Summit Choral Society's Story
Founded in 1990 with the Masterworks Chorale, Summit Choral Society (SCS) began as a premier adult chorus in Northeast Ohio. Shortly after, in 1991, the Children’s Choir Program (CCP) was established, laying the foundation for a unique pathway in choral music education and performance. The vision behind SCS was to create a musical community for singers of all ages to learn, grow, create, and share the rich and diverse world of choral repertoire.
Today, SCS offers a wide array of community music programs that cater to people from birth through elder adulthood. The Children’s Choir Program is a specialized vocal education program for students in grades K-12, grounded in the Zoltán Kodály method of music literacy. Each season, over 150 children from more than 60 schools across four counties participate in the program. Singers are placed in leveled choirs based on their age, grade, and musical ability, with progression at their own pace through choirs such as Bel Canto, Advanced Choir, and the flagship Performance Choir. The Performance Choir is a nationally recognized, award-winning ensemble that represents the pinnacle of musical learning and performance within the CCP. This prestigious choir has performed at significant events across the U.S., including the National Memorial Day Choral Festival in Washington D.C., the National Choral Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Smoky Mountain Music Festival and the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. In Ohio, they are regularly invited to perform at the Ohio Choral Director’s Association and the National Organization of American Kodály Educators conferences, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. This season they will represent Ohio at the Sing a Mile High International Choral Festival in Denver, Colorado. Complementing the CCP, SCS offers Sing With Me, an early childhood music program for caregivers and children aged birth through five years and Summer Music Camps, themed camps for school-age children that explore various musical concepts and provide enriching experiences for children in the greater Akron area.
For adults, SCS provides opportunities through the Choral Scholars Program, a hands-on training and administrative development initiative for college students, and the Metropolitan Chorus, a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s choral community for nearly four decades. Directed by Dr. Britt Cooper, this ensemble presents impeccably programmed concerts that explore diverse genres and styles in the choral arts, offering a high level of artistic engagement for its members. Over their 35 year history, they have performed all over the globe, notable in Europe and China, most recently performing as part of the National Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City just this past April.
Summit Choral Society is proud to have served the greater Akron community for over 35 years. We are deeply grateful for the support of our patrons, funders, and participants and with you, we look forward to providing valuable, unique music education and performance opportunities for the community into the future.
Today, SCS offers a wide array of community music programs that cater to people from birth through elder adulthood. The Children’s Choir Program is a specialized vocal education program for students in grades K-12, grounded in the Zoltán Kodály method of music literacy. Each season, over 150 children from more than 60 schools across four counties participate in the program. Singers are placed in leveled choirs based on their age, grade, and musical ability, with progression at their own pace through choirs such as Bel Canto, Advanced Choir, and the flagship Performance Choir. The Performance Choir is a nationally recognized, award-winning ensemble that represents the pinnacle of musical learning and performance within the CCP. This prestigious choir has performed at significant events across the U.S., including the National Memorial Day Choral Festival in Washington D.C., the National Choral Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City, the Smoky Mountain Music Festival and the Grand Ole Opry in Tennessee. In Ohio, they are regularly invited to perform at the Ohio Choral Director’s Association and the National Organization of American Kodály Educators conferences, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication. This season they will represent Ohio at the Sing a Mile High International Choral Festival in Denver, Colorado. Complementing the CCP, SCS offers Sing With Me, an early childhood music program for caregivers and children aged birth through five years and Summer Music Camps, themed camps for school-age children that explore various musical concepts and provide enriching experiences for children in the greater Akron area.
For adults, SCS provides opportunities through the Choral Scholars Program, a hands-on training and administrative development initiative for college students, and the Metropolitan Chorus, a cornerstone of Northeast Ohio’s choral community for nearly four decades. Directed by Dr. Britt Cooper, this ensemble presents impeccably programmed concerts that explore diverse genres and styles in the choral arts, offering a high level of artistic engagement for its members. Over their 35 year history, they have performed all over the globe, notable in Europe and China, most recently performing as part of the National Choir Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City just this past April.
