User:RaoulFRA/National Children's Chorus

The National Children's Chorus was co-founded in 2009 by Luke McEndarfer and Cristina Demiany. The concept was ambitious yet simple: update and upgrade the musical and educational offerings of the 100 year-old, internationally-acclaimed Paulist Choristers to create an inclusive space where every child, regardless of spiritual or socio-economic upbringing, could experience the absolute best in vocal music education.

Armed with a mutual background in the interpretative philosophy of choral music, which they had gleaned together during their time in the UCLA Choral Music Department, McEndarfer and Demiany set out to refine and solidify their vision for the reinvention of America’s oldest children’s chorus. One dedicated to nurturing the potential that exists in each child while honoring its nascent qualities: raw, beautiful, and pure.

At the core of the National Children’s Chorus’ philosophy is the belief that children can be inspired to achieve great things, and by instilling a respect for rigor, with proper encouragement and guidance, will become their best selves.

The comprehensive music program of the NCC is comprised of five separate ensembles: students of the Prelude Level (ages five and six) form vowels as well as most high school choirs, and begin learning precepts of diction and sight-singing that most professional musicians only get to later in their careers. They sing solos confidently and joyfully in front of their parents and peers in showcase exhibitions. They learn how to follow perfectly the cues of a conductor. In the Minuet and Sonata Levels (ages seven through ten), students expand and solidify their vocal technique, and begin associating musical vocabulary with their knowledge. The Minuet and Sonata Levels offer a holistic approach to the young singer, crafted by Dr. Pamela Blackstone, a graduate of the UCLA Choral Music Department, is not only a doctorate in choral conducting, but a healing arts master and experienced yoga practitioner, well-trained in energy work. Through her experience with the NCC, Dr. Blackstone has pioneered a new form of yoga dedicated to relaxing the body of the singer to allow the voice to reach its full potential. Students in her ensembles learn how to ground themselves in their bodies and achieve the basic focus all musicians need to mentally encompass their chosen art form.

The Premier Ensemble, conducted by Luke McEndarfer, is the culmination of the foundation laid by the Prelude, Minuet, and Sonata Levels. Students are conducted at the same pace and intensity as a college-level choir, and confidently master complicated three and four-part musical textures. They know the terminology of music, and can easily identify nuances in the score and speak about them intelligently in front of their peers. Additionally, the Premier Ensemble expands the energetic space available to children to begin developing as young, creative artists. Fully-staged opera projects allow students to move freely through the creative universe and learn how to carry the full dramatic weight of a production. In addition to demanding repertoire rehearsals, the Premier Ensemble curriculum also consists of advanced Kodály training and a rotating schedule of musicianship courses. These courses include music theory, music appreciation, Dr. Blackstone’s “Yoga for Singers” course, and the study of composers and musical genres relevant to the current performance repertoire. Perhaps the most astounding coursework, however, is the revolutionary “Conducting Fellows” program designed by Luke McEndarfer.

As one of those increasingly rare conductors who is actually passionate about the art of conducting, McEndarfer decided to teach his art to the children of the National Children’s Chorus; NCC Premier Ensemble students master all the formal beat patterns, learn how to control dynamics, and even delve into the psychology of conducting itself. If one considers a child of nine or ten years old actively developing this complex and highly-refined skill set, one can quickly see the far-reaching implications in areas of leadership, developmental maturity, and general intellectual advancement. If a child can confidently step in front of his peers and skillfully lead them in the art of music-making, how easy will it be for him to give a verbal presentation in Science class? Human beings are fundamentally motivated by the desire to master skills. When children are given the unbridled opportunity to do so, they become confident, joyful leaders, ready to experience and actively shape the world.

The National Children’s Chorus is above all an institution that honors the limitless and beautiful potential of children through the medium of music.

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