Sept. 29th Choir News

9/29/2025 12:00 am

This Week In Choir
 
 

Hello Choir Families,

We had another amazing week in choir!  Sound Check got their jackets so be sure to look for those.  The groups are almost done learning their music for the Broadway show and next week we will start working on new music!  AND… they all found out what their next set is going to be!


Desserts with the Director 

This event went great!  The boosters did presentations on fundraising, budget, volunteering, and a Q and A with Wallace.  Here is the Sign Up Genius for the Lip Sync Battle and the Broadway Show.  The Raise Right flow chart is attached.  Be sure to get that going if you have not done that yet.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AACAC2AABFAC43-51683956-mcauliffe

 

Becoming a Benefactor

The McAuliffe Choir Booster Club invites you to be a part of our important effort to support Mrs. Wallace’s commitment to providing the most outstanding choral experience possible for our students. Please consider becoming a Benefactor. The Benefactor Program is open to any individuals (e.g. grandparents, relatives, alumni, friend, etc.), including choir parents after fulfillment of the student’s Choir Participation Donation commitment.The funds raised by the Booster Club make a difference to our choir program in a number of ways:  Purchase exciting music scores,Provide concert accompanists (e.g. pianist, percussionist, etc.) or a live band, Provide special guest choral clinicians. Sponsor choir students experiencing financial hardship 

All gifts are tax deductible

Feel free to purchase multiple giving levels and benefits. 

The McAuliffe Choir Booster Club is a 501(c)3 Corporation. Tax ID # 46-3859649 

Each purchase will be mentioned in the choir program and our website.

GIVING LEVELS AND BENEFITS

SHOW SPONSOR - Make a gift of $1,000 to receive advance notice (before PLATINUM benefactors) for ticket purchase for each choir concert performance series, a VIP parking spot at each choir performance, shout out on website and programs, two choir decals, $50 Spirit Wear voucher, and choir swag package. 2 tickets to ALL home shows.

PLATINUM – Make a gift of $500 to receive advance notice (before GOLD benefactors) for ticket purchase for each choir concert performance series, name in home concert programs, two choir decals, $40 Spirit Wear voucher, 2 tickets to one home show of choice.

GOLD – Make a gift of $350 to receive advance notice (before SILVER benefactors) for ticket purchase for each choir concert performance series, name in home concert programs, 2 choir decals, and $30 Spirit Wear voucher.

SILVER – Make a gift of $250 to receive advance notice (before BRONZE benefactors) for ticket purchase for each choir concert performance series, name in home concert programs, one choir decal, and $15 Spirit Wear voucher.

BRONZE – Make a gift of $125 to receive advance notice (before CHOIR members) for ticket purchase for each choir concert performance series, name in home concert programs, and one choir decal.

To become a Benefactor, please complete the Benefactor Program form at McAuliffeChoir.com *Please note, this is an OPTIONAL donation to support the McAuliffe Choir Program and choir dues must be paid before becoming a benefactor.  We also have Business Sponsorship available and a portion of that will go towards your child’s choir dues.  Information on this program can be found on the website as well. 


Los Al Choir Dress Rehearsal

We have been invited to attend the high school choir dress rehearsal on Oct. 1 4:15-6:30!  This is a free and optional event, and students will not receive extra credit.  However, they will get extra credit if they buy a ticket and see the show on another night. Students will find their own way to and from the high school.  We will not be walking over as a choir.


Costumes

Costumes for the Broadway show will be due in class on Friday Oct. 24.  Be sure to start looking for those pieces and let me know if you need help finding things.  Students will also need a garment bag that is labeled with their name.  Here is a link if you need to know what to look for.  The more unique the bag is, the easier it will be to find on the rack.  I encourage them to decorate their bag with duck tape or paint to make it stand out.  Students may also use a duffle bag but it must zip closed.  No back packs or totes please.

https://www.amazon.com/Lazebox-Garment-Storage-Waterproof-Hanging/dp/B0C2Z537J3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3HWR3DV91HQZG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FFyvrgX76T1tMr9_KhARbfap_IoGfnhNtwjcEs9zXwzVt6oY-4nPOS10UPU4AmYH3u9wzDscYNDsYapiIKDTVXh6OTokKZ4-1BagzUwV97_UNh2BGc7RNEgLLVJgt-iZfkGZA88zyIIBUA_UtK1vXDfhniXn7jJlxAMxJ72nsRC5X9SGAgGLMmKdct1zbyGQMT0rGQ9sgYsFYxKd1zcw2iQWO9bH_zysnCxrgKsHI1z-RVfD3DLsltE7sa8VPXXwMMd5C1A-1bSvvy9dUb95gnunl3JUzzjWKw_6Cdhp0Fk.Jb3QOk8YLNWh0CXwLQcZx3UX1AeTiUsaRs1PaEtKHNE&dib_tag=se&keywords=garment%2Bbag&qid=1758391028&sprefix=garment%2Bbag%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1

