Glee Club
Instructor
Therese Parent is a vocal instructor at the Vernon Community Music School. She is also a performer and Director at the Powerhouse Theatre.
Therese will be working with an assistant, an accompanist, a choreographer and a band.
What is Glee Club?
By definition, it is a group organized to sing short choral works, especially part songs. Nowadays, Glee Clubs, or show choirs as they are often known in the U.S., have expanded on this idea. They will frequently combine pop songs with dance routines that are high in energy to create an exciting visual and auditory experience for those watching and listening. The advent and huge success of the hit TV show GLEE has firmly put the idea of the Glee Club back in the public eye and ear and made it a household name. The Glitz and glam of the all-singing, all-dancing troupe of American High School Kids has lifted the genre to new heights. The global effect has been staggering and immediate. (www.gleeclubuk.com)
Glee Club Participants must be:
Adults and youth 16 and older. That’s right! Adults will now have a chance to showcase their talents!
What does your membership include?
Glee Club fees are is $405.00 per term plus a one time per year Vernon Community Music School Membership fee of $30.00. There are two terms September through the end of January and February 1 to the end of May. We feel this is a great value to performers as you will be receiving one on one instruction within your group in voice and movement. In addition you will have the opportunity to sing with a live band and accompanist. Each term will end with a performance and audience. Once you are in the Club, two weeks’ notice is required to cancel membership according to school policy. We are a performance based group and we would need to find a replacement for you!
Rehearsals are held at the Vernon Community Music School. Chorus members must be available for rehearsals on Thursday nights and Sundays during the day, except for the usual vacations (Spring Break, Christmas, Easter, and Summer break, etc.) These rehearsals will be between two and three hours long. Most of the time we will only be meeting once a week on either Thursday or Sunday, but when performances loom, we will be increasing rehearsal times to both days.
Glee Club Fees Include:
- Vocal Instruction on lead vocals and part singing.
- Sheet Music for all songs
- Warm up, vocal and exercise CD
- Personalized instruction from our choreographer
Our Goals in Glee Club Are:
- Gaining experience in a performance environment
- Making connections with other people who share the same interests
- Showing off talents and discovering new ones
- Pushing limitations in a safe and encouraging environment
- Characterization in performance
- Showcase Finale for friends, families and the public
- Utilizing any additional abilities (e.g. ability to play an instrument) of Glee Club Members.
* We aim to promote a community spirit and we will provide opportunities to perform in the community. This rewarding experience will provide each performer a deep sense of accomplishment. All proceeds from ticketed performances will be put back into the community in the form of a donation.
What are your responsibilities once you join:
- Members do not have to have any vocal training, just a singing voice and a willingness to work hard and have fun!
- Learning your music between sessions will be required. Don’t worry we will give you the tools.
- Solo opportunities are available for every participant. The size of the solo will reflect their vocal abilities and training, however, performing a solo is not required. The emphasis will be on group singing.
- Each rehearsal is part of a cumulative curriculum, preparing for a performance. Attendance is mandatory to ensure full participation in the performance.
- Be on time, appropriate conduct is expected at all times. A positive attitude is all you need.
Auditions:
We will be accepting a minimum of 20 chorus members for this new Glee Club. Auditions will be held privately early in September. Our intent in audition is not criticism but encouragement.
Two pieces from contrasting, pop or rock songs. The two songs should be different feels and tempos. Please bring either a cd with the instrumentals for the two songs on it, or, you may accompany yourself, or you may bring an accompanist (a piano is provided). You will be asked to sing some simple scales and you will be tested on your ability to sing simple harmony lines as well as hold the melody while harmony is sung with you. The ability to read music (although an asset) is not a requirement.
You will also be given a short dance/movement routine to learn on the spot. The ability to dance is not necessary, but the ability to move well and learn simple choreography is!
* If you are interested in joining Glee Club, please call the Vernon Community Music School at 250-545-4977. Your name will be put on a waiting list along with your phone number and e.mail address and we will contact you with dates and times of auditions. We will also be offering a workshop “Preparing for an Audition” before auditions take place. If you require private assistance or an accompanist to prepare for audition please call Therese Parent at 250-307-7701.
