HISTORY OF SCC
The SCC was co-founded in 1993 by Lynn Stevens as part of
her Master’s degree project under the guidance of Dr. Donald
Kendrick at California State University, Sacramento. Ms. Stevens
and Dr. Kendrick had a vision of creating a high-caliber children’
s choir that would reach into the greater Sacramento area. That
vision has offered over 2,000 children the opportunity to
perform in some amazing venues in Sacramento, our nation,
and abroad.
The SCC began 15 years ago with one choir of 40 singers.
Under the baton of Mrs. Stevens, the SCC has grown to four
choirs with almost 200 singers from the great Sacramento
community.
during the holiday season and one in the spring, the SCC
performs with the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra
Sacramento Ballet and Sacramento Opera. Venues have
included the Sacramento Community Center, the Memorial
Auditorium, and the Mondavi Center at the University of
California Davis. Other noteworthy performances over the years
have included:
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Lynn Stevens is the Artistic Director and Co-founder of the
Sacramento Children’s Chorus with over thirty years experience of
teaching choral music to children. Ms Stevens began her career
teaching for the Los Angeles City School District and continued in the
San Juan School District when she and her family returned to her
native Sacramento. A graduate of the University of Southern
California with a B.A. degree in Music, Ms. Stevens continued her
education at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), where
she received her Masters degree in choral conducting. It was during
her masters program that Ms Stevens co-founded the Sacramento
Children’s Chorus with Dr. Donald Kendrick, 14 years ago.
Ms Stevens now focuses her energies on the Sacramento Children’s
Chorus where she conducts the two high school choirs, Chorale and
Choraliers, the touring choir, Cantoris and co-conducts the Chorus. Ms.
Stevens is on the faculty of the music department at CSUS, teaching
music education and choral conducting.
Also to her list of credits, Ms. Stevens enjoyed a performing career
after college when she sang professionally and traveled
internationally with the Ray Conniff Singers, the Norman Luboff
Choir, and the Carpenters.
Julie Adams is an accomplished conductor with a passion for using
music to make a positive difference in our communities. Her passion
for using the arts to make a difference in the world led her to
establish RSVP in 2000. The a capella ensemble she created begins
its ninth season presenting thought provoking, uplifting, and
entertaining concerts while supporting local organizations with their
music. This season, she is delighted to join Lynn Stevens and the
award winning Sacramento Children’s Chorus as Director of Cantate.
Equally comfortable with classical and jazz styles, children and
adults, Julie has conducted and performed with large choral
ensembles, chamber choirs and jazz ensembles throughout her
career. She has worked with church and children’s choirs and has
adjudicated festivals of all ages. Julie began her teaching career at
American River College in 1992. She served on the music faculty at
California State University, Sacramento for nine years and received
many awards for her work. Julie has presented choirs and workshops
to the American Choral Director’s Association and the California Music
Educator’s Association. She has been judge, clinician and guest
conductor for many festivals and her choirs have been honored with
performances at state-wide and regional events. Julie is honored to
have studied with Perla Warren, Frank Pooler, Donald Kendrick and
Tom Dustman. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in
Choral/Vocal Music from California State University, Long Beach in
1985 and her Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from
California State Universty, Sacramento in 1996. Julie was a 2005
National Philanthropy Day Distinguished Honoree for her work with
RSVP.
Helen Mendenhall, the Principal Accompanist, has been with the
SCC since the year after its founding. Ms. Mendenhall performs
frequently as a soloist, and she is a sought after accompanist at the
piano, organ and continuo for a wide variety of soloists and
ensembles. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music from
George Fox University and her Master of Arts from California State
University, Chico. Ms. Mendenhall has taught music in the public
schools for over ten years and has held many church music positions
including organist/pianist for Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
in Sacramento and Choir Director at Red Bluff Presbyterian Church.
In addition to her responsibilities with the SCC, Ms. Mendenhall
currently teaches piano and organ in her private studio.
Ryan Padilla Lee is thrilled to be accompanying for the
Sacramento Children’s Chorus this year. He has previously worked at
several high schools in the Roseville area (Granite Bay, Oakmont,
Woodcreek) as a choir accompanist and instructional aide. Among
other jobs, he also worked for the Sacramento Youth Symphony for
three years (2002-2005) as an orchestra manager and office aide.
