Got a song in your heart? CSMA has you covered with several pathways to singing through multiple choirs. Singers are introduced to a wide variety of choral music while learning solfege, a syllable-based technique that helps musicians gain fluency with pitch, music theory, ear training, rhythm, and harmony.
CSMA’s choir and voice classes begin at the early childhood level and continue through adulthood, offering a comprehensive approach to singing, both individually and in groups.
CSMA Singing Groups include:
Little Singers: (Ages 5-6): Young singers develop their vocal skills and confidence in a warm and engaging environment. They explore melody, rhythm, pitch, and healthy vocal habits through songs, games and activities.
CSMA Training Choir: (Ages 7-12): Singers take their first steps into vocal ensemble singing in a supportive environment. No previous singing required.
CSMA Performance Choir: (Age 8-13): Selected by audition only, singers strengthen both singing and performance skills, connect with peers, and boost confidence. They enjoy on and off-site performances, showcasing dynamic songs across diverse genres and styles.
A Cappella Vocal Ensemble: (Ages 13-18): Participants level up their vocal skills by exploring the world of a cappella through a variety of repertoire from various genres. Singers strengthen sight singing, ear training, choral theory skills, and performance techniques.
CSMA Community Choir: (Ages 18+): Singers explore diverse genres and styles under the direction of Von Bringhurst, a classically trained professional singer and choral director. They experience the joy of singing with others in a supportive and encouraging environment. No auditions necessary, all levels and voice parts welcome.
Judaline Swinkels, CSMA Music Classes Manager and Faculty Supervisor, is excited to see how the choral program has grown. She shared that there are often age gaps in other choral programs, and sometimes students age out and are unable to continue.
“We want to have one place where you can continue to grow from early childhood to adulthood. Each group has a different vibe,” Swinkels said. “Aside from being able to sing for all of these years, they’re also exposed to different types of music and music styles. Essentially, students can begin the choral program at age 5 and go on forever.”
For example, “the a cappella group sings more contemporary and pop/modern music. The adult choir sings more traditional choral music. The performance choir and training choirs sing a mix of folk music, international music, and even musical theatre. In the Little Singers classes, we’re setting up the very youngest singers in a developmentally appropriate way so they’re learning the fundamentals through folk songs to master introductory skills,” she said.
Another benefit of CSMA choirs is the size. While traditional school or church choirs tend to have large numbers, our groups tend to be a bit smaller, and the participants become a close-knit family.
“We have about 60 singers between our four choirs,” Swinkels said.
CSMA is also excited to expand its choral program at its Belmont campus. Starting in January, a new Belmont: Youth Choir (Ages 7-12) and the Belmont-San Carlos Community Choir (Ages 16+) will debut.
At the end of each semester, all the choral groups perform together for families. This year, the performance will be open to the public. Save the date for Monday, Jan. 12, at 7 PM in Tateuchi Hall to see our choirs in action.
By TaLeiza Calloway-Appleton
