Promotions normally occur at the end of the spring semester, not at mid-year. It is common for a chorister to stay in a level for two years before being promoted since concepts build from level to level.
While some music skills are quantifiable, most are not. Evaluating a chorister’s musical ability, vocal development, focus, and readiness for advancement is often subjective. Our conductors, who are familiar with each chorister’s rehearsal behavior and musical strengths, make the ultimate merit based decision.
When promoting from Allegra to Cantamus each chorister will prepare and sing a solo for their peers. The conductor of Cantamus will be a guest in rehearsal the day solos are sung. The solo is part of the process of the promotion.
When promoting from Cantamus to Prime Voci there are a few steps to ensure that candidates are ready in terms of musicianship as well as commitment. First, the Cantamus conductor recommends all the girls they feel are ready. Choristers wanting to move forward with the process will then take a theory evaluation test scheduled toward the end of April/start of May. At the same time the Prime Voci conductor meets with each candidate to assess their sight-singing skills and to discuss expectations and answer questions. Following the spring concert each candidate will sing a solo for a current PV chorister and receive valuable peer feedback. Then the candidate sings the solo for Prime Voci.