Santa Barbara Children's Chorus Spring Season Release

March 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Leaping into 2012 with Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus

February through May has many exciting events including an
a cappella Workshop, Kids Expo at La Cumbre Plaza,
Earth Day performances & a Fundraising Concert with major chorus of note

Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus is breaking out in a string of events for the community to enjoy.  Spring 2012’s theme for the chorus is ‘Think Globally, Sing Locally’ and will feature works sung ‘a cappella’ - singing without accompanying musical instruments and using the beauty of the human voice entirely for projection and musical entertainment, and songs that highlight the beauty of our world and importance of conservation. Sixteen members of the Concert Chorus ranging in age from eight to 14 hailing from local elementary and junior high schools will be a part of all the concerts and workshops.  

Leading the Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus Concert Chorus is Erin Bonski, a high energy, innovative choral director who applies her many years of experience as a vocal coach and piano accompanist to her natural ability of working with children. Erin holds multiple degrees in Music from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and her Doctorate from UCSB with an emphasis on vocal teaching. Erin has coached local singers and her students have performed on all the major stages in Santa Barbara, as well as having recorded with major artists, including Andrea Bocelli. “Joining the chorus as the director of the Concert Chorus is a wonderful completion of my talents and I can’t wait to see the results this season,” says Bonski.  Erin joined the Chorus this past fall.  

SBCC’s Concert Chorus was featured in the production of “La boheme” for Opera Santa Barbara last year. Other community involvement and collaborations are sought and as Executive Director of Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus, Paul Freeman said, “What I want to give these kids is the choral experience I had here when I was growing up.  Living in Santa Barbara with a vibrant arts community affords a great opportunity for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, or who just want to express themselves through singing. For our students, working alongside professionals and the experienced staff of the Concert Chorus will serve them in so many ways in life. Even if a career in the music is not what they want, artistic expression, like singing, provides so much more by stretching the limits of their imaginations.” Freeman continued, “Every session, we’ll have a theme to follow – in the Fall, it was Opera, this Spring it’s a cappella, next session might be rock ‘n’ roll – we hope the themes resonate with the kids and the parents and help form a continuum for the season.”  

First out of the gate is a workshop on Saturday, February 25 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the women students from UC Santa Barbara’s a cappella group – VocalMotion – who are collaborating with SBCC in a “Rock Cappella Workshop” and opening it up to the public for a limited number of spaces at a very low price.  Pre-registration online is highly recommended as there are only 30 spaces available and it’s a deal at $5; while walk-ins will pay $10.  Students ages eight to 14 are welcome. You can easily register on the organization’s website at sbchildrenschorus.com.  

On March 3, SBCC will be part of ParentClick.com’s “Kids Expo” at La Cumbre Plaza, where they’ll be singing several songs on stage and promoting their upcoming summer “Showtime” camps.

Earth Day Weekend has the SBCC Concert Chorus singing a selection of songs, including familiar favorites like I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing and original works like, It’s Up to You and Me, around town on Sunday, April 22. Show times will be posted on the organization’s website.  

Closing the season on a high note is a fundraiser in May when SBCC will host a concert featuring the Grammy® award winning Phoenix Boys Choir in an outstanding evening youth choral music. SBCC will be featured in the program along with three vocal groups from UC Santa Barbara – VocalMotion, Naked Voices and BFOM, as well as other local groups to be announced in the coming months.  A more concentrated presentation of vocal prowess will be hard to find.  The event is a fundraiser for SBCC’s programs and scholarships. Keep an eye out and save the date so you can get your friends and family together for an evening you’ll never forget.  

Two 2-week Summer Camps will be offered as well in June & July, respectively. Check the website for more info on how you can sign up and become a member of the concert chorus or the summer camps.

Santa Barbara Children’s Chorus is a county-wide, non-denominational music education and performing organization for children ages 8-14. We provide children of the community with the opportunity for musical training and performing in a fun and challenging environment. Founded in 1993, SBCC will be here for years to come to serve your children. With the continuing decline in funding for school-based music programs, especially in the elementary and secondary school levels, SBCC is dedicated to filling a vital gap in bringing the benefits of music and vocal performance to children.  

www.sbchildrenschorus.com        www.mcfaddenpr.com

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