Program At-A-Glance

“Yes, Vivace Youth Chorus is a place for singing and a strong music education, but more than that, it is a community where each indvidual singer is known, valued and respected. Our musicians form lasting friendships while experiencing the joy and creativity of group singing.” —Kristina Nakagawa, Executive Artistic Director

Singing in a chorus is an excellent way for a child to gain a musical education. Vivace’s choral program is designed for singers ages 5 to 18. Singers develop vocal technique, performance skills, and music appreciation and are asked to commit to a full year’s program in order to gain the full benefit of participating in our sequential learning experience. Students may join at other times during the program year with authorization from the artistic staff.

Approach

Ear training, solfege (do-re-mi-fa-sol), and sight reading are taught using a Kodály (koh-DIE) approach. In each of our levels, singers work on correct choral posture, and learn age appropriate vocal warm-ups that reinforce the development of proper singing technique.

Music

Students learn repertoire ranging from classical cantatas and folk songs from across the world to soulful spirituals and inventive music by modern composers. The music chosen is of the highest quality, at the correct skill level and reflects themes appropriate for the ages of the singers. Music from other cultures is treated with the utmost care and gives the students the opportunity to learn about languages and traditions that differ from their own.

Rehearsals

Weekly rehearsals range from 1 to 2 hours in length, depending on the level of the group. Piano accompaniment is provided for the majority of the ensembles. Movement and games are central to training choir rehearsals.

Performances

Formal concerts take place twice yearly. The chorus also has additional performances in the community. Past venues in San José have included the Rotunda at San José City Hall, Le Petit Trianon, and the San José Art Museum, as well as local libraries and retirement homes.

Collaborations

Singers have the opportunity to work with local composers, sing with area ensembles, and collaborate with professional instrumentalists.

Semester workshops

Workshops augment weekly rehearsals for both the training and performing choirs. Guest clinicians for these workshops have included distinguished choral conductors, drama coaches, and yoga, tai chi, and Alexander Technique teachers.

Retreat

The performing choirs attend an annual weekend get-a-way for more intensive work with guest teachers and the opportunity to build friendships key to creating an excellent ensemble experience.

Evaluations

Training choir singers receive a one-on-one evaluation with the artistic staff at the end of the year. Feedback on the student’s progress is shared with each family.

Tours & Choral festivals

The training choirs travel to local choral festivals as the opportunity arises. Performing choirs tour every other year, usually during the summer, to participate in national and international choral festivals.