ChoirKids
ChoirKids is a non-auditioned choir program delivered through the Victoria Conservatory of Music’s Music Outreach Program, into local Victoria Elementary schools. ChoirKids focuses on singing for fun, to foster a love and appreciation for music.
All music is learnt by ear and may include at times light choreography. Weekly rehearsals provide a range of “warm-up” games, and repertoire is drawn from popular folk tunes, and contemporary music, sung either in unison, or in two parts. Piano, guitar, and/or ukulele accompaniment is provided where appropriate, and end of term performance opportunities are arranged in coordination with all ChoirKids groups and the Arbutus Singers
History
The concept of ChoirKids came from the desire to provide kids with the opportunity to sing in a non-auditioned choir, in communities that might not currently offer it, simply for fun and for free. Spearheaded by Jack Boomer and Jane Cowell, five members of the Arbutus Singers came together to form the Arbutus Singers Music Education Society in 2006. The goal, through a non-profit organization, was to establish children and youth choirs in the Greater Victoria area. The Society received charitable status in 2008.
The first children’s choir was formed in September of 2008 at the James Bay Community School. In 2009, two additional choirs were established through the Burnside-Gorge Community Centre: one at the centre itself and another at Quadra Elementary School. In 2011, a specific program for students in grades 1 and 2 at Tillicum Elementary was developed, and Craigflower Elementary joined the ChoirKids family. That same year a program at Victoria West Elementary started up, and another choir began in collaboration with Big Brothers – Big Sisters, the Boys and Girls Club and the Intercultural Association. A partnership with Victor-Brodeur School in the spring of 2013 saw introduced a ChoirKids choir singing in French.
In 2015, the Victoria Conservatory of Music was asked and agreed to “adopt” this wonderful program and since then, the ChoirKids program has touched the lives of over 2,000 young children across 8 local Elementary schools and continues to thrive as one of the VCM’s key music programs for children. ChoirKids is delivered tuition-free into participating local Elementary schools through the Conservatory’s Children’s Music Outreach. The program operates under the artistic leadership of Colin Doroschuk (Director or Contemporary Voice) and Lead Instructor/Choir Director Annika Sauser.
ChoirKids provides young children with a unique opportunity to sing in a choir consisting of children from different grades, gathering weekly to enjoy the fun of making together through singing. It offers each child is an unforgettable experience during their time attending Elementary school, expanding friendships beyond their own classroom, while also supporting their growth in language competency, resiliency, empathy, and an appreciation of cultural diversity. These benefits not only help children to succeed in school, but also socially, as they experience the joy of working together as a musical team to express themselves creatively through music to the community.
Current and Past ChoirKids Schools
- George Jay Elementary
- Tillicum Elementary School
- Victoria West Elementary School
- Macaulay Elementary School
- James Bay Community School
- Craigflower Elementary School
- Marigold Elementary School
- Sundance-Bank Elementary School
- Victoria Conservatory in Langford, serving grades 3 – 6 from nearby Elementary and Middle schools
How to Register at a Current School
Registration forms are provided through each participating school’s main office and are distributed to all families with children attending these schools. Parents and students are encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful program, to complete the registration and media-release forms, and return them to their school office.
“My daughter has developed great confidence in her singing ability and it has changed her whole presence.”
Parent of ChoirKids participant
Support the ChoirKids Program
We would love your support to help the Conservatory ensure the ChoirKids program continues to flourish in local Elementary schools, many of which are serving marginalized communities.
Donate to the ChoirKids Program
Your donation will ensure that ChoirKids will continue to grow, ensuring opportunities for kids to enjoy the wonder of singing.
Attend an Arbutus Singers Concert
Every year, the Arbutus Singers donate the entire ticket proceeds from their Christmas Concerts in December, as well as their end of season concerts in June, to the ChoirKids program. The Victoria Conservatory of Music is extremely grateful to the members of the Arbutus Singers under the leadership of their Choir Director Jack Boomer, for their unwavering and generous support.
The ChoirKids Team
The ChoirKids program is lead by Faculty members Annika Sauser as the program’s main Choir Director and Lead Instructor, with Anna Lyman leading the ChoirKids section for grades 3 – 6 offered at the Conservatory’s Langford location. All ChoirKids sections offered in participating Elementary Schools include an accompanist provided by the Conservatory. The ChoirKids program resides within the Conservatory’s School of Contemporary Music, under the artistic oversight of Colin Doroschuk, Head of Classical Voice, and Director of the Contemporary School’s Voice Program.