Ensembles & Curriculum

The VOICES Boston curriculum provides age-appropriate instruction in vocal technique, musicianship, and music literacy in combination with selection of age-appropriate and diverse repertoire, allowing children to experience the joy of collaborative music-making while building real skills.

VOICES Boston believes that the ability not only to read music but to sight-sing enables children to learn a richer repertoire and to develop their interpretive skills, enriching their musical experience and increasing their enjoyment of music throughout their lives. (See “Vocal Training and Music Literacy”.)

Registration Sessions

Classical Session (September – December) – Sounds of the Season Concert

Repertoire and training tailored towards building healthy vocal technique, breathe support, phonation, musical literacy, foreign languages, and the overall foundations of singing.

Contemporary Session (January – March) – Sounds of Spring Concert

Refining technique and exploring various vocal styles, including contemporary music, movement, modern text and poetry setting, foreign language, and modern themes.

On-Stage Session (April – June) – Theater Performances

Immersion into using music and text to build characters, with added theater and dance training. Participating in a fully produced stage performance with sets, costumes, and orchestra.

Participating in all three sessions offers parents the opportunity for their children to receive comprehensive training in vocal techniques, performance skills, and artistic expressions across a wide range of musical genres and theatrical styles.

Our First Notes (K-G1), Melody (G2-3), & Harmony (G3-5) Ensembles are focused on development of musical skills, singing a variety of fulfilling songs, and creating an environment focused on the joy of making music together. Students develop skills in musical literacy through solfege and the takadimi rhythm system, sing songs in a variety of styles and languages, and learn to sing with a unified sound in a way that is healthy for their growing voices. Environment is everything, and in these ensembles, we focus on creating a supportive, kind, and stimulating environment for children to learn in both musical and social-emotional ways.

Kindergarten through Fifth Grade Ensembles

First Notes Ensemble: K-1st Grade (Select One)

Tuesdays from 3-3:45pm at William H. Lincoln School (19 Kennard Rd, Brookline MA)

Tuesdays from 4-4:45pm at William H. Lincoln School (19 Kennard Rd, Brookline MA)

Thursdays from 2:45-3:30pm in Brookline Village (Location TBD)

Melody Ensemble: 2nd-3rd Grade (Select One)

Mondays from 3:30-4:30pm at First Parish in Brookline (382 Walnut Street, Brookline MA)

Tuesdays from 5-6pm at William H. Lincoln School (19 Kennard Rd, Brookline MA)

Wednesdays from 2:45-3:45 in Brookline Village (Location TBD)

Harmony Ensemble: 3rd-5th Grade

Thursdays from 4:15-6:15 at at First Parish in Brookline (382 Walnut Street, Brookline MA)

Sixth Through Eighth Grade Premier Ensemble

VOICES Boston Children’s Choir (6th-8th Grade)
Mondays AND Wednesdays 5:00-7:00pm at First Parish in Brookline

Singers in VOICES Boston Children’s Choir (VBCC) learn repertoire appropriate for professional settings, drawing from a broad variety of traditions, including classical, world music, and musical theater. Students receive training in dance throughout the year. VBCC students participate in a minimum of 6 performances a year, including collaborations with professional ensembles and a spring musical/operetta. VBCC meets twice a week for a total of 4 hours with occasional rehearsals added for outside opportunities and our theatre session.

Children singing in VOICES Boston Children’s Choir learn to work as a team, which cultivates both musical sensitivity and a community-based work ethic. At the same time, VOICES Boston views each child as an independent singer, and helps each child master essential vocal techniques to fully develop their unique voice as a “soloist within the ensemble.” VBCC training helps studnents develop relaxed vocal habits, correct alignment, deep breathing skills, connection to the lower body, and awareness of resonance. See also “Vocal Training and Music Literacy”.

For more information, please email our Program Director or call 617-735-0012.