Our Children's Choirs
We are a non-auditioned group that welcomes all children to sing with our dynamic choirs!
Our conductors will assess the vocal abilities of the choristers two rehearsals after they have joined, and will place them in the choir that is best suited to their skill level.
Choirs are generally based on age group, and on the age of the chorister as of September 1st.
Auditions are only required for the Chamber Choir and Changed Voice Ensemble.
TRAINING CHOIR
For Singers Ages 3 - 6
Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 5:45 pm
St. Catharines Mennonite Church
Term 1 (Fall): September to mid-December
Term 2 (Winter/Spring): mid-January to mid-May
The Training Choir is an enriching music education program that inspires a love of singing and music in young children. The Training Choir is a preparatory choir that introduces the rudiments of music and choral singing through movement, games and songs that encourage good vocal technique. This is a full-year program from September to May, with the option of registering for one term. The Training Choir collaborates with the older groups, which supports learning and facilitates development. They perform three showcase concerts for parents and friends throughout the season, and participate in annual CNCC concerts.
Conductor: Jennifer McKillop
Accompanist: Krista Rhodes
Early registration is $250 (only available for full year registration)
Payment must be made by July 15th 2023
Regular registration fee is $300 for the full year or $200 per term (bursaries available). Registration fees will not be refunded after October 1, 2023.
*For singers joining via the DSBN Outreach Initiative, please contact erica.chorusniagara@gmail.com for fee information.*
Registration fee includes the cost of all materials.
INTERMEDIATE CHOIR
For Singer Ages 7 - 11
Wednesdays 6:00pm - 7:30pm
St. Catharines Mennonite Church
The Intermediate Choir fosters a love of choral singing through fun and challenging music theory activities and repertoire. This ensemble emphasizes learning to sing in parts, and becoming proficient in music theory and sight-singing. This exciting program is a steppingstone to the award-winning Concert and Chamber ensembles. The Intermediate Choir receives engaging instruction from highly qualified staff where they learn music from a variety of genres, and strengthen their skills in choral singing, ear training, theory and music reading. Their learning continues at home with weekly theory and practice homework assignments. Practice materials, including audio tracks, are provided. The Intermediate Choir performs for a number of concerts and events throughout the year including CNCC concerts, choral festivals and special events.
Conductor: Jennifer McKillop
Accompanist: Krista Rhodes
January registration is $525
*For singers joining via the DSBN Outreach Initiative, please contact erica.chorusniagara@gmail.com for fee information.*
Regular registration fee is $650 (bursaries are available)
The registration fee includes the cost of materials, festivals and our annual choral retreat. It does not include the cost of their polo shirt, which is needed for performances. The cost of the polo shirt is $45. Registration fees will not be refunded after October 1, 2023.
Concert Choir
For Singer Ages 12+
Wednesdays 5:30pm - 7:30pm
St. Catharines Mennonite Church
The award-winning Concert Choir ignites the joy of choral singing through challenging
repertoire and exciting performance opportunities. The Concert Choir receives engaging instruction from highly qualified staff. Choristers are introduced to a variety of choral
repertoire where they learn to sing in different languages and become proficient in singing
with multiple parts. They strengthen their skills in choral singing, ear training, theory and
music reading in rehearsal, and continue with their learning at home with practice
assignments. Materials to support their learning, including audio tracks are provided. The Concert Choir receives 30 minutes of focussed music theory instruction during rehearsals.
They participate in numerous performances throughout the year as guests of other arts
groups (Chorus Niagara, Niagara Symphony Orchestra, Bravo Niagara!), at festivals, CNCC concerts, community events, and competitions with some travel.
Conductor: Amanda Nelli
Accompanist: Julie Broomer
January registration is $650
*For singers joining via the DSBN Outreach Initiative, please contact erica.chorusniagara@gmail.com
for fee information.*
Regular registration fee is $775 (bursaries are available)
The registration fee includes the cost of materials, festivals and our annual choral retreat. It
does not include the cost of their polo shirt, which is needed for performances. The cost of
the polo shirt is $45. Registration fees will not be refunded after October 1, 2023.
Chamber Choir
Auditioned Treble Ensemble
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:15pm
St. Catharines Mennonite Church
Concert Choir choristers who have attained a high level of vocal skill and musicianship are invited to perform with the award-winning Chamber ensemble. This choir performs challenging and engaging repertoire. The songs explore a variety of languages and choristers become proficient in performing songs with 3 or more parts. They receive an additional hour of instruction from highly trained staff after their Concert Choir rehearsal. Chamber Choir members perform at prestigious events within the community, participate in festivals and competitions, and receive more opportunities for travel.
Conductor: Amanda Nelli
Accompanist: Julie Broomer
Prerequisites: Must audition prior to entry, unless exempted by the conductor. Choristers in the Chamber Ensemble demonstrate exceptional commitment, leadership skills and high level of musicianship.
Registration fee is $100
The Chamber Choir fee is in addition to the Concert Choir registration, and will be included in that payment and registration form.
Changed Voice Ensemble
NEW!
Wednesdays 7:00pm - 8:15pm
St. Catharines Mennonite Church
The Changed Voice ensemble is a dynamic group of singers with changing voices and changed voices. Choristers receive focused and specialized instruction every 4 weeks throughout the season. This ensemble is the perfect place to nurture singers as they develop through the voice change and beyond, to become strong tenors and basses. The goal of this group is to provide singers with the support they need to perform challenging repertoire with confidence. All choristers in the Changed Voice Ensemble are members of the Concert Choir. This ensemble will be featured in CNCC seasonal concerts.
Conductor: Bradley Barnham
There is no registration fee to participate in this ensemble.
