Our Choruses

No prior singing experience is required to join the Aria or Cantate choruses, and no audition is necessary. Auditions for Grace Notes, an upper level chorus, are held in a friendly, supportive environment. Weekly rehearsals are scheduled during after-school hours, and include musicianship, vocal training, and performance opportunities.

New singers are always welcomed in September and February.

Repertoire is selected to fit the skill level of each chorus. Selections include established classical works and folk songs from around the world, as well as contemporary styles. Music is chosen with the goal of challenging young musicians as they learn age-appropriate repertoire. Choristers grow in self-discipline and confidence and achieve artistic excellence under the direction of dedicated music professionals.

2026-27 Fall & Spring Programs

Music Makers is offered in 8-week sessions for each Fall and Spring program. This activity-based program is designed for boys and girls ages 3 to 6 and focuses on developing our youngest musical artists in a fun and dynamic environment. Children will learn musical principles and develop a personal understanding of music through participation in singing, movement, games, and exploration of instruments, including the voice. Parents of 3-4 year olds will be required to stay during class.

Aria is a performing choir open to boys and girls ages 7 to 12 (grades 2-6) who would like to continue developing their voices, experience singing in a group, and learn musicianship in a fun environment! Aria singers learn basic disciplines of the choral art, including healthy vocalizing, beginning musicianship concepts, stage and audience etiquette, and studying and memorizing three to four age-appropriate choral pieces. Aria singers appear in our major concerts and often participate in scheduled community events. Performance in concerts is dependent on maturity and stage presence. No audition or prior experience is required.

Cantate is designed to serve the vocal needs of middle to high-school-aged treble voices, singers ages 12 to 18 (grades 6+). It is a comprehensive musical experience for upper ages, facilitated by local jazz singer/composer and music educator, Inga Swearingen. Cantate singers work on honing their musicianship and vocal skills, and concentrating on higher-level ear training, sight-singing, and vocal technique. These singers will deepen their understanding of the choral art and learn to evaluate, interpret, express, and connect choral music—the songs they are singing together—to everyday experience. Cantate singers learn leadership and self-direction while practicing the various disciplines of ensemble work and group improvisation. At this time, the Cantate choir is considered the oldest and most experienced of the CCYC ensembles. Though an audition is not required, some singing and musical experience is recommended.

Grace Notes is our small ensemble for ages 14-18 (grades 6+) under the direction of Melody Svennungsen. This is a 4 to 7-voice auditioned group, whose members are committed to vocal excellence with strong voices and fine tone quality, vocally autonomous (able to carry a part alone), and independent learners (able to rehearse and memorize music at home aside from scheduled rehearsals). Singers rehearse with Cantate, and a year-long commitment is required in order to build a strong ensemble. Grace Notes rehearsals are an additional 35 minutes long scheduled by the director 2-3 times per month, after regularly scheduled Cantate rehearsals. Singers will prepare two a cappella pieces for each concert. Grace Notes are seen as ambassadors for CCYC, becoming a self-governing and excellent ensemble with extra performance opportunities throughout the season.