The Los Angeles Children's Chorus is made up of two introductory programs and seven ensembles, each designed for a specific level of musical experience. Choristers are promoted from one ensemble to the next after acquiring the required skills through the musicianship program.
First Experiences in Singing Prior to admission into Preparatory Choir, children ages 6–8 may participate in a two-level beginner program called First Experiences in Singing (FES). Level I of the program introduces children to
solfège, pitch, rhythm, the music staff, the use of
head voice, and more. Level II builds upon the content introduced in Level I, adding the
Bel canto technique, basic dictation, vocal exercises, and tempos.
First Experiences in Choral Singing Following FES is First Experiences in Choral Singing (FECS). This introductory ensemble is designed for children who have the skills taught in FES, but who aren't ready for Preparatory Choir. It primarily encourages listening skills and development of the upper vocal range, and addresses other skills like reading octavos and recognizing musical phrasing.
Preparatory Choir The youngest performing ensemble is the Preparatory Choir, directed by Fred Meads, which serves young children with little to no music experience. Though Preparatory Choir does not perform with LACC's other ensembles, it still hosts two concerts each season for choristers' family members.
Apprentice Choir Choristers in Apprentice Choir, which is directed by Eric Lifland, may be promoted from Preparatory Choir or may audition. As such, this ensemble caters to choristers with basic music experience. Apprentice Choir performs with the higher-level ensembles at the Winter and Spring concerts, along with occasional performances at community events.
Intermediate Choir Intermediate Choir, directed by Fred Meads, accepts auditions or promotions from Apprentice Choir. This ensemble introduces choristers to more advanced pieces, along with the opportunity to perform with professional musical organizations including the
Los Angeles Philharmonic and
Los Angeles Opera. Intermediate Choir performs with the other ensembles twice each season, in addition to community events, concerts, and its own annual spring tour.
Concert Choir Concert Choir, directed by
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz, is the largest ensemble in LACC. Choristers perform with music organizations like the
Hollywood Bowl Orchestra,
Los Angeles Master Chorale,
Los Angeles Philharmonic,
Los Angeles Opera, MUSE/IQUE throughout each season.
Young Men's Ensemble The Young Men's Ensemble (YME) is composed of male singers whose voices are transitioning. The ensemble, directed by
Dr. Steven Kronauer, accepts singers from Apprentice Choir, Intermediate Choir, Concert Choir, or through audition. Choristers work with Dr. Kronauer during separate vocal coaching sessions to enhance techniques that promote healthy singing throughout their vocal transition.
Chamber Singers The Chamber Singers are also directed by
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz. This ensemble of exclusively female choristers is invitation-only, chosen from members of the Concert Choir who have completed all 7 levels of musicianship lessons. Chamber Singers have the opportunity to perform with artists including the
Calder Quartet,
Anna Christy, and
Grant Gershon.
Chorale LACC's newest ensemble is Chorale, a mixed voices choir directed by
Fernando Malvar-Ruiz. Choristers from Concert Choir and the Young Men's Ensemble with a high degree of musical ability are invited to audition for Chorale, which performs a variety of pieces designed specifically for mixed voice ensembles.
Musicianship Classes Starting in Preparatory Choir, choristers receive weekly musicianship lessons from September to May of each season. These classes, which are separated into eight skill-based levels, incorporate the
Kodály Method and teach how to read sheet music and identify rhythms, keys, scales, dynamics, and more. The highest levels introduce basic conducting. ==Tours==