About ICC: Choir Divisions

EARLY CHILDHOOD DIVISION

First Steps in Music
The ICC is proud to announce a new era in its programming and instruction of preschool aged youngsters. Based on the important research and experience of one of America's foremost music educators, John Feierabend, First Steps in Music brings the playful songs and rhymes throughout history to the lives of today's families. The great tradition and quality of America's most ambitious and successful children's choral organization and its outstanding teachers bring these songs and rhymes and an engaging classroom experience together, planting the seeds for lifelong sensitivity and imagination.

Preparatory Program
The ICC's Preparatory Program is a non-auditioned experience for first through fourth grade students. These students meet one time per week. Each lesson cleverly and energetically combines the learning of musical skills, group singing, and play-like activities and games that bring together learning experiences and fun in meaningful ways. The program is an outstanding way for youngsters to explore their interest in music and singing—potentially preparing them for opportunities in ICC's other programs. Our hope is that they will bring their developing talent and experience to other learning and group activities in school and beyond.

CHILDREN'S CHOIR DIVISION
Fourteen choirs make up the Children's Choir Division of the ICC, eight of which meet on the campus of Butler University, and six choirs meet at satellite locations outside of the Indianapolis area. Singers in this division are usually entering or currently enrolled in grades four through nine. Occasionally older, trained singers are selected to continue through grade ten, and Cantantes Angeli choir accepts selected singers through grade twelve. All choirs emphasize note reading, vocal training, and performance skills.

Campus Choirs
The Cantantes Angeli, Bel Canto, and Kantorei choirs rehearse twice weekly and include those students who have demonstrated a high degree of vocal and sight-singing ability. Lyric, Chamber, Octavo and Treble choirs rehearse once a week and include students who exhibit a strong desire to sing and have demonstrated an intermediate proficiency in vocal technique and sight reading abilities.

Satellite Choirs
Satellite choirs meet once per week at locations in Brownsburg, Carmel, Indianapolis Eastside, Greenfield, Greenwood, and Zionsville. These beginning level singers are in grades four through seven and have demonstrated the ability to sing in tune and a readiness to develop sight-reading and harmonic skills.

After-School Programs
The Indianapolis Children's Choir is committed to outreach through partnerships with organizations such as St. Vincent Unity Development Center, Oaks Academy, Indianapolis Charter Schools, and Sycamore School to provide after-school choral programs nurturing both artistic excellence as well as a sense of self-esteem, accomplishment, and pride in every singer.

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION

Indianapolis Youth Chorale
Members of the Indianapolis Youth Chorale are in grades 10-12. Younger male singers whose voices have changed and who have auditioned may also be included in IYC. Rehearsals for this choir are held on Sunday afternoons in an attempt to avoid the many time conflicts that high school students experience. Students are expected to practice the music outside of their organized rehearsal time.

COLUMBUS INDIANA CHILDREN'S CHOIR (CICC)

The Columbus Indiana Children's Choir serves children in grades four through nine. Singers are placed by ability in either Concert or Descant choir. Ruth Dwyer directs this program with rehearsals taking place in Columbus, Indiana. Members of CICC come from Bartholomew and six surrounding counties. CICC is a cooperative effort of the Indianapolis Children's Choir and the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra.