Programs
Los Angeles Children’s Chorus features six formal ensembles; Preparatory Choir, Apprentice Choir, Intermediate Choir, and Concert Choir, as well as Chamber Singers and the Young Men's Ensemble. Children are promoted through the program, spending on average one to two years in each choir, based on their level of musical readiness. LACC choristers range in age from 8-18.
LACC also offers three levels of First Experiences in Singing classes for younger children aged 6-7.
All choir and class activities adhere to LACC’s supportive and nurturing tradition of excellence, both musically and vocally.
Every season, under the direction of Artistic Director Anne Tomlinson and LACC’s dedicated artistic staff, choristers:
- Engage in a comprehensive program of vocal training and performance protocol in weekly rehearsals;
- Learn to read musical notation and understand key musical concepts in weekly musicianship classes (through a six-level, sequential curriculum with professional instructors);
- Receive exposure to foreign languages through repertoire study;
- Explore text and music interpretation;
- Acquire a solid education in music theory;
- Receive one-on-one vocal coaching; and
- Gain access to the country’s most renowned performing arts organizations, artists, and arts leaders through exciting and innovative performances.
First Experiences in Singing
First Experiences in Singing (FES) classes are non-auditioned, non-performing groups that introduce 6-7 year-old boys and girls to the fundamentals of singing at the right developmental stage and prepare them to audition for LACC’s upper-level choirs. No past musical experience is required. LACC developed the three-level course to impart the foundational elements of musicianship and bel canto choral technique, while engaging the whole child in fun, interactive musical learning. Information on upcoming classes.
First Experiences in Choral Singing Ensemble
First Experiences in Choral Singing Ensemble (FECS) is a new LACC program, debuting in the 2011|2012 season. The ensemble is open to six- and seven-year-old graduates of the three-level First Experiences in Singing program, as well as auditioning children new to LACC. FECS assists children in developing their vocal, aural, musical and choral skills in preparation for advancement to the Preparatory Choir. The curriculum and repertoire focuses on developing the upper range of the treble voice, introducing acute listening skills, creating an awareness of musical phrasing, reading from an octavo, and continuing to experience the joy of singing. The ensemble begins by reviewing songs sung in FES Levels I, II and III and, building on this knowledge, introduces children to more challenging repertoire, including folk songs from around the world. It also engages children in fun kinesthetic activities and teaches extended seated choral posture. FECS will perform for their parents twice in the year. Lissie Quishenberry, conductor
Preparatory Choir
The “Prep Choir” is LACC’s introductory choir for younger children who audition into the Chorus with little to no prior musical experience. Prep choristers participate in one rehearsal per week on Tuesday evenings. Choristers build their foundational music skills in a fun, interactive learning environment, learning recognizable folk-based repertoire appropriate for beginning singers. Choristers perform twice each season in culminating open rehearsals and concerts for family members. Mandy Brigham, conductor
Apprentice Choir
The Apprentice Choir includes children with some prior musical experience – who audition directly into the ensemble – and choristers who have been promoted from the Preparatory Choir. Apprentice choristers receive musical training once a week in rehearsals and separate musicianship classes on Monday evenings. The Apprentice Choir performs in LACC’s Winter and Spring Concerts and at occasional community engagement concerts throughout the season. Apprentice choristers participate in a local day trip each spring to sing with other children’s choirs and to enjoy fun social activities at the tour destination.
Intermediate Choir
The Intermediate Choir comprises children who audition directly into the ensemble with more advanced musical abilities, along with choristers who have been promoted from the Apprentice Choir. Intermediate choristers receive musical training once a week in rehearsals and musicianship classes on Monday evenings. The Intermediate Choir performs in LACC’s Winter and Spring Concerts, at occasional community engagement concerts throughout the season and, as opportunities present, with renowned area arts presenters like the Los Angeles Opera, Long Beach Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra , and other local ensembles. Intermediate choristers participate in a three-day regional tour each spring to sing with other children’s choirs, perform for local audiences, and enjoy sightseeing opportunities at area attractions. Intermediate Choir tour destinations have included Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Vancouver, Tucson, San Diego, Sacramento and Salt Lake City. Mandy Brigham, conductor
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is LACC’s largest and most advanced performing ensemble for boys and girls. Choristers receive musical training twice each week in rehearsals and musicianship classes on Sunday and Tuesday evenings. Concert Choir performs in LACC’s Winter and Spring Concerts, at community engagement concerts throughout the season and, as opportunities present, with renowned area arts presenters like Los Angeles Opera, Philharmonic, and Chorale, the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Pasadena Symphony and Pops, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, Jacaranda and other acclaimed professional artists and companies. The Concert Choir tours each summer, alternating between national and international destinations. In previous seasons, the Concert Choir Touring Ensemble has toured China, Italy, Great Britain, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Brazil, and Australia, as well as many parts of the United States and Canada. Anne Tomlinson, conductor
Chamber Singers
The Chamber Singers are a select group of high school-aged girls who comprise LACC’s most musically accomplished and technically sophisticated performing ensemble, capable of learning and gracefully presenting pieces of sublime complexity. Each member has completed LACC’s six-level musicianship curriculum and engages in private vocal coaching to support the training she receives from LACC, thus enhancing the group’s exceptional artistry and vocal elegance. The Chamber Singers rehearse once a week on Sunday afternoons. The Chamber Singers perform in LACC’s Winter and Spring Concerts, at community engagement concerts throughout the season and, as opportunities present, in recital with such renowned artists as The Calder Quartet, Grant Gershon, and Elissa Johnston, among others. Anne Tomlinson, conductor
Young Men's Ensemble
Young Men's Ensemble (YME) is a new ensemble into which male choristers transition when their voices change. The goal of the Young Men's Ensemble is to provide a forum where boys can learn more about the healthy development of their maturing voices at their own pace in an understanding and encouraging environment. Choristers discover and develop their maturing voices through the study of appropriate repertoire focusing on the middle voice (Tenor/Tenor/Bass/Bass). The YME comprises male LACC choristers who will refresh the training they received as trebles and new LACC choristers who successfully test into the choir through open auditions. The YME rehearses and receives musicianship training once a week on Sunday afternoons. Nationally, programs like the YME Choir are rare. Dr. Steven Kronauer, conductor
