A reimagined choir experience for this unique moment in time! In this 10-week choral workshop led by local composer/songwriter/educator Carla Kihlstedt and assisted by Mary George, teaching artist and singer/songwriter/pianist, we\'ll turn the traditional chorus experience inside-out and put the creative reins in the hands of the singers. Together, the Cape Youth Chorale will compose an original song! There is no expectation of any previous composing experience, but please come ready to collaborate. This program is designed for singers with treble voices (girls and boys with unchanged voices) from ages 9-17. With the generous support of the Bilezikian Family Foundation and Hermann Foundation, this experience is free of charge to any students taking a class or lesson of equal or greater tuition value.

Over the course of the semester, we’ll create an original song inspired by the character, as well as the environmental and cultural significance, of a local Cape Cod animal on the vulnerable/threatened/endangered species list. We\'ll learn about the chosen animal and its environment from members of the local scientific and indigenous communities, and then, through games, creative exercises, and conversation, we’ll work together to translate our ideas into a musical language.

The song we create together will be the first in an international project that Carla Kihlstedt is creating. Over the next five years, she will work with treble choruses around the world to create a series of songs called the Long for This World Songbook. Ms. Kihllstedt is an internationally renowned singer, violinist, and composer who has performed extensively and currently holds teaching positions at the New England Conservatory of Music and the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is proud and excited to be initiating the project here at home.

With regard to the ongoing public health environment, all class sessions will be appropriately socially-distanced and outdoor learning opportunities will be utilized. Due to uncertainties surrounding the act of in-person group singing, the focus of this semester’s curriculum will be on the process of composing and sound exploration. Any activities involving the use of the singing voice will occur outdoors, with students facing away from one another. Students may be provided with some digital resources to continue the development of their singing voices at home. We seek to preserve the spirit and meaningful learning of the choral experience, while keeping all of our students and staff safe!