A nationally-recognized, award-winning
choral performance program.
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 Beginning,Intermediate, 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.
Meet the Choirs
Beginning SingingDirector: Jessica Bell
Beginning Singing Choir emphasizes the joy of making music through song and movement and is ideal for beginners who love to sing. Singers must turn at least 6 years old by September 1st. This choir mainly consists of singers in grades 1-4. This choir 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 age level reaps the benefits of a low pupil/teacher ratio (max class size is 23). No audition is necessary for this level. A singer should expect to be in this class for at least 2 years. |
|
|
Intermediate ChoirDirector: Shara L. Cocchiola
This choir represents the first training level of instruction. Singers are placed in this choral ensemble through 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 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. A singer should expect to sing in this choir for 2-3 years. Intermediate Choir consists of singers who are 8 years old by September 1st and mainly consist of grades 4-7. |
Advanced ChoirDirector: 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. |
|
Grand Ole Opry, 2019
Carnegie Hall, 2018
John F. Kennedy Center, 2017
|
Performance ChoirPrincipal Conductor: Heather J. Cooper
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. |
