Choirs

The Sacramento Children's Chorus serves children of all ages. Young children are immersed in training programs, which include singing for an audience. Upper elementary and middle school singers enjoy an advanced choral experience in which the love of music develops into performance excellence. High school students focus their skills in small musical groups, many of whom plan to pursue professional music careers.

Level Beginning: KinderChorus               

Level I: Cantate (2nd – 5th grade)

Our training level is designed to lay the foundation that will enable boys and girls to grow in their musical knowledge, to refine their singing skills, and most of all to experience the joy of singing together.  Level I focuses on developing a pure vocal sound through unison as well as learning the techniques for posture and correct breathing as they prepare repertoire for concerts.

Through activities, games, dances and singing, the children are taught the  basic skill of reading rhythm and melodic patterns based on the Kodaly system of reading music.  In preparation for concerts, the singers learn concert etiquette, how to work together as a group, and  how to sit quietly to enjoy a concert experience.

Level II: Cantabile (3rd - 6th grade) 

Level II extends the program of musical challenges offered at the training level. As the singers enjoy learning repertoire that is more challenging, expanding to two-part songs, descants and canons, they are expected to learn basic concepts and terminology that go along with the repertoire.  The singers will be able to perform more complex rhythmic patterns and sight read melodic lines. They learn  repertoire in a variety of styles and languages.

Cantabile enjoys the adventure of singing for occasional events around the city representing the SCC. Through the performances and the rehearsals, the singers focus on developing their voice, learning music terminology, and becoming confident in singing two parts.

Level III: Cantus (5th - 9th grade)

This level extends a further challenging program of music repertoire, musical concepts and performing experiences.  The expectations and personal responsibility of singers are increased, the training more intense and the rewards are fulfilling. Singers are exposed to two-and three-part repertoire in two or three additional languages. This ensemble will be composed of singers ages 10 - 14 with a few musically mature 4^th graders.

Level IV: Cantoris (7th - 10th grade)

This level extends a further challenging program of music repertoire, musical concepts and performing experiences. The expectations and personal responsibility of singers are increased, training more intense and the rewards are fulfilling. Singers are exposed to four-and-six-part repertoire in a variety of languages with more emphasis on a cappella singing. This ensemble will be composed of singers ages 12 - 16 with a few musically mature 6th graders. This choir is the touring choir.

Level V: Cappella (11th, 12th, Freshman college & Boys with changed voices)

This level is an extension of all previously learned concepts. It is open to high school age singers and early college, ages 17-20, and middle school changed-voice boys (grade 8 and up). Singers are exposed to an expanded four-to-eight-part repertoire with an emphasis on a cappella singing. There are more opportunities for solo, small group ensemble singing, performance of original compositions and accompaniment on musical instruments. Rehearsals are once a week with an added Sunday evening before performances and two Thursday evening rehearsals before performances, so the personal commitment of each singer and his or her family is vital to the success of the ensemble. This ensemble is also open to singers from the outside who have had previous choral singing experience. If a current singer has reached college age and is in the area, he or she is encouraged to stay in the ensemble. Furthermore, this ensemble is open to singers who are interested in studying conducting and rehearsal techniques as a further goal of entering into music education  This ensemble is encouraged to tour when applicable.