Ryan is still at Granite Bay High School and is also currently working
at Immaculate Conception Church in Sacramento as the choir
accompanist.
A native of Vallejo, Ryan has been involved in music since the age of
8, when he began taking piano lessons. He won 1st Place two years
in a row at the Solano MTA Competition, was a finalist at the Glenn
Miller Instrumental Competition in Iowa, and received several other
awards and scholarships. Outside of solo performance, Ryan has
participated, as a pianist or as a conductor, in over a dozen musicals.
He is currently attending Sacramento State University, where he is
getting his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. After he
completes his degree this fall, he plans on getting his credential and
finding a position as a high school music teacher.
The SCC was co-founded in 1993 by Lynn Stevens as part of
her Master’s degree project under the guidance of Dr. Donald
Kendrick at California State University, Sacramento. Ms. Stevens
and Dr. Kendrick had a vision of creating a high-caliber children’
s choir that would reach into the greater Sacramento area. That
vision has offered over 2,000 children the opportunity to
perform in some amazing venues in Sacramento, our nation,
and abroad.
The SCC began 15 years ago with one choir of 40 singers.
Under the baton of Mrs. Stevens, the SCC has grown to four
choirs with almost 200 singers from the great Sacramento
community.
- 2009 Participated in the Sing A Migh High Festival in
Denver, Colorado
- 2008 15th Anniversary Season Concert at the Mondavi
Center.
- 2007 Participated in the Pacific International Children's
Choir Festival.
2007 Performed with the above festival choir at the
Oregon Bach Festival.
- 2006 Chosen to compete at International Choral
Kathaumixw, British Columbia.
- 2005 Performed with Dr. Donald Neuen at Carnegie
Hall in New York City.
- 2005 Chosen to perform at the prestigious national
convention of the American Choral Directors Association
(ACDA) in Los Angeles. Requested to premier, Dies Irae, by
composer, Z Randall Stroope, at the ACDA Convention.
- 2004 Recipient of the Best of Sacramento award as the
best children’s chorus in the Sacramento area.
- 2001 Chosen to perform in Honolulu, Hawaii at the
regional convention of the American Choral Directors
Associations.
during the holiday season and one in the spring, the SCC
performs with the Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra
Sacramento Ballet and Sacramento Opera. Venues have
included the Sacramento Community Center, the Memorial
Auditorium, and the Mondavi Center at the University of
California Davis. Other noteworthy performances over the years
have included:
- 2000 European tour to England and France
- 2004 European tour to Prague and Budapest
- Inaugurations of Governor Gray Davis and Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger - Performance with Sacramento Opera Company of Hansel and
Gretel - Sacramento Jazz Festival
- Opening Games of the Sacramento River Cats Baseball Team
- The funerals of Sacramento Mayor Joseph Serna &
Congressman Robert Matsui - 2008 Scandinavian tour to Norway and Sweden
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Lynn Stevens is the Artistic Director and Co-founder of the
Sacramento Children’s Chorus with over thirty years experience of
teaching choral music to children. Ms Stevens began her career
teaching for the Los Angeles City School District and continued in the
San Juan School District when she and her family returned to her
native Sacramento. A graduate of the University of Southern
California with a B.A. degree in Music, Ms. Stevens continued her
education at California State University, Sacramento (CSUS), where
she received her Masters degree in choral conducting. It was during
her masters program that Ms Stevens co-founded the Sacramento
Children’s Chorus with Dr. Donald Kendrick, 14 years ago.
Ms Stevens now focuses her energies on the Sacramento Children’s
Chorus where she conducts the two high school choirs, Chorale and
Choraliers, the touring choir, Cantoris and co-conducts the Chorus. Ms.
Stevens is on the faculty of the music department at CSUS, teaching
music education and choral conducting.
Also to her list of credits, Ms. Stevens enjoyed a performing career
after college when she sang professionally and traveled
internationally with the Ray Conniff Singers, the Norman Luboff
Choir, and the Carpenters.
