Our Choirs
AAYC has two ensembles - Descant Choir and Concert Choir. Each choir is dedicated to fostering excellence in musicianship. At their respective levels, children learn musical concepts (melody, rhythm, harmony, dynamics, form, and style) and skills (singing, breathing, diction, music theory, sight-reading, and performance practice) through choral singing, listening, and analysis
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Students study vocal literature from a broad range of musical styles and periods - from classical to folk, from Broadway tunes to spirituals, from the sixteenth century to the present. They are exposed to new languages, as well as the customs, beliefs, and values of the world’s cultures.
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While working with professionals in a nurturing atmosphere, members realize their musical potential, experience the satisfaction of achievement, and make lasting friendships. They also develop life-long transferable skills such as discipline, critical thinking, and teamwork.
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AAYC's choirs present Winter and Spring concerts in Ann Arbor each year. Additionally, they often appear with distinguished performing arts organizations, such as the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Flint Symphony Orchestras, as well as the University of Michigan SMTD choirs, orchestras, and opera productions. In addition to musical training and performances of the highest caliber, choir members engage in fun social activities within a friendly community of like-minded peers. Tuition scholarships are available based on demonstrated need.
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Descant Choir
Descant Choir is our entry level ensemble. It prepares younger singers for performance and for the requirements of the more advanced ensemble, Concert Choir. Members demonstrate a desire to sing and the ability to match pitch. They improve their unison singing and begin to sing in two parts. Note reading, basic score reading, and good rehearsal techniques are stressed. Descant Choir travels locally and for out-of-town day trips.
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Descant Choir rehearses from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings from September through May.
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is our more advanced ensemble. Members are prepared for the rigors of this choir when they can sing comfortably in multiple parts and have mastered basic solfège skills. They are required to sing larger and more dissonant intervals. Emphasis is on sight-reading, part-singing, and more challenging repertoire, along with foreign language, advanced choral technique, and accelerated music reading readiness. Concert Choir tours locally, nationally, and internationally.
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Concert Choir rehearses from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings from September through May.