have asked, yes, the Choir will be singing at the Christmas concert.

Thank you,

Mr.Elder

10/5/09

We are still looking for more AOLP choir members. There is no cutoff date and you are welcome to join at any time. We rehearse on Wednesdays after school till 4:00. If you have a fall activity that prevents you from participating, you may still join when your obligation ends. The choir already has 21 members. Our goal this year is 25 students, so we have an excellent chance of meeting our number. If you need more info see me before or after class. You may also inquire at the school's office.

This years choir has a lot of energy and the students are having a wonderful time. Remember "Singing is like praying twice".

Yours in Music,

Mr. Elder

9/8/09

WELCOME BACK!

I hope everyone had a wonderful summer and are ready to embark on a great 2009-2010 school year at AOLP. Two dates to mark on your calendar, December 15 (Christmas concert) and April 20 (spring concert). 

See you in class!

Best,

Mr. Elder