Julie Adams is an accomplished conductor with a passion for using
music to make a positive difference in our communities. Her passion
for using the arts to make a difference in the world led her to
establish RSVP in 2000. The a capella ensemble she created begins
its ninth season presenting thought provoking, uplifting, and
entertaining concerts while supporting local organizations with their
music. This season, she is delighted to join Lynn Stevens and the
award winning Sacramento Children’s Chorus as Director of Cantate.
Equally comfortable with classical and jazz styles, children and
adults, Julie has conducted and performed with large choral
ensembles, chamber choirs and jazz ensembles throughout her
career. She has worked with church and children’s choirs and has
adjudicated festivals of all ages. Julie began her teaching career at
American River College in 1992. She served on the music faculty at
California State University, Sacramento for nine years and received
many awards for her work. Julie has presented choirs and workshops
to the American Choral Director’s Association and the California Music
Educator’s Association. She has been judge, clinician and guest
conductor for many festivals and her choirs have been honored with
performances at state-wide and regional events. Julie is honored to
have studied with Perla Warren, Frank Pooler, Donald Kendrick and
Tom Dustman. She received her Bachelor of Music Degree in
Choral/Vocal Music from California State University, Long Beach in
1985 and her Master of Music Degree in Choral Conducting from
California State Universty, Sacramento in 1996. Julie was a 2005
National Philanthropy Day Distinguished Honoree for her work with
RSVP.
Helen Mendenhall, the Principal Accompanist, has been with the
SCC since the year after its founding. Ms. Mendenhall performs
frequently as a soloist, and she is a sought after accompanist at the
piano, organ and continuo for a wide variety of soloists and
ensembles. She received her Bachelor of Science in Music from
George Fox University and her Master of Arts from California State
University, Chico. Ms. Mendenhall has taught music in the public
schools for over ten years and has held many church music positions
including organist/pianist for Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
in Sacramento and Choir Director at Red Bluff Presbyterian Church.
In addition to her responsibilities with the SCC, Ms. Mendenhall
currently teaches piano and organ in her private studio.
Ryan Padilla Lee is thrilled to be accompanying for the
Sacramento Children’s Chorus this year. He has previously worked at
several high schools in the Roseville area (Granite Bay, Oakmont,
Woodcreek) as a choir accompanist and instructional aide. Among
other jobs, he also worked for the Sacramento Youth Symphony for
three years (2002-2005) as an orchestra manager and office aide.
Ryan is still at Granite Bay High School and is also currently working
at Immaculate Conception Church in Sacramento as the choir
accompanist.
A native of Vallejo, Ryan has been involved in music since the age of
8, when he began taking piano lessons. He won 1st Place two years
in a row at the Solano MTA Competition, was a finalist at the Glenn
Miller Instrumental Competition in Iowa, and received several other
awards and scholarships. Outside of solo performance, Ryan has
participated, as a pianist or as a conductor, in over a dozen musicals.
He is currently attending Sacramento State University, where he is
getting his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance. After he
completes his degree this fall, he plans on getting his credential and
finding a position as a high school music teacher.
| Vision To inspire a life-long love of music in our students through the pursuit and enjoyment of musical excellence. Mission The Sacramento Children's Chorus develops skilled, passionate and confident students through exceptional music education and performance experiences. Values
|
About Us
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
THE CHOIRS
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 1 focuses on
developing a pure vocal sound through unison
songs as well as learning the techniques for
posture and correct breathing as they prepare
repertoire for concerts.
Through activities, games, dances, and singing,
the boys and girls are taught the basic skills of
reading rhythm and melodic patterns based on
Kodaly’s 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 through the
concert.
Level II: Chorus
(4th – 8th grade)
The intermediate level extends the program of
musical challenges offered in the training level.
Music and the demands of music are expanded
from the previous level.
As the singers enjoy learning repertoire that is
more challenging, expanding into two and
three part songs, they are expected to learn
the basic music concepts and terminology that
go along with that repertoire. The singers will
be able to perform more complex rhythm
patterns and sight read melodic lines. They
learn repertoire in a variety of style and
languages.
Chorus enjoys the adventure of singing for
events around the city representing the SCC.