Summit Choral Society is proud to have served the greater Akron community for over 35 years. We are deeply grateful for the support of our patrons, funders, and participants and with you, we look forward to providing valuable, unique music education and performance opportunities for the community into the future.
|
|
Children's Choir Program
The Children's Choir Program is an award-winning, nationally recognized leveled musical arts education and performance program for children in grades k-12. It is based in the Zoltan Kodály method of attaining musical literacy, offering students the opportunities to grow in all areas of music throughout their childhood and into musically fluent adults. Operates Sept./Oct. – May, offered in two equal semesters. |
|
Sing With Me
Sing With Me is a comprehensive, interactive music program for parents and their children, birth to 5 years old. These Kodaly based learning sessions are designed to empower parents to engage with their children in a variety of positive ways, and stimulate positive play through song, love, and laughter. Parent will discover how their baby grows and stimulate their minds as they learn through interactive musical play. This program operates in eight-week sessions, 30 minute Sessions. |
|
|
Summer Music Camps
Summer Music Camps are themed musical experiences for school age children and explore a variety of elements to provide engaging, diverse experiences to area community children. Musical Theatre, Broadway and other popular vocal themes are an integral part of these offerings. These camps are offered in one-week sessions, June through August. |
|
Choral Scholar Program
The Choral Scholar Program is an opportunity for area college students to experience hands-on training in management and administration while sharpening their administrative and professional skills. SCS is proud to engage these emerging future leaders. Applications are posted and accepted each summer for available choral scholars positions. links will be posted HERE for vacancies. |
|
|
Invention City International Choral FestivalJune 8-11, 2027
A biannual, 4-day, 3-night festival exclusively for treble singers, celebrating the power of voices through an extraordinary blend of world-class music-making, luxury accommodations and unforgettable experiences. This event culminates in the world premiere of a newly commissioned festival work by acclaimed composer and clinician Jim Papoulis, conducted by the composer himself! Participants will enjoy multiple performance opportunities, including a welcome sing at the Cuyahoga Falls Amphitheater and the festival finale concert held at historic St. Bernard Catholic Church. |
|
Community Music Lending LirbaryThe Community Music Lending Library reflects Summit Choral Society's belief that high-quality choral experiences should be accessible to all. By sharing our extensive music library (over 37 years of service) with local schools, nonprofits and community organizations, we help to reduce financial barriers, encourage collaboration and inspire more people through the joy of singing.
|
Financials and Reports
2024-2025 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2023-2024 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2022-2023 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2021-2022 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2020-2021 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2019-2020 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2018 - 2019 Summit Choral Society Annual Report
2017-2018 Summit Choral Society Annual Report
Summit Choral Society 990
Strategic Plan
2023-2024 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2022-2023 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2021-2022 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2020-2021 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2019-2020 Summit Choral Society Impact Report
2018 - 2019 Summit Choral Society Annual Report
2017-2018 Summit Choral Society Annual Report
Summit Choral Society 990
Strategic Plan
|
|
"Summit Choral Society has given me great opportunities that I never would have had otherwise. Not only have I been able to practice a skill I love, but I have been able to grow closer to peers from many different places and backgrounds. I've been able to travel and see sights I could have only dreamed of. I've been able to grow, laugh and cry. I've found a family that I'll cherish forever."
-Elaina L.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Summit Choral Society is to provide a continuum of musical training for young children through senior adults, produce exceptional choral performances, and preserve the art of choral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of the greater Akron community.
VISION STATEMENT
To provide valuable musical experiences and opportunities based in the rich history of choral music, heritage songs and music education to the greater Akron Community.
BELIEF STATEMENT
SCS believes these services impact the community and its stakeholders by contributing positively to the general health and well-being of greater Akron.
STATEMENT OF EQUITY
SCS is committed to serving a diverse population representative of greater Akron’s broad demographic by providing access to high-quality music education and performance programs that complements and enhances a thriving, vibrant community that is equitable and inclusive for all.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT
Summit Choral Society does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family status, or political beliefs.
The mission of Summit Choral Society is to provide a continuum of musical training for young children through senior adults, produce exceptional choral performances, and preserve the art of choral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of the greater Akron community.
VISION STATEMENT
To provide valuable musical experiences and opportunities based in the rich history of choral music, heritage songs and music education to the greater Akron Community.
BELIEF STATEMENT
SCS believes these services impact the community and its stakeholders by contributing positively to the general health and well-being of greater Akron.
STATEMENT OF EQUITY
SCS is committed to serving a diverse population representative of greater Akron’s broad demographic by providing access to high-quality music education and performance programs that complements and enhances a thriving, vibrant community that is equitable and inclusive for all.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY STATEMENT
Summit Choral Society does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family status, or political beliefs.
