We’ve finally made it. Sixty of you have registered.  You met new friends, rehearsed as a group, and worked with Dr. Gerber at Ouachita Baptist University.  And now… it is time for the final rehearsals, our All-State Choir Concert, and our vocal competition. Location: Pine Bluff Convention Center Enter at Main Entrance AACS All-State Choir Conference Schedule: February 16th 10:00 AM – Registration Table Opens 11:00 AM – Rehearsal Begins 12:30 AM – Lunch (bring $5) 4:00 PM – Sound Check 5:00 PM – Target for End of Rehearsal

All-State Choir Nominees work with Dr. Gary Gerber at OBU

February 17th
10:00 AM – Recording Session 1 (location TBA)
12:00 PM – Lunch (bring $5)
1:00 PM – Recording Session 2 (location TBA)
4:00 PM – Target For End of Recording Sessions
6:00 PM – Pre-Performance Meeting (come dressed in concert black & ready)
7:00 PM – All-State Concert

February 18th
1:00 PM – Rehearsal Rooms Open
6:00 PM – Competition Auditions Begin

February 19th
Soloists & Ensemble Winners Sing National Anthem for Championship Games
Awards Ceremony – Half-time of JV Boys Championship Game

Hotel Information:

Ramada Plaza & Suites
Two Convention Center Plaza
Pine Bluff , AR
870.535.3111/Fax: 870.536.9359
AACS Room Rate: $59 Per Night

Concert Dress Requirements:

We will dress in “Concert Black”.  It simply stated is SOLID black dress clothes.  Women may wear a solid black dress or solid black pants & blouse.  Jewelry is fine as long as it isn’t large and is either gold, silver or pearl in color.   If you are male and have a black suit it is appropriate to have a small amount of white shirt showing under your jacket, however your tie should be black.  A jacket is not required, so you can simply wear a solid black dress shirt with a black tie.  I will have one or two extra black ties with me.  Shoes for both men and women must be solid black dress shoes.  If anyone is having trouble with this please send me an email.  I also have a few pairs of black slacks, shirts and dresses that might work for you.  jamie.stewart@swchristian.com

Competition Information:

Please remember that you may compete in solo classical, solo popular, group classical, and group popular categories. Groups may consist of 2-8 members only.  Only CD or live piano accompaniment is allowed.  CD accompaniment may NOT contain background vocals.  Students may sign-up on Wednesday for time in the rehearsal room, and their audition time.  All auditions are private.  Winners will have the opportunity to sing their winning piece before or during a game in the tournament. Up to four opportunities to sing the national anthem before the championship games on February 19th will be awarded to solo and/or group competitors as well.

If you have questions please email Mr. Jamie Stewart (Southwest Christian Academy) – jamie.stewart@swchristian.com

2010-11 All-State Choir Nominees,

We are excited about the upcoming All-State Choir Clinic at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia on Saturday, January 15, 2011.  This is an opportunity to learn from a wonderful conductor, Dr. Gary Gerber, who is OBU’s chair of the Department of Music, the Director of Choral Activities and the conductor of OBU’s elite choir the Ouachita Singers.  We are honored to have him working with us.  He will be helping our group with technique as well as rehearsing the music that we will be singing in our All-State Concert on February 16 or 17th.  (The exact concert date and time hasn’t been confirmed at this point.)

Here is our schedule for Saturday, Jan. 15th

Dress code is nice casual.  Jeans and sneakers are perfectly fine, but please avoid flip-flops, torn or ragged jeans, and other sloppy attire.  We want to present ourselves well.  Also, since it is a college campus, there will certainly be some walking outdoors involved in the day, so please bring the appropriate type of coats, gloves, etc. to stay warm.

I can’t wait to see everyone again!

Mr. Jamie Stewart
jamie.stewart@swchristian.com

Our first AACS All-State Choir rehearsal is this Saturday, November 20th from 11AM-3PM at Southwest Christian Academy in Little Rock.  It is not too late for your school to be involved.  Several schools are bringing their registration forms and fees to the rehearsal.  Lunch will be provided, and it is a wonderful opportunity for students grades 6-12 to get to know like-minded students in other schools in our state organization.  No previous choir experience necessary.  We will meet one another, learn some singing technique, learn voice parts for 6 songs, and have a great time together.  Simply print the nomination form below, have an administrator sign-off on it, and bring that and your registration fee to the practice.  If you have any questions please contact Jamie Stewart – jamie.stewart@swchristian.com.  ”AACS All-State Choir Member” will be a wonderful addition to your college scholarship applications as well!

2010 All-State Choir Nomination Form

See you on Saturday!

jamie.stewart@swchristian.com

The Arkansas Association of Christian Schools is introducing activities beyond athletics in the 2010-11 school year.  Each student has been given unique abilities, and it is our desire to help all students realize their potential.  There will be six academic opportunities for grades 6-12.

• All-State Choir
• Art Fair
• History Fair
• Science Fair
• Yearbook Competition
• Young Poets Competition

The finals of these activities will be held at the same time and location as the state basketball tournament which is currently scheduled for February 16-19 at the Pine Bluff Convention Center. Information about these opportunities will be posted to the AACS website.