Children and Youth Choirs

CHILDREN'S CHOIR 
This choir is for youngsters ages 5 to 9 years-old; all children are welcome, and no prior choral experience is necessary. 

Choir Director Andrea Newall, who joined the music staff at First Church San Diego, in September, 2005, is a speech/language pathologist and musician whose specialty is working with young children. She has served as Musical Director for stage productions given by the First Church-based Looking Glass Theatre. She also directs the a capella adult choir, JUUL Tones. A member of First Church, Andrea grew up in this UU congregation. 

Mission Music is fun, first! Children's choir is about sharing and enjoying the experience of singing in an ensemble. 

Instruction and Music Theory In addition to learning vocal warm-ups, technique, and songs, the children are introduced to basic musical concepts. Tempo, dynamics, pitch, and music notation are explained and explored in a variety of ways that are age-appropriate. Choir members also explore rhythm through clapping, dancing, echo games, and simple part-singing. At times, percussion and other simple, child-friendly instruments are used. 

Special Needs We welcome children with special needs and invite their parents (or those who know parents of children with special needs who may enjoy choir) to visit and/or speak with Andrea if they have questions or concerns. 

Performance Opportunities The past few years have offered the Children’s Choir chances to participate in Sunday services, especially on Children’s Sunday, and special, all-church events such as the annual Winter Solstice Celebration. 

Parent Participation With the diverse ages and abilities of the children, there is ample opportunity to assist during rehearsals and performances. Parents who are willing to serve as accompanying musicians (especially those who can play drums, shakers, or other percussion instruments), attendance takers, and/or read-along help are much appreciated. Parents are also welcome to visit or join rehearsal at any time. 

For More Information contact Ken Herman, Music Director, at the church music office: 619-298-4580.


YOUTH CHOIR
The Youth Choir is open to young singers from age 10 through 14. No previous choral experience is required, although we are happiest when singers come to us as “graduates” of our own Children’s Choir program or another children’s musical organization.

DIRECTOR
First UU Church of San Diego Music Director Ken Herman is director of the Youth Choir. In addition to his training in choral music as an undergraduate at St. Olaf College, Ken worked nine years with the San Diego Children’s Choir. He began as an accompanist and assistant Youth Choir Director under the leadership of SDCC founder Polly Campbell. Following her untimely death, Ken became interim director of SDCC’s high school-age choir for two years. He took the San Diego Youth Choir on successful European tours in 2000 and 2002.

PURPOSE
The purpose of this choir is to build the singers’ music skills and to learn appropriate choral repertory for performance in Sunday worship services. At this stage of musical development, polished, confident, unison singing and fluent, two-part singing are stressed. We stress sacred music from all of the sources of our Living Tradition, as explained in the U.U.A.’s Purposes and Principles.

PERFORMANCE
The Youth Choir sings every other month and has occasional opportunities to sing with the Adult Choir in special worship services, including the congregation’s annual Choral Recognition Sunday.

REHEARSALS
The Youth Choir rehearses in Clark Chapel from 12:45 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Sunday, following the second service.

For More Information contact Ken Herman, Music Director, at the church music office: 619-298-4580, ext. 2.