Interview with A States Singer: Part 1

Dominick Philip on Special Assignment!

Today I have a special guest to give some tips on District, Region and All-State Chorus.  Here is my interview with Senior Alto 2, Toni Facciponti! Here are some tips from Toni herself:

Me: When did you start getting into chorus?

Toni: I was in showbiz chorus when I was 4 until I moved to PA when I was 11. Then I met Mrs. Rocchi and I loved the chorus scene and got into it. (I say "and the rest is history.")

Me: What is your favorite moment ever from the festivals you've participated in?

Toni: Last year, the Region Concert was the best concert I have ever sung in. We sang this one song, and it was so beautiful that me and the rest of the chorus, started crying.  As I looked into the audience I noticed everyone was crying as well and it has really stuck with me.

Me: What are some tips you have for District Chorus Auditioners?
Toni: Mrs. Rocchi's audition tracks are very helpful. We didn't have them the first few years but since their enforcement, they've really helped. The most basic thing you can do is practice, Practice, PRACTICE! When it comes to the audition, you need to just relax and be confident that you can do it.

Me: What part of the audition process is most difficult? Districts, Regions, or States?
Toni: I would say the States audition because it randomly picks 2 songs out of 10 that you have to sing a capella. And since it is only the best of the best, the competition is way high up there.

Me: Last Question- What do you think of Mrs Rocchi?
Toni: *scoffs* My idol! So, I first met Mrs. Rocchi in 7th grade for like 1 week, and then she had her twins.  Did you know she had twins? While she was gone, I would hear rumors like "Oh no, Mrs. Rocchi is coming back!  She yells so much!" And I thought to myself, "Who is this woman?" So, in middle school, when teachers exaggerate, you think she's the worst.  But when I got to the high school, I realized she actually had so much patience for everyone's nonsense.  So, all in all, every single day I'm so amazed of what an incredible person she is and how well she does her many, many jobs.  Mrs. Rocchi Rocks!

1st Day!

Hello Everyone. I hope everyone had a great first day today. Today was the first day of Women's Ensemble, and tomorrow will be the first day of Concert Choir. I have a challenge: Comment under this post one adjective to describe class. So now, here are the 4 rules of chorus:

1. Bring a pencil and your music EVERY SINGLE DAY! I know a lot of you went to the middle school and already know the ins and outs of chorus, but last year I was lost, mainly due to the fact that I went to catholic school. Anyways, DO NOT FORGET.

2.  ASK QUESTIONS! If you don't understand something, just ask the person next to you. Unless you cannot avoid it, avoid asking Mrs. Rocchi questions while she is teaching. And if you do need to ask one, ask during a break, like during the passing period for lunch or after class.

3. Be involved! Chorus is about not just being another face in the crowd- it encourages you to participate and make your voice heard. Even if you cannot accomplish this with your singing, you can do this by volunteering for positions and even running for an officer position for next year at the end of the year.


4. HAVE FUN! Seriously though, if you're not having fun in chorus, why would you do it at all?

Therefore, I hope everyone has a blast this year and enjoys everything that chorus has to offer.

Back to School!

  On this eve before the new school year I can't help but reflect on my last 13 years at Nazareth.  I began working at the Nazareth Area Middle and High School in 2005.  Over the years I've had a chance to work with hundreds of students who have inspired me again and again.  From the Middle School Choir all the way up to the PMEA Nightingales group, all of these students were and are special to me.  I cannot wait to start another year to see and hear what all of the chorus students at NASD can achieve!
 This blog is an exciting new addition to our new social profile.  Through pictures and posts, we hope to capture the passion and excitement that comes from when people sing together in a choir.
 Good luck to everyone and remember -- FAKE IT 'TIL YOU MAKE IT and FEND FOR YOURSELF!  Oh yeah....and make sure to plop and ALWAYS lift your eyebrows!!

Just a few pics to get things started!

First Nightingales group to PMEA - 2013

2nd group - 2017!

2016 - Nightingales perform at ACDA-PA Fall Conference

Miss Brands - our student teacher!

Chorale performing at Lehigh Valley Phantoms Game!

Chorale performing with the Bach Choir of Bethelehm