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Episcopal School Sunday at
The Church of the Transfiguration
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The choral program at Parish Episcopal School was founded over 20 years ago by music educator Linda Zrubek. Today there are five music teachers constructing an exemplary choral program from the Pre-Kindergarten through the High School levels.
PreK and K Music Dianne Muller
The PreK and K classes involve a child-centered music program providing positive, musical experiences rich in educational quality and value. We believe we have music to more fully enrich our lives. Our students gain an understanding of basic music concepts while participating in music songs and stories, rhythms and rhymes, creative movement and folk dancing, and developing an appreciation for all types of music through listening and experiencing.
1st and 2nd Grade Music Stephanie Rhoades
Children in 1st and 2nd grade continue to learn the language of music through games, songs, the use of Orff instruments and basic theory instruction. Children study and memorize hymns, learn to aurally and visually recognize intervals and patterns while experiencing a variety of folk songs and other musical styles. Their rich music education experience includes attending a symphony concert and preparing a Christmas Pageant for their families.
Upper Elementary Music/Choir Linda Zrubek
 The Upper Elementary choir program provides fundamental choral training and preparation for participation in the Middle School Choir, and ultimately the Parish Singers. In addition to offering music in monthly Eucharist services at the Midway campus, the UE Choir performs off-campus programs as well.
Middle School Music/Choir Greg Whitmore
The music department is delighted to welcome Greg Whitmore as our new Middle School general music teacher and the Middle School Choir Director. Greg is a gifted pianist and brings dynamic skills and experience especially useful to the constantly changing middle school experience. Guiding young, adolescent voices is a challenge for the most gifted music teacher. Under Gregs capable direction, the Middle School Choirs are blossoming. There are two choirs in Middle School: 5th/6th Choir and 7th/8th Choir. The Middle School Choir performed for the Bishop Arts Celebration of Peace Day in September. Upcoming performances for 2006 include singing for the Lessons and Carols service in December, TPSMEA Honor Choir and Solo and Ensemble Festival, a Middle School Music and Dance Spring Concert, and the Sandy Lake Music Festival in May.
Parish Singers, Upper School Chorus, Music Theory, Piano Gary Gordon
In September 2005 the Upper School Choir, The Parish Singers, began with 18 students. In one year we are 70 strong and ready to tackle the challenges that come with a touring concert choir.
 Parish Singers represent the culmination of the choral program that begins in preschool on the Hillcrest Campus. Parish Singers is a disciplined ensemble that rehearses daily. During rehearsal we master music reading/interpretation skills, learn critical vocal technique (i.e. accurate breathing), historical stylistic performance practices, and music representing many genres, from classical to rock and roll. Parish Singers participate in choir festivals and competitions throughout the year. Plans for Parish Singers 2006-2007 include a Texas State Winter Tour and trip to Nassau, Bahamas in June 2007.
The Music Department is committed to building a choral program that is unrivaled in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. We desire a caliber of choral singing capable of competing on the world stage. We aspire to be an effective public relations tool, touring throughout the United States, and we seek to re-establish a choral festival for local Episcopal Schools. Already we are enriching the weekly Holy Eucharist services with choral offerings at the Upper Elementary, Middle School, and High School levels. We foresee performances of large-scale master works with our combined choirs.
On April 12-14, 2007 the Parish Singers, along with the rest of the Upper School Fine Arts Department, will represent Parish Episcopal School at the ISAS Fine Arts Festival in Dallas.
Thank you for your support of the Music Department of the Parish Episcopal School. If you have any questions about the music program or would like to find ways to further support the program please contact us at any time. Dianne Muller (PreK and K) is at extension 1328, Stephanie Scott (1st-2nd) is at extension 1322, Linda Zrubek, Upper Elementary (grades 3-4) is at extension 2188. Greg Whitmore, Middle School (Grades 5-8) is at extension 2331 and Gary Gordon, Upper School (9-12), is at extension 2345
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