FAQ:
What are some unique qualities of Mosaic?
MISSION: Creative Venues, Healthy Singing, Integrated Arts
–High Artistry: Victoria Redfearn Cave founded Mosaic on the principle that children are capable of producing interesting and beautiful aesthetic experiences. She approaches every rehearsal with the belief in a child’s ability to partner in an artistic process. Each concert reflects that partnership.
–Diversity: Our Mosaic families represent four different continents including Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. As a community choir, Mosaic has students from Albemarle County Public Schools, Charlottesville City Schools, independent schools and the home school community.
–Voice Training: Did you know that most children under the age of 14 should join a choir for early voice training? The voice does not develop fully until much later and the young voice must be handled with care. Mosaic can provide wonderful training to prepare those who consider their instrument to be voice.
–Value: Most private lessons cost $40-$60/lesson. Over the course of the year, Mosaic is significantly less than the price of a private voice lesson.
– Modern Voices: Every concert has a “little twist.” Whether a body percussion piece, a movement component, a digital artifact, or an on location experience, be prepared to have a smile on your face as the children’s creativity enchants you.
Where Does Mosaic Rehearse?
We rehearse at the Ballet School 2409 Ivy Road. It is next door to Pediatrics Associates West and Bellair Market. Parents are welcome to drop off or wait in the lobby that has Wi-Fi.
When is Enrollment?
The best time to schedule a placement interview is in the summer. For our 2024-2025 season, we have spots open on June 30th, July 28th, and August 11th. Contact Artistic Director (mosaicchildrenschoir@gmail.com) to schedule a time that works. We have limited placement interviews available mid-year. Pebbles and Prism has open enrollment in August and December.
When do the Programs Run?
Mosaic starts with a family potluck in late August. Rehearsals begin the Sunday after Labor Day and go until Mother’s Day. Payments for families are either for the year or in ten monthly installments August through May. Pebbles and Prison have two six-week sessions. One in the fall and one in the Winter/Spring.
Who are the faculty?
Artistic Director, Victoria Redfearn Cave, M.Ed.
Collaborative Pianist, Colleen Fennessy
Pebbles and Prism Instructor, Emily Koven
Do all children have to have a placement interview? What is required?
Yes, all children must come for a placement interview for Patchwork (K-2), Mosaic (grades 3-8,) and Mosaic Honors (grades 3-8.)
No, for Pebbles (early childhood) and Prism (practice choir), families can just enroll.
The placement interview will consist of children singing a familiar song (Happy Birthday for example), vocalizing and echoing back tonal patterns.It is recommended that all children have some sense of pitch matching. All treble voices are eligible to have a placement interview. Any changing voices will be considered on an individual basis.
Families must be able to commit to consistent rehearsal and concert attendance.
Members of the Honors Choir are required to practice music theory on a weekly basis and to commit to a larger performance schedule. Over 95% of our Mosaic Honors students study an instrument, take dance, or study theater outside of their Mosaic experience.
Are there children who are not accepted into the choir?
Our practice choir, Prism accepts all students as does our Pebbles program for early childhood.
Our Patchwork, Mosaic and Mosaic Honors programs might not be a good fit for a family if children cannot come to rehearsals or concerts; children have severe difficulties matching pitch; or children have severe difficulties in a group or team environment. If these issues occur or there are concerns from the family, they can be discussed on an individual basis with the artistic director.
Can you tell me more about Introduction to Keyboard and Piano Lessons?