 

Musical Auditions

Ms. Schwartz has invited our kids to audition for the all school musical!  The Classroom code for audition submissions is on their Google Classroom and submissions are due on Monday.


Lip Sync Battle

One more week to put together your submission!  Be sure to volunteer to help or donate if you are able.


Mark Your Calendars

Sept 29-Musical submissions due

Oct 1-Los Al High choir dress rehearsal 4:15-6:30

Oct 6-Lip Sync Battle audition videos due via Google Classroom

Oct 14-Lip Sync Battle Dress rehearsal @ McAuliffe MPR 

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle @ McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Oct 17-Broadway solo auditions due

Oct 24-Broadway Show costumes due in class

Nov 3-Broadway Show Dress rehearsal @ McGaugh 4:00-6:30

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 @ McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

Sept. 20th Choir News

9/20/2025 12:00 am

 

This Week in Choir
 

Hello Choir Families,

Sorry this is late getting to you.  It’s been a busy week in the Wallace household!  This week in choir we had another round of solo auditions in preparation for our Broadway show.  The students were fantastic!  I was so proud of everyone who auditioned.  It’s a great opportunity for me to hear them sing and I love how they are all so supportive of one another.  We have some amazing teams this year!  


Boys got a visit from Xtreme yesterday and got to learn some choreography from Hamilton.  Sixth Sense enjoyed a popsicle party as a reward for the most spirited class.  Dress up days start Monday for Peace week so pull out the neon and let's keep the streak going!


Desserts with the Director is Tuesday!!!

Please make plans to come out and meet the team.  This is a great opportunity to get to know our board a little bit, meet some people you will be volunteering with, and find out a little more about how the program runs.  Bring your questions, concerns, ideas and leave room for DESSERT!

 

Costumes

Costumes for the Broadway show will be due in class on Friday Oct. 24.  Be sure to start looking for those pieces and let me know if you need help finding things.  Students will also need a garment bag that is labeled with their name.  Here is a link if you need to know what to look for.  The more unique the bag is, the easier it will be to find on the rack.  I encourage them to decorate their bag with duck tape or paint to make it stand out.  Students may also us a duffle bag but it must zip closed.  No back packs or totes please.

https://www.amazon.com/Lazebox-Garment-Storage-Waterproof-Hanging/dp/B0C2Z537J3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3HWR3DV91HQZG&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FFyvrgX76T1tMr9_KhARbfap_IoGfnhNtwjcEs9zXwzVt6oY-4nPOS10UPU4AmYH3u9wzDscYNDsYapiIKDTVXh6OTokKZ4-1BagzUwV97_UNh2BGc7RNEgLLVJgt-iZfkGZA88zyIIBUA_UtK1vXDfhniXn7jJlxAMxJ72nsRC5X9SGAgGLMmKdct1zbyGQMT0rGQ9sgYsFYxKd1zcw2iQWO9bH_zysnCxrgKsHI1z-RVfD3DLsltE7sa8VPXXwMMd5C1A-1bSvvy9dUb95gnunl3JUzzjWKw_6Cdhp0Fk.Jb3QOk8YLNWh0CXwLQcZx3UX1AeTiUsaRs1PaEtKHNE&dib_tag=se&keywords=garment%2Bbag&qid=1758391028&sprefix=garment%2Bbag%2Caps%2C238&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1


Lip Sync Battle

The kids have 2 more weeks to put together their auditions for the lip sync battle.  I can’t wait to see what they come up with!  I am working on a teacher lip sync video as well that will air at the live event Oct. 14th.  You can sign up to volunteer at this event at Desserts with the Director on Tuesday.  




