The theme for the second semester of TCPS chorus is “Love, Peace and Harmony.” Students are singing in rounds such as “Shalom Chaverim” (“Peace Friends, Until We Meet Again”) and “Oh, How Lovely is the Evening.” Other musical pieces include “Waka Waka”, a fun African song about believing in oneself, “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars, “Siyahamba” (“We Are Walking in the Light), a beautiful Swahili song, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music. To  celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday, we sang one of his original songs, “Hungry, Hungry”, but changed the lyrics just a little bit to sneak in a Happy Birthday greeting to Dr. Seuss!

Students begin each chorus session by preparing their bodies and voices for singing. Students stretch and center themselves, practice correct breathing techniques by blowing on pinwheels, focus on their pitch accuracy using PVC “telephones,” and hum through kazoos to warm up their voices and to help with relaxed voice placement.

The TCPS Chorus will be performing at the TCPS Spring Show on May 18th!

TCPS students prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving Feast — where the students work together to provide a delicious meal for our school community. We celebrate each other and begin the meal by joining together in singing “Give Thanks” by Marta Keen.

On May 18th, students returned from the 2011 Music Memory Countrywide Finals beaming, so excited about their experience and very proud of their accomplishment. Schools from all over the San Diego area parcipated in the program to test their classical music skills. TCPS students received a Silver Award, we’re so proud of them!

The students had such a great time at the Finals, here’s what they had to say about their experience:

“It was super fun seeing a live orchestra play the songs we’ve learned, and knowing that I will recognize the music for the rest of my life.” – Nico

“Last year we went and watched the competition, so it was really amazing that we got to participate this year. We were so nervous, but we started getting them right, which was so exciting.” – Max

“We worked really well as a team instead of yelling at each other. I think our good teamwork made it more fun, and probably helped us to score better. But I was really nervous because I was in charge of writing the answers for half of the competition.” – Grace Karina

“My favorite thing about the competition was hearing all of the songs that we’ve been studying. I really love the music.” – Lily

“It was really fun, I liked being with my friends, but it was scary because it was our first time. Winning the Silver Award made us feel really special.” – Hannah

“It really felt great to get the questions right. We got the second best award which was amazing and really exciting.” – Surina

Congratulations guys, we are so proud of you! Enjoy your accomplishment!