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. Click here for more information.

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. For more information or to register, please call or email Erin O'Rourke at 317-940-9846 or eorourke@icchoir.org.

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 regional 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.

Regional Satellite Choirs
Regional Satellite choirs meet once per week at locations in Hendricks County, Carmel, Indianapolis Eastside, Greenfield, Greenwood, Zionsville, Fishers, and Lebanon. 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.

Outreach Programs
In keeping with our mission, the Indianapolis Children's Choir is committed to outreach initiatives serving a multitude of children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate due to financial, transportation, location, or other challenges. In real ways outreach programs address the identified needs of the community and builds a stronger and more diverse Outreach Program for the ICC.

Research presented by Dr. John Feierabend, an early childhood music education specialist, in his consultation with the ICC, reinforces our tenet that music is a significant aspect of all cultures (singing the National Anthem, rocking a baby to sleep, clapping hands to the music at a wedding reception) and asserts the importance of learning to sing, move, listen, and respond to music. His research indicates that, throughout the last century, adults have consumed music rather than practiced music. Consequently, children are growing up without traditional rhymes, games, songs, and rhythm that provide the neces­sary musical stimulation and sensitivity that will help them to devel­op as musical beings.

ICC strives to help families find ways to promote musical intelligence in their children at home. Along with our regional satellite choirs and initiatives with the Indianapolis eastside and charter schools, the ICC also coordinates outreach through both locations of St. Mary’s Childcare Centers, has re-started an after-school program at the Unity Development Center, does work­shops upon request at various public and parochial school systems and has several other outreach initiatives in the planning stages.

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.