YWCP offers four choir levels: Prelude Chorus, Allegro Chorus, Vivo Chorus and Young Women’s Chorus. Each level has its own curriculum and musical objectives. Based upon an audition, a singer is placed in a chorus appropriate for her age, vocal maturity and music reading ability. The grade levels are approximate markers, and some flexibility is given to certain situations. We also offer a non-auditioned class for girls ages 4-8: Dolce Singers and Arietta Singers.
All YWCP ensembles teach young women substantial music skills and through the study of music, each chorister learns important life lessons such as confidence, focus, self-discipline, problem solving, responsibility and teamwork. We welcome non-binary choristers who sing in a treble range.
A singer in our training choirs is promoted to the next level based upon her musical growth during the year. Acceptance into the highest level, YWC, requires a successful audition in which the young woman demonstrates readiness for learning challenging repertoire, and performing with advanced vocal skill and professionalism.
As of now we are planning on our 2021-2022 season being taught in person. Given the current uncertainties due to the coronavirus, we are closely monitoring the CDC and government guidelines, and will adhere to their recommendations for gathering together to sing. We are planning multiple scenarios that may be used this fall as necessary, to keep everyone safe, yet creatively engaged in making music!
Dolce Singers
- For girls ages 4-5
- Meets once a week on Tuesdays from 4:15-5:00pm
- No previous music training needed
- Non-auditioned class
Dolce Singers emphasizes a foundation for healthy singing while engaging the whole child in fun, interactive musical learning. It’s a great way to explore a girl’s interest in music and singing, and her potential for future opportunities in YWCP.
Using a Kodály-inspired curriculum, class members build basic musicianship skills and vocal technique while actively engaging their minds, bodies and voices in folk songs and dances, music games, simple percussion playing and age-appropriate unison choral music. Dolce Singers performs for their parents in December and May. The class is limited to 15 singers.
Dolce Singers meets September-May.
For more information, please contact us.
Arietta Singers
- For girls ages 6-7
- Meets once a week on Tuesdays from 4-5:30pm
- No previous music training needed
- Non-auditioned class
Arietta Singers continues to emphasize a foundation for healthy singing while engaging the whole child in fun, interactive musical learning. It is an outstanding way to prepare a young singer for the more challenging curriculum and rehearsal schedule of YWCP’s training choirs.
Using a Kodály-inspired curriculum, class members build basic musicianship skills and vocal technique while actively engaging their minds, bodies and voices in folk songs and dances, music games, and unison choral music. In this class, more emphasis is placed on choral music and group performance skills.
Arietta Singers meets September-May.
For more information, please contact us.
Beginning Division: Prelude Chorus
- For girls in grades 2 – 6
- Meets on Wednesdays from 4-6pm and Sundays from 4-5:30pm
- Music theory classes will be held on Wednesday afternoons during rehearsal
- No previous music training needed
Through a Kodály-inspired music curriculum, Prelude choristers learn basic vocal techniques, sight-reading and performance skills, and meet other young girls who love to sing. A typical class will include folk dancing and games, acquiring music skills through solfege training and written music theory, and singing unison and two-part repertoire in many languages.
Intermediate Division: Allegro Chorus
- For young women in grades 4-8
- Meets online twice a week, Wednesdays and Sundays from 4:00–6:00pm
- Music theory classes will be held on Wednesday afternoons during rehearsal
- Some prior music skills needed, such as a solid understanding of music notation
YWCP Allegro choristers have some musical training. Through a Kodály-inspired music curriculum, they develop a free vocal production, more advanced music theory, ear training, and performance skills. They learn to sing in two- and three-part harmony with repertoire in many styles and languages.
Intermediate-Advanced Division: Vivo Chorus
- For young women in grades 6-12
- Meets twice a week, Wednesdays 5:30-8:00pm and Sundays from 3:30–6:00pm
- Written theory classes will be held on Wednesday afternoon/evenings
- Prior music skills are needed such as the ability to sight read a melody in a major key, demonstrate a free vocal production, and a solid understanding of music notation
Vivo Chorus is the most advanced level of YWCP’s training program. Here choristers learn advanced sight-singing skills, and study more complex music theory and ear training. In Vivo Chorus, the singers continue to develop their vocal skills to produce a free, strong, resonant voice.
Advanced Division: Young Women’s Chorus of San Francisco
- For young women in grades 7-12
- Meets twice a week, Wednesdays 6:30-9:00pm and Sundays 3-6:00pm
- Written theory classes will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00-6:30pm
- Once a month sectionals will be held on Sunday from 2:00-2:45pm
The Young Women’s Chorus is YWCP’s premiere performing ensemble and is comprised of singers who exhibit excellent vocal technique and exceptional musicianship skills. YWC sings challenging choral music for women’s voices, emphasizing classical compositions from all eras, and including world music, jazz and Broadway selections. Led by Artistic Director, Dr. Susan McMane, YWC presents an annual concert series in the San Francisco Bay Area, tours annually nationally or internationally, and appears with renowned guest artists.