Mark Your Calendars

Sept 23-Desserts with the Director-7:00-8:30 parents only

Oct 6-Lip Sync Battle audition videos due via Google Classroom

Oct 14-Lip Sync Battle Dress rehearsal-McAuliffe MPR 

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle-McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Oct 24-Broadway show costumes due in class

Nov 3-Dress rehearsal at McGaugh 4:00-6:30

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

Sept. 12th Choir News

9/12/2025 12:00 am

 

This Week in Choir
 

Hello Choir Families,

We had some fun stuff happening this week.  Studio Singers was the first class to have every member complete their Getting to Know You assignment AND everyone one registered on the McAuliffe website with completed paperwork!  As a reward, they got a little in class party today complete with cookies, cakes, and candy salad.  Sixth Sense went all out for Patriot Day with 100% participation.  I even got my face painted!  They will announce the winner of the popsicle party on Monday, but we are pretty sure we will win.  Sound Check welcomed Jackson today who gave the basses a little love.  Soul Men is working on some gastrointestinal issues (see my instagram post) and will welcome the Xtreme boys in our class next week. Sound Waves is crushing their a cappella number and is on track to be a crowd favorite at the Broadway show..  All of the choirs sang beautiful, interesting, and unique happy birthdays to Kylie today as well.  Great week everyone!  Keep up the good work.


Raise Right Bonus Days

For those of you who’ve signed up for Raise Right, they are having some great bonuses over the next few days.  Some of my favorite places are giving as much as 15% back to the program.  Go scoop up some deals.  September is full of birthdays in our family so everyone is getting gift cards from Raise Right! 


Desserts with the Director

On September 23 we will be having a choir parent night.  We will be hearing from the booster board about the volunteer opportunities in choir, eating desserts, and having a mini choir experience so you can get a glimpse of what your kids are doing in class.  This is a parent only event, but we have a couple of 8th graders who can entertain your littles in the choir room if needed. Those who attend will get first dibs on volunteer sign-ups.  


Lip Sync Battle

We had an informational meeting today about the Lip Sync Battle.  We did not have many 7th and 8th graders at the meeting but I have heard talk of several acts they are planning.  Please encourage your child to participate.  It’s a really fun event, especially if they do it with friends.




Mark Your Calendars

Sept 23-Desserts with the Director-7:00-8:30parents only

Oct 6-Lip Sync Battle audition videos due via Google Classroom

Oct 14-Lip Sync Battle Dress rehearsal-McAuliffe MPR 

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle-McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Nov 3-Dress rehearsal at McGaugh 4:00-6:30

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

Sept. 5th Choir News

9/5/2025 12:00 am

 

This Week In Choir
 

Hello Choir Families,

The Beach Party last week was sooooo fun.  The waves were incredible and the kids had a blast.  Thank you all who attended.  I hope you met a few new people and made some connections.  We’ve added a couple new dates to the calendar so be sure to scroll down and update your calendar.  Now is a good time to check student grades.  We have a few assignments in and some students who are missing things.  I do accept late work for full credit so get that done! 


See you at the beach again tomorrow for our largest Seal Beach Art Fair performance yet.  We have 80 students attending and we will be doing an epic all group number together along with several small groups and solos. 


Seal Beach Art Fair tomorrow!!!

We are so excited for the art fair tomorrow.  The kids are doing a great job and have learned a ton of material in a very short time.  If you will be attending, please arrive by 11:00 and meet Kylie by the bathrooms under the pier.  Parking is difficult so you might want to drop your kid first and then go park.  Covered seating is very limited so bring sunscreen, a hat, or an umbrella.  

Students will wear their choir t-shirt with jeans or jean shorts and tennis shoes.  No sandals please. 


Desserts with the Director

On September 23 we will be having a choir parent night.  We will be hearing from the booster board about the volunteer opportunities in choir, eating desserts, and having a mini choir experience so you can get a glimpse of what your kids are doing in class.  This is a parent only event, but we have a couple of 8th graders who can entertain your littles in the choir room if needed. Those who attend will get first dibs on volunteer sign-ups.  


Lip Sync Battle

Each year the choir hosts a lip sync battle for McAuliffe.  Students put together acts and we have judges, audience voting, and online voting!  The winning group will receive $100 and we have several other smaller prizes depending on how much money we raise.  This year we are inviting parents, family, and friends to join in the act.  We have an informational meeting next Friday at lunch.  


Fix it Tickets

The arts department has started something called “Fix It Tickets”.  This is a precursor to a detention.  If your child receives one, it is an opportunity for them to reflect on their behavior and turn things around before it becomes a problem.  It is also an opportunity for you to have a conversation with them-without giving consequences-and discuss better courses of action and impulse control.  We are hoping this helps students to reflect on how their behavior is affecting others and learn to take personal responsibility without fear of demerits or grounding.  


