Raleigh Youth Choir

Here at RYC, We have six core ensembles, separated by age and musicianship abilities. These ensembles regularly collaborate with one another and are offered varying levels of performance experience based on age and musical experience.

We also offer summer camp programming and touring opportunities for our wonderful young singers.

Acorn Choir
Boys and girls in the Acorn Choir learn correct and healthy vocal production. This involves good posture and breathing techniques. Choristers are taught how to sing in unison, they begin two-part singing, and they learn about rhythms, melodies, musical terms, and symbols. Sight singing is an integral part of the Acorn Choir experience. Attention is also given to the development of proper demeanor for choristers when they are in public. The Acorn Choir currently rehearses on Mondays from 5:00pm – 6:00pm. (Boys and Girls grades K-2)

Oak Choir
Boys and Girls in the Oak Choir build on the foundation skills acquired in the Acorn Choir. The Oak Choir is a crucial steppingstone towards the Capital Choir. Choristers explore unison singing in more depth and begin two- and three-part singing. They broaden their understanding of music theory and expand their musical score reading capabilities. Local performance experience is an important component of the Oak Choir singer’s term of study. Performance poise can only be achieved by experience. The Oak Choir performs for private and community functions in the Triangle area during the choir year. The Oak Choir currently rehearses on Mondays from 5:00pm – 6:30pm. (Boys and Girls grades 3-4)

Capital Choir
Boys in the Capital Choir have greater performance commitments and broader travel opportunities; these experiences prepare boys for the rigors of the concert stage. The Capitals build on the musical foundation laid by the Acorn and Oak Choirs. They learn more advanced music reading skills and strive for performance poise. This is a specialized choir that supports the changing male voice. Additional skills include singing in unison through four-part settings, singing in foreign languages, and performing complex music in a wider breadth of musical genres. The Capital Choir currently rehearses on Mondays from 4:30pm – 6:30pm. (Boys grades 5-8)

Mosaic Choir
Girls in the Mosaic Choir learn healthy vocal production through rounded vowel shapes and breathing techniques. Singers in the Mosaic Choir continue to build on the musical foundation laid by the Acorn and Oak Choirs. Singers may sing in unison, two- and three-part singing, representing a diverse choral repertoire study in several languages. They broaden their music literacy skills through score study, focusing on understanding and application of Italian music notation. Local performance experience is an important component of the Mosaic Choir’s term of study, encouraging appropriate stage deportment during performances and public appearances. The Mosaic Choir performs for private and community