COMMITTED TO EDUCATION

In 1986, Chanticleer began a formal education program (called Singing in the Schools). Today, Chanticleer's 12 singers and special guest artists bring the beauty, joy, and discipline of choral music to students of grades 5-12, as well as adults of college age and beyond across the country.

Chanticleer takes a multi-tiered approach to education outreach, serving as a means of discovery for students new to singing (or to formal music instruction in general) and as a valuable source of expert training for more advanced singers, both youth and adult. Across all levels of musical familiarity and expertise, participants in our programs also gain formative insight into the nature of a career in the arts through their close interaction with professional musicians.

With the help of individual contributions, government, foundation and corporate support, Chanticleer’s education programs engage over 5,000 young people annually. The Louis A. Botto (LAB) Choir—an after-school honors program for high school and college students—is now in its sixth year, adding to the ongoing program of in-school clinics and workshops; Youth Choral Festivals™ in the Bay Area and around the country; Skills/LAB–an intensive summer workshop for 100 high school students; master classes for university students nationwide; and the Chanticleer in Sonoma summer workshop for adult choral singers in June 2016. The Singing Life—a documentary about Chanticleer’s work with young people—was released in 2008. Chanticleer’s education program was recognized with the 2010 Chorus America Education Outreach Award.

Masterclass (60-90 Minutes)

Chanticleer masterclasses are interactive opportunities that provide insightful singing and performance knowledge to all types of vocal ensembles. Their purpose is to provide real-time feedback on a participating ensemble’s performance by sharing and exploring key vocal, physical, musical, and emotional concepts. 

A typical masterclass structure includes:

• A performance by Chanticleer of a piece from our current repertoire, followed by singer introductions

• The participating choir’s performance of selected piece(s)

• Real-time feedback from Chanticleer members on vocal technique, intonation, diction, interpretation, presentation, etc.

• Q/A session for participating singers and teachers

Logistical limitations may prevent the whole ensemble from attending a masterclass. In these cases, a delegation of select members – usually Chanticleer’s three-member Education Team or the Music Director – may serve as clinicians. 

For more information or to book a masterclass, please contact csmith@chanticleer.org

Interactive CONCERTS (45-60 Minutes)

An interactive concert is an adventurous and informative mini-concert that provides an opportunity for Chanticleer members to engage in a more casual environment. Designed for elementary through high school audiences, the members of Chanticleer explain key concepts in ensemble singing throughout the performance. We also provide insight into the historical and cultural significance, performance practice considerations, and other salient features embedded in the selected repertoire that can be easily understood. One of the most memorable highlights of an interactive concert is the voice demonstration segment: a few Chanticleer members explain the role and function of the different voice types (countertenor, tenor, bass) in the ensemble and sing a solo as a special treat!

These concerts can be accessible to young beginning singers and are interactive in nature, often asking for frequent audience participation. After the concert, Chanticleer hosts a Q/A session to allow students to ask all types of questions.

For more information or to book an interactive concert, please contact csmith@chanticleer.org

Virtual Workshops

Chanticleer offers virtual workshops all year round. Chanticleer keeps participants engaged by rotating speakers regularly, checking for understanding, requesting participation in modeling key concepts/vocal exercises, and providing ample opportunities for participants to ask questions. Virtual workshops typically include 2-3 presented topics showcasing four Chanticleer personalities. Chanticleer remains accessible and flexible in how teachers can tailor this experience to suit their ensemble’s needs.

Popular topics and segments have included:

Vocal tips/tricks/vocal health considerations from individual Chanticleer singers
Exploring a piece of music in your rep list (requires a PDF to be sent to us in advance)
How to prepare a score for rehearsal
Exploring ensemble singing in various styles of music
Masterclass a recording or past concert video
Masterclass a live rehearsal (if rehearsing)
Career opportunities in music
How the skills you learn in choir can be applied to other areas of your life
Open-ended Q/A sessions

For more information or to book a virtual workshop, please contact csmith@chanticleer.org