FAQ

How can my singer practice the songs at home?

We make practice recordings for every song. Each song has separate files for each individual part, so the students can get extra practice at home. We also make a file that has all of the recordings all together, so singers can also practice singing their part along with the other parts. Following along with the music while practicing your part is a great way for students to gain skills in how to read music.

How many concerts are there in a year?

We always have a December concert and a spring concert (which is usually in late April or early May). We typically also perform at a nursing home the weekend before each of our main concerts. If the ND Homeschool Convention is in Bismarck, we will perform one or two songs there. Sometimes additional performance opportunities arise, such as singing with the Bismarck-Mandan Civic Chorus or performing at the Gateway Mall. 

What is the overall mission of Cantate Homeschool Choir?

The overall mission of Cantate Homeschool Choir is to glorify God through song. We want to be ambassadors of Christ in the way that we rehearse, interact with each other, and perform. Our goal is for each singer to grow in their vocal abilities and talents while also growing as a disciple of Christ. Choir is a wonderful way for singers to meet new friends and strengthen current friendships. 

Do I have to buy a choir uniform?

No. Singers wear their own dressy clothes for concerts. Guys wear suits or dress pants with a dressy shirt or sweater. Girls wear dresses or skirts, or they wear dress pants with a dressy shirt or sweater. For our Christmas concert at the nursing home, we wear Christmas colors of red, green, gold, and silver. 

Who directs and accompanies the choir?

Heidi Johnson is the director of Cantate Homeschool Choir (see the "About" page).  Ethan Johnson directs sectional rehearsals with the tenors and basses, and he directs the young men's songs. Lisa LaGrone is our multi-talented accompanist who plays parts for us during rehearsals and uses her artistic piano talent to accompany us during rehearsals and concerts.

What kind of songs does the choir sing?

We sing a wide variety of songs to give singers a thorough education in choral music. Some of the genres we sing include classical, folk, spirituals, hymns, gospel, multicultural, jazz, modern, etc. Most songs divide singers into the four main vocal parts: soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Each semester, we also usually include one young men's song and one young ladies' song. 

Can high school singers earn fine arts credit?

YES! Participating in choir is a fantastic way to earn high school fine arts credit. Use the practice recordings at home to get in the full amount of hours needed for high school credit.

What does a typical rehearsal look like?

Many singers arrive a few minutes early to greet their friends before rehearsal begins. Rehearsal begins with vocal warm-ups that exercise and stretch each singer's voice. These warm-ups are specifically designed to address all aspects of healthy vocal singing and will aid each singer in developing proper breath control and healthy vocal technique. After warm-ups, we move into rehearsing our songs. Each song provides different challenges for our singers, so we cover a wide variety of concepts and vocal techniques during rehearsals. During the first part of the semester, we focus a lot on learning each individual part. As we progress, we focus more on artistry and getting each song ready to perform. 

Where does the choir rehearse and perform?

The choir rehearsals will be at Legacy United Methodist Church (4600 Durango Dr., Bismarck, ND). Our December concert will be at Trinity Lutheran Church (502 N 4th St., Bismarck, ND). Stay tuned for other performance venues as the year progresses!

What should singers bring to rehearsals?

At the first rehearsals, singers will receive a music folder with a pencil and choir music. Singers should ALWAYS BRING THEIR MUSIC FOLDER AND PENCIL to each rehearsal! Singers may also bring a spill-proof water bottle with them to rehearsal. Please do NOT consume any food or chew gum during rehearsal. We have singers with peanut and tree nut allergies, so please do not bring any snacks with peanuts or tree nuts to consume after rehearsal. Please wash your hands thoroughly before coming to rehearsal if you have consumed peanuts or tree nuts before coming to choir. Thank you for helping keep our singers safe!