NJYC Ensembles
Primo Coro
Primo Coro ("first chorus" - pree-moh koh-ro) is open to girls in grades 3-5. Musical concepts are taught based on Kodaly principles, using choral literature, folk songs, folk dance, and musical games. Choristers use solfege for melody reading, and the Takadimi system for rhythm reading.
Primo Coro rehearses on Mondays from 4:30-6pm. The choristers perform in our two annual concerts, as well as 2 – 4 additional performances during the season. Past performances have included the National Anthem for the Mets at Citifield, a collaboration with New Jersey State Opera, and a Sharing Day with NJYC Intermediate Chorus and the Hopewell Valley Children’s Chorus.
Coro Vivo
Coro Vivo ("lively choir" - koh-ro vee-voh) is designed for boys in grades 3-8 with unchanged voices. Research shows that male-only choirs are important and beneficial to boys who love to sing, and our Coro Vivo program provides a supportive environment in which the boys can develop their voices and be taken through their changing voice as it naturally develops. We want boys to know that choir is cool, and it is just as valuable as any other activity, including participation in sports teams. The boys in the choir learn to become comfortable with themselves as singers, and this choir provides the support that young boys need to keep singing a vital part of their lives. Coro Vivo rehearses in Chatham on Mondays from 4:15pm-6pm.
Sola Voce
Sola Voce ("one voice" - soh-lah voh-chay) is our choir for girls in grades 6-8. Sola Voce choristers continue to develop a healthy, natural vocal technique while working toward a progressing level of musicianship. It is our hope that in Sola Voce, girls develop self efficacy, a lifelong love of choral singing and begin to build self awareness through the use of their voice. Sola Voce is more than a choir, it is a community. The many voices of Sola Voce join to become one through the power of music. The chorus rehearses on Monday from 4:15-6pm and performs 7-8 times a year.
CAMERATA
Camerata ("friend, comrade" - Kah-mah-rah-tah) promotes collegiality and fosters collaboration among young men through song. The ensemble, for young men in grades 7-12 with changing and changed voices, rehearses Mondays from 6:15-8:15pm at the Chatham United Methodist Church.
The Camerata members are dedicated to learning significant amounts of vocal technique, aural skills, sight-singing skills, and ensemble skills in a comfortable, united atmosphere. Rehearsals are a combination of full ensemble and sectional work in order to best teach each singer while maintaining our very high standards.
They perform in several concerts throughout the year at venues that have included Carnegie Hall, the Prudential Center, Temple University, Mayo Performing Arts Center, the IZOD Center, and various other churches and concert halls.
Coriste
Coriste ("choir sisters" - koh-ree-stay) is the top performing choir for girls' voices in the New Jersey Youth Chorus. Coriste is made up of girls in grades 9-12. Directed by Founder and Artistic Director Trish Joyce, the goals for each chorister are two-fold: musical and personal. Musical goals include increasing each chorister’s abilities to sight-read, analyze scores, develop her vocal technique, and expand her knowledge and performance of outstanding choral literature. Personal goals include goal-setting, teamwork, self-discipline, poise, self-confidence, commitment, hard work and pride in achievements. All of these are accomplished in an environment of caring, fellowship, camaraderie and joy.
Coriste rehearses each Monday from 6:15-8:30pm. Additional rehearsals may also be held as needed during the season.
Coriste performs in both of NJYC's annual concerts, as well as 6 – 10 additional concerts and collaborations with musical, corporate, or civic organizations throughout the season. They often perform with other well-known ensembles and entertain for children’s organizations and charities through NJYC's “Kids for Kids” initiative.