Virtual/hybrid programs for all grade school students launch in October

McGRATHPR.com – South Shore Children’s Chorus (SSCC), the region’s training program for all young singers, announces Engage, its innovative series of fall programs to accommodate safety guidelines during the current Covid-19 pandemic.  Virtual and hybrid leveled program options are now open for registration for student singers in Kindergarten through 12^th grade.  Each program offers program-specific optional in-person bonus outdoor rehearsals, weather permitting, at the Quincy Point Congregational Church, 444 Washington Street, Quincy.  Through positive encouragement and an uplifting environment, choristers learn to be confident and enjoy using their voices.  Non-auditioned programs are offered beginning the week of October 4by staff educators, under the direction of founding Artistic Director Kirsten Oberoi. 

For students in Kindergarten through 2^nd grade, Pajama Jamz inspires young musicians to share beautiful music and stories.  Over the course of eight weeks, students explore children’s literature, songs and movement all aimed at developing musicality dressed in pajamas from home! Families have the flexibility to register for any combination of individual classes, or the discounted 8-class package. Virtual classes will be held via the Zoom platform.

For students in grades 3 through 6, Sing to the World offers a virtual ensemble to meet new friends in the South Shore area who love to sing through this eight-class package.  This weekly vocal class that dives into fundamental vocal skills and general musical elements through engaging music, games and a bubbly social environment. Singers join their voices together in song while developing vocal skills.  Virtual classes will be held via the Zoom platform.

For students in grades 7 through 12, Voice Technique Fundamentals explores how the voice actually sounds, and what teen singers can do to make that sound confident and beautiful. This eight-class package explores the fundamentals of vocal technique to improve singing. Knowledge and understanding of basics facilitate youth vocalists in choral singing, classical solo singing, musical theatre technique and more.  Special guest expert speakers delve into topics on voice anatomy, audition skills and body awareness.

Rise to it Now, a companion program for students participating in Voice Technique Fundamentals, is offered in collaboration with Boston’s professional acapella group ELEVATE.  SSCC’s Advanced Choir singers create a music video and professional recording of “Rise to it Now” by Moira Smiley. Singers meet virtually for rehearsals, sectionals and masterclasses with ELEVATE singers. Learn about the contemporary acapella style, the mechanics of group sound and vocal percussion. Singers individually record their vocal part with the support of a professional audio engineer and participate in a socially distanced music video. 

Piano Skills for Singers offers singers the opportunity to bolster their musical skills this fall with in-person lessons with SSCC staff accompanist Lynn Salmonsen.  This eight-week course offers essential piano skills for singers for all ages. Improve music reading skills, confidence and enjoy a discounted rate by bringing a friend!  No prior piano experience necessary.  Sessions are available in Quincy or East Milton. 

Other piano centered programs include individual Traditional Piano Lessons, Piano Skills for Singers and Understanding & Seeing, a music theory-based course offering learning at the keyboard.

Founded in 2016, by colleagues Kirsten Oberoi and Carey Shunskis, South Shore Children’s Chorus’s mission is to provide quality musical education and vocal training to students living in the South Shore communities and beyond. SSCC reveres the development and well-being of its students as a top priority, aiming to create a safe space and loving community for choristers to learn, grow and to find their own voice.  Its programs serve dedicated, responsible singers ages 4 to 18 who are interested in a well-rounded choral education. SSCC has collaborated with several music organizations including The Treble Chorus of New England, Genesis Chamber Singers, Quincy Choral Society and Atlantic Symphony Orchestra. 

SSCC is passionate about access for all chorister students, regardless of financial situation.  Need-based tuition assistance is available by application.  SSCC is supported in part by grants from Quincy Cultural Council, Milton Cultural Council and Braintree Cultural Council, local agencies supported by Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

For faculty, tuition and complete schedule details, to register, or for more information, visit southshorechildrenschorus.org, or email Artistic Director Kirsten Oberoi at oberoi@sscchorus.org, or follow South Shore Children’s Chorus on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.