Our Mission
The Birmingham Girls Choir is a multi-cultural, non-profit organization that instills excellence in young girls through the study and performance of choral music. Birmingham Girls Choir seeks to enrich the lives of girls from all religious, racial, cultural and economic backgrounds. Our nurturing professional staff is dedicated to helping girls develop the skills necessary to enjoy a lifetime of healthy, confident singing. At Birmingham Girls Choir, our teachers ensure for the singers a superior performing experience through the study of high quality literature in a community of high expectations of excellence in singing and behavior.
Program Description
The Birmingham Girls Choir is a choral music program for girls consisting of four separate choirs: Dolce, Prelude, Intermezzo, and Una Vocé. The choirs perform a variety of styles of choral music including classical, folk, jazz, world, and pop. Weekly rehearsals reinforce music reading skills, vocal technique and development of the female larynx, stage presence, and rehearsal etiquette. Birmingham Girls Choir seeks to find the appropriate choir for each girl, depending on level of ability, not necessarily age.
Dolce (DOHL-chay)
Dolce is our pre-choir musicianship class structured as a grop ensemble, but without formal performance. Girls participate in fun and engaging singing group games and activities. Dolce members will learn songs, meet new friends, and learn what it takes to be a part of aa group in a supportive environment. Girls will learn how to use their singing voice, basic aural skills, rhythm, and how to properly conduct themselves in a choir classroom. Dolce will perform for families at Edgewood Presbyterian Church at the end of each semester.
Prelude
Prelude is our introductory choir. The girls learn basic music notation, concert etiquette, and how to perform in a choir. Rehearsals each week focus on attention, engagement, and focus. Girls will gain independence and skill as a beginner choral musician as they learn to read a choral score and the basics of music notation and aural skills. Prelude will perform on Birmingham Girls Choir concerts and community events throughout the year.
Intermezzo
Singers in the Intermezzo choir have a basic understanding of looking at a choral score and the self-discipline and commitment required to become a valuable member of a performing ensemble. Though many have prior singing experience, none is required. Skills learned include music theory, concert etiquette, basic aural development and ability to hear melody and harmony, sight-reading, and care and correct use of the female voice. They strive to grow in musical maturity and professionalism through the master of high-quality choral literature. The Intermezzo choir performs at all annual concerts and additional community performances throughout the year, including an Edgewood Presbyterian Church performance in the Spring semester. This choir travels and sings throughout the community.
Una Vocé
Una Vocé is a choir geared towards meeting the needs of advanced singers who have mastered basic music reading skills and who have established aural abilities. Girls in this choir learn advanced music theory, vocal pedagogy, and the intricate details of the female larynx and vocal mechanism. The higher level of commitment provides an environment where ambitious girls can challenge themselves to become accomplished musicians through the mastery and performance of difficult, varied works.
This group performs at all concerts and numerous community concerts throughout the year, including performances at satellite rehearsal churches, if requested. Una Vocé performs recitals and concerts for fundraising and allows singers to develop solo and advanced ensemble singing skills. Singers receive more individualized instruction and materials to practice outside of rehearsals. College audition preparation is given when needed.
