GreenSpring Virginia Choristers

GreenSpring Virginia Choristers offers different levels of inspirational choral programs for youth ages 6-18. Growing from a single choir to five levels of choirs, the GreenSpring Virginia Choristers has gained national acclaim since its inception in 2007. Musical selections include classical and contemporary works, and explore a variety of cultures, languages, and musical styles. Singers come from diverse economic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, creating a rich environment for learning teamwork and collaboration. GreenSpring believes singing is one of humanity's most organic and natural forms of self-expression and welcomes any child with an ear for music and a love of singing to join!

GreenSpring Virginia Choristers have been recognized nationally and internationally for choral excellence and received prestigious invitations to perform around the globe in renowned choral festivals and concert halls. More importantly, the journey of preparation towards a major performance or tour transforms our young singers into superb choral musicians and positively impacts personal development. Our singers grow through rich collaboration opportunities with other ensembles including symphony choruses, university choral programs, community choirs, and satellite choirs via partnerships with youth organizations throughout the region.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES AND TOURS

Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing- New York to England (2019)

East Coast Concert Tour (2018)

England & Wales Tour (2017)

Christmas at the Biltmore (2017)

Carnegie Hall, New York (2016)

White House (Washington, DC 2016)

Canada Tour (2015)

‘State of the Arts’ Concert Series (U.S. Department of State 2014)

Ireland Tour (2014)

Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center, New York (2013)

International Festival of Choirs in Charleston, South Carolina (2012)

Advent Music Festival, Vienna & Salzburg, Austria (2010)

Puerto Rico International Choral Festival (2007)

Introducing:

GREENSPRING A’CAPPELLA

Have you ever wanted to sing in an A’cappella choir? Now is your time to shine! We are excited to announce the launch of our brand new group, GreenSpring A’cappella! Led by Caroline Guske, voice faculty, GreenSpring A’cappella is our first ever A’cappella choir. Singers will flourish in a welcoming and creative environment and will have opportunities to perform fun and original music arrangements! Both experienced and aspiring singers are encouraged to join, ages up to 18 years old. Register today to join and email academy@greenspringmusic.org to schedule an audition. Auditions are for singers to meet Caroline and have an introduction to GreenSpring A'cappella. We look forward to making music together!

TREBLE CHOIR

The Treble Choir is a vocal readiness program for children ages 6-12 years. Singers in this group have demonstrated the ability to match pitch as well as sing in tune, on top of having an ear for music.  During weekly rehearsals, singing, performing and movement activities are designed to develop the singing voice as well as musical literacy. Students are introduced to the basics of music theory including sight-reading and sight-singing. Children in The Treble Choir also begin to develop harmonic skills through beginner level two-part singing. Audition procedures: An informal placement audition is required.

LYRIC CHOIR

Lyric Choir is an intermediate level ensemble for children ages 8-14 years. Lyric Choir is an inspiring and welcoming community of young people who love to sing and enjoy making music with each other! Singers in this group have demonstrated the ability to match pitch, sing two and basic three part harmonies, and a basic mastery of vowel technique. Vocal development, including vowel training, ear training, and sight-reading is expanded in this level to include recognition of syncopated rhythms in duple and triple meter, and melodic patterns in major and minor keys. Audition procedures: An informal placement audition is required. 

TOURING CHOIR

The Touring Choir offers a challenging choral experience for singers ages 10-18 who have demonstrated strong consistency and knowledge of multi-part harmonies. Singers in this group have mastered intermediate sight-reading of rhythmic and vocal lines. Students are expected to practice outside of rehearsals as well as commit to additional rehearsals, perform at a variety of outreach events, and have the opportunity to tour throughout the US and internationally. The Touring Choir is geared towards students with passion and enthusiasm for singing who take their participation in the group seriously. Singers in this group perform mostly music scored for SSA and SSAA but collaborate with our Men’s Choir to sing SATB repertoire as well. Membership is by audition only, email info@greenspringmusic.org to schedule an audition. 

CHAMBER CHOIR

This is a select group of singers from the Touring Choir ages 12-18. Students have mastered sight reading of advanced rhythmic and vocal passages, and have demonstrated the ability to pick up music quickly. Each singer has a mastery of proper choral vowels and techniques, and is capable of performing alone as needed. The Chamber Ensemble performs challenging and diverse repertoire, often a cappella. The group participates in Chamber Music performances with other instruments, and performs at various venues in Richmond. Students are expected to practice their music well enough in between rehearsals that the instructor does not have to review pitches and notes more than once. Singers perform music scored SSAA and SSSAA. Membership is by audition only, email info@greenspringmusic.org to schedule an audition. 

MEN’S CHOIR

Newly formed in January 2017 to accommodate singers with changed voices. The Men’s Choir is an auditioned ensemble that performs challenging repertoire specifically written for the male voice. Members are expected to practice outside of rehearsals. Repertoire spans from classical to popular. The Men’s Choir also collaborates with Chamber and Touring Choir to perform SATB repertoire. Membership is by audition only, email info@greenspringmusic.org to schedule an audition. 

AUDITIONING

Membership in the Treble and Lyric Choirs are open to all interested singers. An informal placement audition is required.

The Touring, Chamber and Men’s Choirs require auditions. Certain national and international performance opportunities may require an additional audition.

Auditioning is an informal process designed to make singers feel comfortable and confident. It is intended to be a positive growth experience that sets children up for success at the appropriate level. Auditions consist of meeting with the Director of the Choristers, warm-ups, singing "Happy Birthday" in a number of keys, pitch matching exercises, and sight-reading. Singers may bring a song of their choosing to sing at the audition. Singers will be notified by the Director upon selection. 

All interested singers age 6-18 are invited to observe a rehearsal.

GreenSpring welcomes students to audition at any time. We look forward to welcoming you to the Choristers family!