Photo Credit: Kristina Meacham, Cascades Photography
The Arlington Children’s Chorus is composed of three choral tiers: the Dolce Chorus, the Bel Canto Chorus, and the Bellissima Chorus.
The Dolces are comprised of elementary school children in grades 2 (younger if recommended by a music teacher) and above. These young singers focus on basic vocal production, music reading, solfege, and rudimentary rhythmic training. The repertoire is predominantly arrangements in English with texts suitable for this age group. This group begins study of at least one foreign language. Singers are introduced to the concept of “ensemble” rather than solo singing. The Dolces appear in self-sponsored concerts and occasionally sing in independent concerts when opportunities for their special talents arise. Students spend an average of one to three years in this chorus before moving to the Bel Canto Chorus.
The Bel Canto Choristers represent the Arlington Children’s Chorus at national and regional events and special engagements with professional performing groups, including the National Symphony and the Wolf Trap Opera Company. Bel Cantos devour complex music that represents numerous styles and cultures in several foreign languages. These talented youngsters work to achieve superior sound as they become proficient in the highest level of artistic musicianship.
The Bellissima Choristers are selected from the Bel Canto and/or Dolce tiers to perform when limited performance opportunities become available. The selection is based on merit, availability, and venue restrictions.
Each member of every chorus is expected to remain active and committed to the program throughout the entire season.
Choristers are invited back the following year if they have lived up to the expectations of the chorus during the previous year. This includes excellent discipline, deportment, participation in fund raising, and care of chorus music.
