Plantation Park Singers Audition Information

Students are not "auditioned" per se at PPE. Instead, vocal screenings are held for all students in grades 3-5 during general music classes the first two weeks of school. Every child sings for the director as part of a small group in order to determine pitch-matching ability and vocal range. After the vocal screening, an interest form is completed by each child which lets the director know if a child wants to be considered for Chorus that school year. If a child answers yes, their form is placed in the consideration pile; if not, their form is filed in their music journal. Since singing is a learnable skill requiring practice and exposure, pitch-matching ability is helpful but not required for membership in the choir.

If more than 100 children are interested in being in Chorus, selections are made based on: 1) interest and singing ability; 2) past performance in Chorus; 3) behavior and responsibility in general music classes; and 4) test scores. Typically, membership is offered first to past choristers whose responsibility record was excellent. Remaining openings are then divided among three grade levels, and offered by lottery to 1st year 5th graders, then 4th graders, then 3rd graders, making sure whenever possible that every classroom is represented. Students who are not selected by lottery are placed on a waiting list. If an opening occurs mid-year, a child on the waiting list will be offered that spot.

Children whose FCAT test scores are level 1 or 2 in any area may participate in Chorus but are issued a probationary contract. As long as sincere effort is applied in all graded subjects, chorus membership will not be revoked. Children whose classroom behavior is not consistently exemplary may also be issued a probationary contract provided sincere effort is shown.

New in 2008-2009: registering for chorus has changed!

Parents of children who wish to participate in Chorus in 2008-09 must attend a mandatory informational meeting on one of two dates to be determined at the beginning of the school year. One afternoon and one evening session will be offered. Dates for 2008-09 are: Thursday September 4 at 6:30pm in the cafeteria or Monday September 8 at 3:00pm in the media center.

The purpose of the informational meeting is to help parents understand the scope of the choral program and the time and financial commitments involved with chorus participation. Mrs. Greggs will stress that Chorus is an honorary extracurricular activity meant to enrich children, and that as such, it requires planning ahead on the part of both students and parents. The chorus curriculum, philosophy, calendar (for the whole year), the Plantation Park Singers Handbook and points system, parent volunteer opportunities, uniform information, and financial commitments will be clearly explained.

At the conclusion of the meetings, veteran choral families will be encouraged to partner with rookie families to serve as a contact point as they  "learn the ropes."  Parents will then be able to register their child for Chorus, which involves completing the Chorus Contract for 2008-09 and submitting a $20 registration donation. Parents will also be asked to sign up for two areas in which they can "stresslessly" assist in PPSBA (Plantation Park Singers Booster Association).

For the benefit of all involved with Chorus, children whose parents or a representative do not attend one of the informational meetings may not participate in Chorus.