Raise Right

Hopefully you are all signed up on Raise Right! If you haven’t started yet, today is the day.  

Get Started with Raise Right  

Download the app 

Choose McAuliffe Choir Booster Club and add your child’s name

Enter Code Number: 466LFB8664558  

Enter your bank or credit card info:  bank purchases are $.29 per transaction and credit cards are more expensive as they take a percentage of the purchase.

Start buying cards everywhere you shop.  Be sure to only purchase e-cards, we do not do physical gift cards.  E-cards can be emailed to recipients for gifts FYI



Mark Your Calendars

Sept 6-Seal Beach Art Fair 11:30-Optional Performance

Sept 23-Desserts with the Director-7:00-8:30parents only

Sept 12-Lip Sync Battle info meeting, both lunches

Oct 6-Lip Sync Battle audition videos due via Google Classroom

Oct 14-Lip Sync Battle Dress rehearsal-McAuliffe MPR 

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle-McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Nov 3-Dress rehearsal at McGaugh 4:00-6:30

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

August 22nd Choir News

8/22/2025 12:00 am

 

This Week in Choir
 

Hello Choir Families,

Week 2 was a good one!  The students are plugging along and doing some great work!  Today we had a little competition with the choreo we’ve been working on.  The kids were awesome and have made some really great improvements in a very short time.  I’m working on setting up my gradebook now that all of the schedule changes are complete, and will be updating everything next week.  We have several things coming up so be sure to read on.  


Get to Know Me Assignment

This week’s assignment was to figure out how to make a video and attach it to Google Classroom.  Students with Chrome books did their assignment in class on Thursday.  All of our singing tests and many of our auditions will require this skill so it’s important that they figure it out.  Please do not email videos or attach Youtube videos.  They need to access the camera on their device and attach it directly to the assignment. They can also use a phone as long as they can sign into Google Classroom.  


McAuliffeChoir.com

If you have not already done so please go to McAuliffeChoir.com and set up your account.  This is how you will receive booster communications, purchase merch and tickets, view the calendar, and donate to the program.  It’s also a grade for your student so be sure to get that done.


Permission Slips

Once you register on McAuliffeChoir.com you will be asked to complete a permission slip.  We do this once for the year so you don’t have to do this every time we go somewhere.  Please make sure this gets taken care of right away so we are not scrambling the week before a trip.


Donations

You will be asked to complete a donation commitment form as well.  There is no money due at this time, but completing the form helps us budget for the year.  The more donations we can collect, the fewer fundraisers we have to do.  If you are unable to donate the full amount, you can still add it in your cart and just donate what you can.  I am a parent too and I know how taxing this time of year is.  So, I just put my donation in the cart, and each month I go there and donate what I can until it’s all paid off.  You can also send checks to the school.  I have a secure collection box in my classroom.  Be sure to label your donations with the student’s name and choir.  


Raise Right!

This is the best fundraiser we do!  It’s FREE MONEY on almost every store, restaurant, or business you shop.  You can purchase e-gift cards in the store and use them to pay for your purchases.  The business then gives the choir a percentage of the sale.  Each purchase costs you 25 cents!  You can load up on grocery cards, Starbucks, Home Depot, etc. and those businesses give back to your kid!  I had a parent who did a remodel one year and paid for all of her choir dues with money from Home Depot and Best Buy!  I bought a dryer a couple of years ago and earned $45 for my child’s account!  


To get started, you will first contact our Raise Right chair at McAChoirScrip@gmail.com and download the app to your phone.  You will get a code to verify your connection with McAuliffe and once your account is set up you can start shopping and earning.   


Beach Party!!!! August 29

We wanna kick things off with a fun beach party where the kids hang and the parents get to know each other a bit.  We are going to meet from 3-6 on August 29 near the Seal Beach Pier.  This is a minimum day for the kids so they will have plenty of time to get themselves down there.  This is a family event and each family is expected to watch their own kids.  They will not be supervised or looked after by the booster parents.  Everyone just brings some snacks to share and we hang out in our chairs and watch the kids play.  


Seal Beach Art Fair

Each year we get asked to sing at the Seal Beach Art Fair.  It’s a great outdoor event and the kids enjoy it.  It will be optional and all of the choirs are invited to be a part of it.  We will perform “Sun Roof” and several of our students will perform solos while we cheer them on.  Mark your calendars for Sept. 6th 11:30.


