As we enthusiastically anticipate our upcoming fall registration and return to fully in-person singing, I am excited to share with you our new course and choir structure. The pandemic required a shift in all our programming and activities, and this necessity provided us the opportunity to reflect and to reevaluate our program as a whole. Through this reflection we began considering some new ways to operate, while remaining constant to our founding core values and honoring the great traditions that make Vivace such a wonderful, special place for our singers and their families. We believe this new format accomplishes this. The solid foundation of Vivace’s music curriculum is still the through line for all our ensembles, and we are incorporating new key components for further inclusion and growth amongst our singers.
We know that while tremendous efforts were made since March 2020, the entire field of education has suffered a setback in regards to benchmarks. We couldn't be more proud of the work our singers were able to accomplish since last year's shutdown, and we are optimistic that moving forward, our singers and families alike will find this new structure conducive to an exceptional creative atmosphere filled with robust learning opportunities and experiences. In early August, all new and returning Vivace students will participate in a placement assessment for Fall 2021. Because of the pandemic and our virtual program, we opted to forgo our traditional spring assessments this past May. This shift gives us the opportunity to gauge where all our students are musically, meet them where they are today, and find the best place within our new structure for them to flourish and grow.
We realize this is a pivot from how Vivace has operated. It is our sincere hope, however, that you will join us in our enthusiasm for this new structure and the newfound opportunities it affords our singers and our organization as a whole. We believe we are on the precipice of an exciting new chapter in the life of Vivace Youth Chorus, and we’re delighted to have you all join us on the journey!
In Harmony,
Kristina Nakagawa | Artistic Director