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Training Choirs

The Training Choirs make up the junior division of the Toronto Children’s Chorus. The Training Choir program is separated into four distinct choirs: Spirito, Pasio, Anima, and Coro.

 

Here, young singers learn the foundational skills needed to become exceptional performers, with an emphasis on musical theory, vocal pedagogy, sight singing, teamwork, and performance skills. Choristers in each choir rehearse once per week from September to the beginning of May, and perform in concerts throughout the season--including in all-choir performances (notably our annual holiday concert at Roy Thomson Hall, and our end-of-season concert at the George Weston Recital Hall).

 

Music theory plays an integral role in the development of young musicians. Starting at the Pasio level, choristers are introduced to the enriching world of 'A Young Singer's Journey' theory books. These meticulously designed resources serve as a valuable tool, allowing choristers to master basic components of musical literacy and deepen their understanding of the musical language. 

Spirito

GRADES 1-2

  • Spirito is made up of 40 choristers, generally in Grades 1-2. This is the youngest audition-based ensemble at the TCC.

  • Classes take place weekly on Mondays 5:30 – 6:45 pm

  • All choristers are expected to attend a full-day workshop in the fall/winter term.

  • Spirito runs from September to May.

  • Choristers will:

    • Learn and memorize approximately 16 songs throughout the season.

    • Perform in four (4) TCC concerts throughout the year.

    • Be introduced to basic theory and sight-singing concepts.

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual SingLoo! fundraiser.

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Spirito Training Choir encourages young musicians to explore their singing voice in a fun and supportive environment. Choristers will receive consistent vocal technique instruction, learn a wide range of engaging repertoire that supports early vocal development, and build strong listening skills as they learn to sing and create as part of a team.

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Rehearsals will focus on the development of key musical skills that will prepare choristers for a lifetime of music making. Choristers will learn fundamental melodic and rhythmic concepts through methods based in Kodály music pedagogy, including solfege syllables, hand signs, and rhythm syllables. Learning these concepts will allow all singers to increase their musical literacy.

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Additionally, choristers will learn how to apply their knowledge to creative activities that incorporate improvisation and movement. Spirito’s team looks forward to spreading the joy of music making while also working towards the TCC’s high standard of education and performance.
 

Pasio

GRADES 2-3

  • Pasio is made up of 45 choristers, generally in Grades 2-3 with some musical experience.

  • Rehearsals take place weekly on Mondays from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Choristers must arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • All choristers are expected to attend a full-day workshop in the fall/winter term.

  • Pasio runs from September to May.

  • Choristers will:

    • Learn and memorize approximately 16 unison songs in a variety of languages that are more complex than the songs taught in Spirito.

    • Perform in four (4) TCC concerts throughout the year.

    • Begin to learn theory and sight-singing and will be assigned theory homework.

    • Be introduced to the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual SingLoo! fundraiser.

Pasio-05.13.23

Pasio Training Choir is an enthusiastic group of young singers who share a sense of community through their love of singing. Throughout the year, choristers work on their beautiful choral sound and musical skills through exploring a variety of songs in different styles and languages. By learning many fun vocal exercises and games, singers will expand their vocal range, work on their in-tune singing, and learn and use the scale hand signs. As part of the weekly rehearsal, choristers are introduced to a formal theory and sight singing programme that allow them to musically read the notes, words, and rhythms that they are singing in their music. Pasio will learn, memorize, and prepare songs to share in each of the four concerts during the season, along with learning a variety of performance skills for the concerts. Judith Bean is pleased to be the conductor of Pasio Choir this season.

Anima

GRADES 3-4

  • Anima is made up of 45 choristers, generally in Grades 3-4, with some musical experience.

  • Rehearsals take place weekly on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Choristers must arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • Anima runs from September to May.

  • Choristers will:

    • Learn and memorize approximately 20 songs in unison and two-parts, including rounds and songs with simple harmony.

    • Perform in four (4) TCC concerts throughout the year.

    • Continue to learn theory and sight-singing and will be assigned weekly theory homework.

    • Develop their understanding of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual SingLoo! fundraiser.

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Introducing Anima – a vibrant and exciting training choir within the TCC family! Anima gathers enthusiastic budding choristers around grades 3 and 4 to create a symphony of voices under the leadership of their dedicated conductor, Nila Rajagopal. Anima is more than just a choir; it’s a musical journey where young choristers embark on a voyage of vocal discovery and friendship. With a dedication to healthy vocal techniques, Anima instills the art of singing skillfully while nurturing the joy of musical expression. Their repertoire transcends boundaries, embracing many styles and languages that evoke the beauty and versatility of choral singing. At each Anima rehearsal, choristers learn the art of reading music while exploring the enchanting world of unison and part singing. Anima is a place where each singer discovers their unique place within the choir's vibrant tapestry. Anima not only nurtures musical skills, but also forges lifelong friendships, making this choir an unforgettable chapter in every young singer's life.
 

Coro

GRADES 4-6

  • Coro is made up of 45 choristers, generally in Grades 4-6, with musical experience.

  • Rehearsals take place weekly on Wednesdays from 5:15 to 7:15 PM. Choristers must arrive 20 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • Coro runs from September to May.

  • Choristers will:

    • Learn and memorize approximately 26 songs in two-parts and three-parts, and in multiple languages.

    • Perform in four (4) TCC concerts, represent the TCC at the GTA Junior Treble Festival, and take part in select run-out appearances.

    • Continue to learn sight-singing and theory (RCM Level 4/5) and will be assigned weekly homework.

    • Expand and apply their knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA).

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual SingLoo! fundraiser.

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Coming soon!

Our next official audition period will be in Spring, 2024. Please fill out an Interest Form to be notified when audition registration has opened, and to get first access to audition slots.

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