Solo auditions for this event are posted on Google Classroom.  Students wanting to sing a solo will submit a video of themselves singing the whole song using a karaoke track.  They may also do a dance or play an instrument.  Submissions are due next Friday 8/29 and will be announced on Tuesday 9/2.


Mark Your Calendars

Aug 28-Back to School Night-minimum day

Aug 29-Beach Party 3-6-minimum day

Sept 6-Seal Beach Art Fair 11:30-Optional Performance

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle-McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Nov 3-Dress rehearsal at McGaugh 4:00-6:30

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

August 15th Choir News

8/15/2025 12:00 am

 

This Week in Choir
 

Hello Choir Families,

This has been an incredible week in choir!  We started Monday with a back to school performance, and we’ve been on a roll ever since.  This week we created a social contract, sang a silly song, and learned a song and dance for our upcoming Seal Beach performance.  I’m so impressed with our teams!  Not only are they singing REALLY well already, but they are kind, fun, and invested.  Huge shout out to our elementary programs for training up our 6th graders.  They are crushing it!


I’ll be sending an email/newsletter every Friday (mostly) to keep you up-to-date on all things choir.  Please feel free to email me at shwallace@losal.org if you have any questions or concerns and I look forward to working alongside all of you this year.


Let’s make it a great year for these awesome kids!


McAuliffeChoir.com  

If you have not already done so please go to McAuliffeChoir.com and set up your account.  This is how you will receive booster communications, purchase merch and tickets, view the calendar, and donate to the program.  


Permission Slips

Once you register on McAuliffeChoir.com you will be asked to complete a permission slip.  We do this once for the year so you don’t have to do this every time we go somewhere.  Please make sure this gets taken care of right away so we are not scrambling the week before a trip.


Donations

You will be asked to complete a donation commitment form as well.  There is no money due at this time, but completing the form helps us budget for the year.  The more donations we can collect, the fewer fundraisers we have to do.  If you are unable to donate the full amount, you can still add it in your cart and just donate what you can.  I am a parent too and I know how taxing this time of year is.  So, I just put my donation in the cart, and each month I go there and donate what I can until it’s all paid off.  You can also send checks to the school.  I have a secure collection box in my classroom.  Be sure to label your donations with the student’s name and choir.  


Raise Right!

This is the best fundraiser we do!  It’s FREE MONEY on almost every store, restaurant, or business you shop.  You can purchase e-gift cards in the store and use them to pay for your purchases.  The business then gives the choir a percentage of the sale.  Each purchase costs you 25 cents!  You can load up on grocery cards, Starbucks, Home Depot, etc. and those businesses give back to your kid!  I had a parent who did a remodel one year and paid for all of her choir dues with money from Home Depot and Best Buy!  I bought a dryer a couple of years ago and earned $45 for my child’s account!  


To get started, you will first contact our Raise Right chair at McAChoirScrip@gmail.com and download the app to your phone.  You will get a code to verify your connection with McAuliffe and once your account is set up you can start shopping and earning.   


Beach Party!!!! August 29th

We wanna kick things off with a fun beach party where the kids hang and the parents get to know each other a bit.  We are going to meet from 3-5 on August 29 near the Seal Beach Pier.  This is a minimum day for the kids so they will have plenty of time to get themselves down there.  This is a family event and each family is expected to watch their own kids.  They will not be supervised or looked after by the booster parents.  Everyone just brings some snacks to share and we hang out in our chairs and watch the kids play.  


Seal Beach Art Fair

Each year we get asked to sing at the Seal Beach Art Fair.  It’s a great outdoor event and the kids enjoy it.  It will be optional and all of the choirs are invited to be a part of it.  We will perform “Sun Roof” and several of our students will perform solos while we cheer them on.  Mark your calendars for Sept. 6th 11:30.


Mark Your Calendars

Aug 28-Back to School Night - Minimum day

Aug 29-Beach Party 3-6 - Minimum day

Sept 6-Seal Beach Art Fair 11:30am - Optional Performance

Oct 15-Lip Sync Battle - McAuliffe MPR 3:30-5:00

Nov 4/5-Broadway Show 6:30 McGaugh Auditorium

Read More

If you would like to submit pictures and/or an article after an event, please contact the McAuliffe Choir Webmaster at mcachoirwebmaster@gmail.com