THE CHOIRS
The Camrose and Area Children’s Choirs have been an active part of the musical life of our community since 1999, when they began under the leadership of Jan Knudson. Joy-Anne Murphy took the group over in 2002, began a Junior and Senior division in 2003, and added an auditioned select ensemble (named Vivo Cantando, Spanish for ‘I Live to Sing’) in 2009.
The Jr and Sr Choirs are non-auditioned groups, meaning anyone with a love of singing can join at any level of ability. Expanding outside of Camrose, we’ve had singers from Hay Lakes, New Norway, Daysland, Bawlf, and Meeting Creek!
Vivo Cantando is an auditioned group for those singers who are able to read and learn music that is more challenging.
We continue to be extremely proud of the level of musicianship we have achieved with our members each season, and to appreciate the continuity of membership the choirs have enjoyed over the past decade. When singers stick with our program, we are able to improve our level of musicianship that much more each year, and it brings the calibre of performance up for everyone involved.
Each year, our mandate of learning about great singing and musicianship leads us to:
- perform in concerts
- provide music for local charities and community events
- participate in the Camrose Music Festival, Remembrance Day ceremonies, and Jaywalker’s Jamboree
- learn through workshops and choral festivals at both the local and provincial level
- take field trip excursions to high-calibre choral, orchestral or theatrical performances.
THE GROUPS
Jr. Choir
Tuesdays, 4:30-5:30pm
Jr. is intended for those singers in grades 1-3, although we occasionally have Kindergarten-aged members whose love of music can’t keep them back! Parents interested in having their K singer join should contact the director for a brief interview to assess interest, maturity (is the child able to sit through an hour of rehearsal in a group?) and musicianship (since most can’t yet read, are they quick to pick up notes/tunes and words?).
Sr. Choir
Tuesdays 5:45-7:15pm
Sr. is for those in grades 4-9. Singers learn more about musicianship and are able to sing in two and three parts. Rehearsals that are slightly longer give us lots of time for delving into our music.
Vivo Cantando
Tuesdays 7:30-8:30
Vivo is an auditioned ensemble offering those with a bit more experience (often through being in the choir!) a chance to explore more challenging music. The group is for those in grades 5 though high school, allowing anyone interested in pushing themselves this great chance to excel.
NOTE: A minimum number of registrants will be required for all groups.