Junior Division - Education
In the Junior Division, students with beginning or intermediate musical experience build their skills and gain confidence in encouraging and creative rehearsal environments and performances.
The San Francisco Junior Division of the National Children’s Chorus consists of the Prelude, Minuet and Sonata Levels. Students participate in an exciting array of performances and specialized training in small groups. Explore below for additional details on these ensembles.
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Prelude Level

Ages 5-6, no experience
Members of the Prelude Level are introduced to the thrilling world of music in a fun and interactive class designed to open up the ear and explore the possibilities of musical expression through listening and moving. Basic vowel formation, proper posture and the beginnings of breathing technique are taught, while the foundation of the Kodály Method is set.
Ann Elizabeth Jones
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Prelude Level in San Francisco rehearses in Cathedral Hill on Tuesday afternoons in addition to individualized online coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Prelude Level
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday Afternoons
  • Location
    San Francisco: Cathedral Hill
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $239 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Minuet Level

Ages 7-8, no experience to some experience
Members of the Minuet Level are introduced to the formal structure of a choral ensemble—posture, rehearsal protocol, and choral tone. Musical terms are taught and used freely in an environment where students are encouraged to be curious, ask questions and seek answers. Vocal technique, vowel formation, breathing, diction and phrasing are emphasized in order to create a beautiful sound, while sight-singing intervals and rhythms will be practiced in Kodály training.
Enya Murray
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Minuet Level in San Francisco rehearses in Cathedral Hill on Tuesday afternoons in addition to individualized online coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Minuet Level
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday Afternoons
  • Location
    San Francisco: Cathedral Hill
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $239 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Sonata Level

Ages 8-9, some experience to much experience
Members of the Sonata Level are expected to possess basic skills and knowledge in the areas of tone, vowel formation, diction, breathing technique, and musicianship. From here, students are taught the beginnings of advanced choral and vocal skills, including singing in 2-part harmony within the context of more sophisticated repertoire that will include texts in foreign languages. The beginnings of advanced Kodály Method skills will also be employed as part of the curriculum.
Peter Meredith
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Sonata Level in San Francisco rehearses in Cathedral Hill on Tuesday afternoons in addition to individualized online coachings. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Sonata Level
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday Afternoons
  • Location
    San Francisco: Cathedral Hill & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Individual Progress Sessions with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring)
  • Tuition
    Approximately $259 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.