Ensembles & Curriculum

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. This deepens them as musicians and enriches their enjoyment of music throughout their lives.

FALL SEASON: September – December

WINTER SEASON: January – March

THEATRE SEASON: April – June

2022-2023 SCHEDULE

Prep Ensemble
Tuesdays 3:00-3:45pm OR Tuesdays 4:00-4:45pm at First Parish in Brookline

Thursdays 2:45-3:30pm at Saint Mary’s in Brookline Village

K-1, ages 5-7. Foundations of Music Literacy I: Sight-singing, pentatonic melodies on and away from the staff; half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes and rests. Level-appropriate two-part repertoire from different traditions and in different languages, with emphasis on tone production and healthy vocal technique. Minimum of three performances a year. Training in movement throughout the year. Expected time in ensemble: 1-2 seasons. Meets 45 minutes a week.

Melody Ensemble
Tuesdays 5:00-6:00pm OR Thursdays 3:00-4:00pm at First Parish in Brookline

Wednesdays 2:45-3:45pm at Saint Mary’s in Brookline Village

2nd & 3rd graders, ages 7-8. Foundations of Music Literacy II: sight-singing, diatonic major and natural minor melodies. Whole notes, dotted rhythms, simple syncopation, sixteenth notes as applied to sight-singing. Level-appropriate two-part repertoire from different traditions and in different languages, with emphasis on tone production and healthy vocal technique. Minimum of three performances a year. Training in movement throughout the year. Expected length in ensemble: 1-2 seasons. Meets one hour a week.

Harmony Ensemble
Thursdays 4:15-6:15 pm at First Parish in Brookline

Wednesdays 4:15-6:15 pm at Runkle School in Brookline

3rd-5th graders, ages 8-10. Foundations of Music Literacy III: sight-singing, diatonic major and minor scales; modal melodies and beginning composition. Level-appropriate two- and three-part repertoire from different traditions and in different languages, with emphasis on tone production and healthy vocal technique. Preparation to perform in professional settings. Training in dance throughout the year. Expected length in ensemble: 2-3 seasons. Meets 2 hours a week.

VOICES Boston Children’s Choir
Mondays AND Wednesdays 5:00-7:00pm at First Parish in Brookline

6th – 8th graders, ages 10-14. Focus on repertoire appropriate for professional settings, drawing from a broad variety of traditions, especially classical and world music. Training in dance throughout the year. Minimum of 6 performances a year, including collaborations with professional ensembles. Meets twice a week for a total of 4 hours with an occasional rehearsal added.

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