About the Chorus and Choir Levels
The Rhode Island Children’s Chorus is an incorporated, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which was founded in 2003 by Christine Noel, its Artistic Director. Based in Rhode Island, choral members include children from over 25 cities and towns in Rhode Island and neighboring Massachusetts. From its beginnings with 14 singers, the chorus has grown to over 100 current members and is composed of four choirs. The Children’s Chorus hosts two major concerts a year, where all groups perform both separately and jointly. In addition the combined group appears at many local and regional invitational events. The RI Children’s Chorus has sung with the RI Philharmonic Orchestra in Carmina Burana, with the prestigious Providence Singers for a newly-commissioned piece by Julian Wachner of Montreal, and with the choruses of Boston University and Rhode Island College. The Chorus is featured on Bill Harley's Children's Album, "I Wanna Play," nominated for a 2007 Grammy Award. The RICC Chamber Chorus recently performed John Adams' "On the Transmigration of Souls" with the RI College Orchestra and Chorus. The Chamber Chorus also performed by invitation at the 2009 Music Educators' National Conference (MENC) Convention in Providence and will represent their state at the American Choral Directors' Association (ACDA) Eastern Division Convention in February, 2010 in Philadelphia, PA. The RICC Principal Chorus recently performed for the March of Dimes at Blithewold Mansion in Bristol and at Marble House in Newport, RI.
The mission of the chorus is to provide children with musical instruction and performance opportunities at the highest possible level. At RICC, children develop musical ability, vocal skills and performance readiness in a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere. Natural talent emerges and confidence grows as the child masters a repertoire that includes classical, contemporary, international, and patriotic choral music. Strong bonds of friendship become a part of the child’s choral experience when they participate in this rewarding artistic activity.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
About the Choirs
The Rhode Island Children’s Chorus is comprised of four choirs in three levels. Singers are placed in one of the three levels by age and musical development.
Training Choir (grades 2-4; Metro/East Bay location only)
Members of the Training choir learn basic music and vocal skills. Healthy vocal production, tone quality, ensemble singing skills and performance etiquette are developed in an encouraging atmosphere with age-appropriate music. The Training Choir performs a minimum of two concerts per year. Rehearsals are on Tuesday evenings from 5:15-6:30pm at the RI Philharmonic Music School’s Carter Center.
Conductor: Sarah Kane
Principal Chorus (grades 5-9; Harrisville and Metro/East Bay locations)
The Principal Chorus is an intermediate-level ensemble, offering continued focus on vocal development and musicianship skills. The more advanced repertoire includes two- and three-part music in English and other languages, from different periods in music history. The Principal Chorus hosts two major concerts per year and performs in other venues by invitation, typically twice per year. Rehearsals are once per week at either of the two locations: Sunday afternoons from 3:00-5:00pm in Harrisville or Tuesday evenings from 5:00-6:30pm at the RI Philharmonic Music School’s Carter Center.
Conductor: Christine Noel
Chamber Chorus (grades 9-12; Harrisville location only)
A professional-level chorus, the Chamber Chorus offers advanced training in vocal technique and musicianship. The repertoire includes challenging works from many cultures and time periods in three- and four-part harmony. The Chamber Chorus serves as the touring choir for special events and invitational concerts. The ensemble has performed at the 2009 Music Educators’ National Conference (MENC) Convention in Providence and will perform at the 2010 convention for the American Choral Directors’ Association in Philadelphia, PA. Rehearsals are on Sundays from 1:00-3:00pm in Harrisville.
Conductor: Christine Noel