Introduction to Kinderchor

          Kinderchor of Central Ohio (501C3) is a children’s and youth choral program in residence at Otterbein College.  Kinderchor members range in age from 6 through 17 years.  Membership in Kinderchor is open to children from all racial, economic, and religious backgrounds.  Limited partial scholarships are available to select members based on talent and financial need.  Kinderchor is a music program that allows children to "share the joy and artistry" of making music. The purpose of the choirs is to provide young people with social, educational, and skill development opportunities so that they experience the personal worth of others.  Rehearsal and performance of quality musical literature form the foundation of instruction.  The choirs exist to artistically enrich the lives of children throughout central Ohio, their families, and the community.  Outlined herein are the educational structures of the program and the professional policies which go hand-in-hand with the artistic goals.  Kinderchor also offers music education students at Otterbein College the opportunity to participate in the training of young musicians.

History
 

      Kinderchor completed its 16th full season in June, 2007.  The choirs presented concerts on the Otterbein campus and throughout Ohio.  Throughout the year all of the ensembles entertained audiences throughout central Ohio.  Two concerts were presented at Otterbein College, the annual Kinderchor Holiday Concert and the Spring Celebration of Songs. Chamber and Chorale members sang at Carnegie Hall in NY, in April, 2005.

In July, 2006, Kinderchor members traveled to Hawaii for the Pacific Rim

Children’s Chorus Festival. 

Goals

To confirm that Kinderchor exists to help children experience the art of making music.

  To encourage the personal and social growth of choir members and promote their sense of self worth, self-esteem, accomplishment, and pride.

  To expose children to the values and beliefs of other cultures through music.

 To attain a high level of artistic excellence in public performances.

  To contribute to the cultural life of the Otterbein campus community, Westerville, the greater Columbus area, and beyond.

Curriculum

    Kinderchor is a special learning environment designed to provide a rich and rewarding musical experience for each child. The children sing a variety of music, from simple unison folk songs to more challenging treble choral literature in several parts.
    Masterpieces of music from all styles and historic periods form the foundation for musical learning. As Zoltan Kodaly states, "Children should be led to musical masterpieces by means of musical masterpieces." Since the best musical experiences for children are inherent in great music, Kinderchor repertoire will include music of Bach, Handel, Schubert, Britten, Kodaly, Vaughn Williams, Copland, and Bartok, among others.
    Musical concepts (melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style, and performance practice) and musical skills (singing, music theory, sight-reading, etc.) are taught systematically throughout the rehearsals. Musical concepts are introduced through signing, listing, and analysis.
    Singing is the foremost means of musical experience in Kinderchor. Singing is a personal means of musical expression. Children learn about the healthy use of their voices through singing. We hope that this experience forms the foundation of a lifelong relationship with music for the singers and their families.

The Choirs

      There are four choirs in Kinderchor.  Chorale is a highly select ensemble that forms the touring choir of Kinderchor.  Chamber Choir includes more experienced singers and performs music which requires complex musical interpretation.  Explorers has our youngest members, ages 6-7.  Cadet choir hosts singers 8-9 years old. The younger groups have a limited number of concert performances during the year and provide a sound while they prepare for a more advanced choral challenge. Cadet and Chamber choirs rehearse on Monday evenings.  Chorale has an additional rehearsal on Thursday evenings. 

    During our 19th year, the following goals will guide our singing experience:

 Building a unified choral sound by practicing sound vocal pedagogy in choral rehearsal.

Singing with a tone that is energized, soaring, lifted, free, and forward.

Experiencing unison choral singing, and also performing songs in two, three, and four-part harmony. We will continue to explore international choral music in several languages.

Sight-singing skills using solfege will be rehearsed. They will use rhythm and melodic reading skills during each rehearsal.

Membership

      Kinderchor is meant to be a positive learning experience for our children and one that they can carry with them throughout a lifetime.  The members of Kinderchor will learn the meaning of “commitment” and “responsibility.”  They will feel a sense of pride about being in the choirs and not take their membership lightly.  Enrollment into Kinderchor is for the season (September to late April) and each member is expected to remain active and committed to the program for the entire year.  These young singers will continue to share some wonderful times together musically and socially.

     Attendance at the Kinderchor Institute, July 21-July 25, is required of all returning singers.  New members are strongly encouraged to attend.  The children rehearse together, have classes in voice and music theory skills, and play together.  The experience provides an opportunity to bond musically and socially.  We become choirs.