The Choirs

Each choir within Children's Choir of Chico is unique in design. The goal of each choir is to provide children and women of all backgrounds with quality choral music instruction and performance opportunities. While musical instruction is important, choir objectives go beyond music. Through group rehearsals, concerts, and activities, the Children's Choir of Chico fosters the personal and social growth of its members, promotes self-esteem, pride, and accomplishment, and strengthens citizenship, while enhancing the cultural life of Chico.

Ready, Set, Sing! Kindergarten and First Grade

Moving, playing and singing – the perfect way for Kindergartners and 1^st graders to learn! Our lively music classes will enable children to find their singing voice and experience the basic elements of music through their best learning medium – play! These active music makers will have a number of opportunities to perform locally and with the other Choirs during the year.

Preparatory Choir Levels I & II

(Grades 2 & 3)

This music experience is designed for active 2^nd and 3^rd graders. These students play their way to tuneful singing, beautiful music, and music literacy through age-appropriate folk songs, singing games, and music activities in small classes. The Preparatory Choir will also rehearse choral literature together (Levels I & II) and perform locally and with the other Choirs throughout the year.

Cantiamo

(Grades 4 & up)

Cantiamo is a non-auditioned choir for students in grades 4 and up.  Rehearsals once a week provide opportunities for learning proper vocal production, increasing music-reading skills, and participating in music activities to enhance choral development. The performance repertoire will include works in various languages, eras of music composition, cultures, and styles.  Numerous performance opportunities and frequent collaborations with Bel Canto will provide Cantiamo members with additional experiences for varied and exciting music. Cantiamo takes a 1-2 day tour each year. Additionally, members of Cantiamo who have been in an ensemble of the Children’s Choir of Chico for one year may audition for the National Choirs of the Organization of American Kodály Educators.

Bel Canto

(Grade 6 & up)

Bel Canto, an auditioned choir, focuses on a more complex level of musical structures, texts, languages, and compositions.  Their choral works, requiring a higher level of vocal experience, will represent numerous sophisticated styles and cultures, emphasizing the development of musical skills and knowledge introduced and reinforced in Cantiamo. As the premier touring choir of the Children’s Choir of Chico, members of the Bel Canto are committed to a higher level of involvement. They rehearse twice a week to attain these goals and may have additional performances depending on invitations and availability. Bel Canto takes a multi-day tour each year. Additionally, members of Bel Canto who have been in an ensemble of the Children’s Choir of Chico for one year may audition for the National Choirs of the Organization of American Kodály Educators.

Bella Voce

(Women's Ensemble)

Bella Voce is open to women of all ages and musical abilities in the community. The only requirement is enjoyment of musical camaraderie!  Rich musical selections will include art music, folk song arrangements from around the world, spirituals, and selections from musicals. Bella Voce will have various opportunities to perform locally and may choose to undertake a tour.