Children's Choir Program

NOW REGISTERING!

A nationally-recognized, award-winningchoral performance program.
All Summit Choral Society children's choir program directors are highly skilled,degreed professionals in music education. We care about children's development...and it shows!

All Summit Choral Society Programs are directed, taught, conducted and led by certified, degreed professionals only!

SUMMIT CHORAL SOCIETY, CHILDREN’S CHOIR PROGRAM - (AKRON, OH)
The musical ingenuity of Summit Choral Society’s (SCS) Children’s Choir Program (CCP) will continue this season with the high-quality programs it is known nationwide for! Summit Choral Society is proud to have provided live, in-person singing whenever possible this past season. SCS held in person rehearsals, programs and events for the children's choir program all season with NO instances of Covid transmission - We care about your safety!!! The SCS choral experience is nationally award-winning and combines the utmost in music education, performance and community impact. focusing on education and positive, impactful musical experiences SCS’s musical programming provides a well-rounded musical education with in-class musicianship and extension experiences. Extension experiences are additional music opportunities for children to explore and grow with music in voice, movement, meditation and instruments. experiences change annually and may include drumming, pitched percussion (xylophones, glockenspiels, Boomwhackers), mindful wellness/Dalcroze, dance, a cappella singing, jazz vocalizations, broadway/theatrical coaching and much more. Sessions for children follow applicable health and safety mandates as well as recommendations from national aerosol studies on singing and consultation with local medical professionals. SCS does it's very best to provide in-person services while ensuring the health and safety of all participants.
Health and safety protocols remain fluid as SCS cannot know what mandates and advisories will be in place throughout the season. SCS does not require proof of vaccination status, however, your vaccination status may be requested (and optionally provided by you). This will not impact choral placement within the organization.

Meet the Choirs

The Children's Choir Program is a choral arts music education and performance program for children and youth. Through its emphasis on the Kodály philosophy of music education, children in the program experience learning through sequential development of musical skills with emphasis on music literacy, and the development of a solid and healthy vocal technique. As a result, students move through the core choir levels of BEL CANTO, Advanced and Performance with the accompanying curriculum and a consistent sense of accomplishing ever more challenging music with leveled choirs and musicianship class while at the same time taking pride in the ever growing beauty of their own singing voice. The activities provided in the courses of each season help singers grow and promote self-esteem, accomplishment and pride. Singers attend weekly training/rehearsal sessions with Kodály trained professional music teachers, progressing at their own speed and ability to grasp the musical skills required for advancing to the next level. Each season includes performances in December and May. Performance schedules vary by choir and year.

BEL CANTO

Director: Jessica Bell

BEL CANTO Choir emphasizes the joy of making music through song and movement and is ideal for young children who love to sing. This choir consists of singers in grades 1-4. Bel Canto provides young children with a positive learning experience, rich in choral development techniques, presented by a degreed, experienced educator. it represents the foundation of good choral singing and artistry! Children are encouraged to experiment with their voices in a warm and comfortable environment, without feeling like they are singing alone. This level reaps the benefits of a low pupil/teacher ratio and a team teaching environment. No audition is necessary for this level. A singer should expect to be in this class for at least 2 years. In addition to individual singing and choral ensemble techniques, this choir provide singers the opportunity to grow as well rounded musicians by providing individual singer attention, instant individual feedback and assessment as well as providing multi-faceted learning. Singers should expect to become fluent in 2-part harmony.

"I wanted to take a moment and thank you for the summer sessions for the children. I was nervous about their safety and if they would really have fun - and you succeeded in both areas! They had a great time, of course they want to sing as much as possible (without a mask) but don't we all! They enjoyed seeing Mrs. Bell and all of you! Thank you so much and please pass along the message."
-Monica A.

Professional, talented, fun and fabulous experience for our daughter. Clear, accurate schedules and expectations. Highly recommend!

-J.P.Z.

Advanced Choir

Director: Emily Garlock

This choir represents the advanced training level of instruction. Singers are placed in this choral ensemble via a non-competitive audition based on a combination of their current demonstrated vocal range and ability, age, grade level and maturity level. In addition to individual singing and choral ensemble techniques, this choir provides singers the opportunity to grow as well- rounded musicians. Singers should expect to become fluent in 3-part harmony and will be exposed to harmonies in 4 parts. A singer should expect to sing with this choir for 2-3 years. Advanced Choir consists of singers who are 10 years old by September 1st and mainly consists of grades 6-9.

"THANK YOU! You have done an amazing job with these crazy circumstances! My daughters have really missed choir and will be so glad to return."
- Erika O.

Grand Ole Opry, 2019

Carnegie Hall, 2018

John F. Kennedy Center, 2017

Age 14+ Wait-List Request

Performance Choir

Principal Conductor: Heather J. Cooper
*Auditioned Choral Ensemble
Performance Choir is the flagship ensemble of the Children's Choir Program of Summit Choral Society. Under the direction of Principal Conductor Heather Cooper, this nationally-recognized choir represents the culmination of musical learning and performance in the program. Summit Choral Society seeks out quality musical and educational experiences for its singers, as demonstrated through recent major invitations, performances and tours. Performance Choir was selected to perform at the Organization of American Kodaly Educators national conference (2019). That season, they also won first place in their division at the Smoky Mountain Music Festival and sang a pre-show concert at the Grand Ole Opry. They represented Ohio at the National Memorial Day Choral Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. (2017) and performed by auditioned invitation as the featured choir at the National Choral Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City (2018). They are active across Ohio and were selected to sing at the Ohio Choral Directors Association annual state conference (2017). Highlighted symphonic appearances include Carmina Burana with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus (2018), and Elijah (2017) and Midsummer Night’s Dream (2014) with the Akron Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. Embracing its roots in Akron, Performance Choir sings at various events throughout the Greater Akron community as well as official Summit Choral Society concerts. In Spring 2020, the choir was selected travel to Massachusetts to sing in the Plymouth 400 National Commemorative Festival.

MORE PERFORMANCE CHOIR

"I just wanted to say how much I appreciate all the work and heart you have put into SCS and making this organization move forward in the face of all the challenges we have seen this year. My kids are excited for camp next week and starting back in October (fingers crossed, of course). Adan especially, is so happy to be in performance choir. Thank you for being a part of his life all these years."
- Heather R.

Vocal + Musical Extension Experiences Coming Soon!

Summit Choral Society is dedicated to providing every child interested in choral music services in the akron area.
Our No Child Turned Away Policy ensures that families with a demonstrated financial need can be a part of children's choir musical programs. please contact the office for a financial assistance application and more information.

“Summit Choral Society is a true treasure in Northeast Ohio. Each concert is a unique musical experience. My husband and I have enjoyed many concerts given by SCS, especially the Christmas Concert for the Holidays. Summit Choral Society offers musical education and opportunities across all age groups and genres. Northeast Ohio is very lucky to have an organization like SCS that provides continual music instruction and inspiration.”
-Frances J