Primo
Primo is YVT’s entrance level music program for our youngest singers in JK through Grade One. Primo introduces the rudiments of music in an entertaining and interactive manner, blending movement, singing, speech, dance and drama, laying the foundations for a life-long love for music.
Singers will discover and develop their singing voice and establish an understanding of choral etiquette and deportment for learning and performing. This program offers one open rehearsal per term where parents and friends are invited to observe their child’s learning experience. It is up to the discretion of the conductor whether the Primo Choir is ready to perform at the spring concert.
2023-2024 Primo classes will be on Tuesdays OR Wednesdays from 4:30 – 5:15, at Runnymede Presbyterian Church, 680 Annette Street.
Piccolo is our youngest choir ensemble. This choir is for choristers age 6, in Grade One who have completed the Primo program and choristers age 7, in Grade Two for whom Piccolo will be their first choir experience.
Piccolo Choristers are:
- Ready for short experiences in a typical choir rehearsal
- Readily participate in singing/music activities
- Are able to access their singing voice sometimes/most of the time
Piccolo
Dolce
Dolce consists of singers ages 7, 8 and 9 in Grades 2 and 3 and choristers in Grade 4 for whom Dolce will be their first choir experience. These choristers are able to match pitch, have an understanding of proper vocal technique and musical story-telling. Solfege hand signs are used to facilitate learning a melody or a voice part in choral music. At this level, the choristers will learn to sing in canon and be able to learn and hold simple parts to create harmonies. They will continue to develop their understanding of how to read music and navigate a score, and perform with expression accompanied by piano or other instruments to expand their musical colour palette in a variety of genres. Choristers are expected to master a high standard of performance etiquette. This ensemble performs 2-4 times a year.
2023 -2024 Dolce rehearsals will be on Tuesdays from 5:30 – 6:45 pm, at Runnymede Presbyterian Church.
Cantabile is YVT’s intermediate ensemble for choristers in Grades 4 through 8 who are comfortable matching pitches and holding harmonized melodies. In addition to solidifying the foundations of proper vocal technique, Cantabile choristers explore more challenging two and three-part music, and more advanced music theory. This choir performs up to five times per season. This ensemble participates in a retreat day and various community performances, in addition to an annual multi-junior-choir workshop, where they learn from and listen to other choirs, build friendships, and work with international guest conductors.
In 2023 -2024 Cantabile will rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 5:15 – 7:00 pm at Runnymede Presbyterian Church.
Cantabile
Voci
Our Voci ensemble is for choristers in Grades 8 through 12 with treble voices, who have achieved a high level of vocal skill, artistry and musicianship. These choristers represent our community through musical collaborations in the GTA and act as role models within our community. Choristers challenge themselves musically and create captivating, powerful performances.
In 2023-2024 this ensemble will rehearse on Tuesday evenings at Humbercrest United Church from 5:15 – 7:00 pm.
Our retreat (mandatory) will take place August 28th – 30, 2023.
Encore is an SATB ensemble for choristers of a higher musical skill level and maturity. This ensemble allows choristers to explore mixed voice repertoire and develop leadership skills within our organization. Encore regularly collaborates with other musical organizations and will have the opportunity for touring, in addition to our choir retreat in August.
In 2023 -2024 Encore rehearsals will be on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at Humbercrest United Church.
Our retreat (mandatory) will take place August 28th – 30, 2023.
Encore
Every year, YVT choristers elect representatives to represent the choristers and provide an important youth voice in the running of YVT. Chorister council plans special events, retreat days, and work with administration, faculty, and volunteers to build community, promote socialization, and friendships among choristers. Chorister council representatives also take on a leadership role, ensuring they set a positive example for other choristers in all aspects of chorister life. Taking on a leadership role, and setting a good example for choristers with regard to behaviour, attitude, and musicianship.
Chorister Council