Last year they performed at the California
Firefighters Memorial as well as at the
ceremony for the lighting of the State Capital
Christmas Tree. 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: Cantoris
(Advanced touring choir)
(6th – 10th grade)
This level extends further the challenging
program of 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
an expanded three-part repertoire in two or
three additional languages. More advanced
concepts of vocal techniques are introduced
and analysis of musical style, composition, and
history are discussed.
As the touring choir, it is expected that singers
will tour each year as a member of Cantoris.
The personal commitment of each singer and his
or her family is vital to maintain the high
quality of rehearsal and performing skills of
this level.
Level IV: Chorale and Choraliers
This level is an extension of all previously
learned concepts. For women, it is open to
those in their Junior or Senior year of high
school or in the first years of college. For
young men, once the voice change has begun,
they are welcome to audition and join this
group.
Singers are exposed to an expanded four to
eight part repertoire with an emphasis on
a capella singing. Attention is given to
repertoire suited for chamber choirs from all
eras and styles of music. This is a wonderful
opportunity for those singers who want to
make music with people who love what they
love to do – sing the best repertoire with the
best singers.
REHEARSAL TIMES
Cantate (Level I)
2nd – 5th grade
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6pm
Cantate II (Level I, Adv. Cantate)
Thursdays 4:30 – 6pm
Chorus (Level II)
4th – 8th grade
Mondays 4:15 –5:45pm
and
Wednesdays 4:15 – 5:30pm
Cantoris (Level III, Adv. Touring)
6th – 10th grade
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6pm
and
Thursdays 4:30 – 6pm
Chorale & Choraliers
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30pm
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 1 focuses on
developing a pure vocal sound through unison
songs as well as learning the techniques for
posture and correct breathing as they prepare
repertoire for concerts.
Through activities, games, dances, and singing,
the boys and girls are taught the basic skills of
reading rhythm and melodic patterns based on
Kodaly’s 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 through the
concert.
Level II: Chorus
(4th – 8th grade)
The intermediate level extends the program of
musical challenges offered in the training level.
Music and the demands of music are expanded
from the previous level.
As the singers enjoy learning repertoire that is
more challenging, expanding into two and
three part songs, they are expected to learn
the basic music concepts and terminology that
go along with that repertoire. The singers will
be able to perform more complex rhythm
patterns and sight read melodic lines. They
learn repertoire in a variety of style and
languages.
Chorus enjoys the adventure of singing for
events around the city representing the SCC.
Last year they performed at the California
Firefighters Memorial as well as at the
ceremony for the lighting of the State Capital
Christmas Tree. 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: Cantoris
(Advanced touring choir)
(6th – 10th grade)
This level extends further the challenging
program of 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
an expanded three-part repertoire in two or
three additional languages. More advanced
concepts of vocal techniques are introduced
and analysis of musical style, composition, and
history are discussed.
As the touring choir, it is expected that singers
will tour each year as a member of Cantoris.
The personal commitment of each singer and his
or her family is vital to maintain the high
quality of rehearsal and performing skills of
this level.
Level IV: Chorale and Choraliers
This level is an extension of all previously
learned concepts. For women, it is open to
those in their Junior or Senior year of high
school or in the first years of college. For
young men, once the voice change has begun,
they are welcome to audition and join this
group.
Singers are exposed to an expanded four to
eight part repertoire with an emphasis on
a capella singing. Attention is given to
repertoire suited for chamber choirs from all
eras and styles of music. This is a wonderful
opportunity for those singers who want to
make music with people who love what they
love to do – sing the best repertoire with the
best singers.
REHEARSAL TIMES
Cantate (Level I)
2nd – 5th grade
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6pm
Cantate II (Level I, Adv. Cantate)
Thursdays 4:30 – 6pm
Chorus (Level II)
4th – 8th grade
Mondays 4:15 –5:45pm
and
Wednesdays 4:15 – 5:30pm
Cantoris (Level III, Adv. Touring)
6th – 10th grade
Tuesdays 4:30 – 6pm
and
Thursdays 4:30 – 6pm
Chorale & Choraliers
Tuesdays 6:30 – 8:30pm
