The Accord Choir is expanding its programming to give younger singers in the community another opportunity to make music together. The choir has launched a new children’s choir for singers ages six to 14, with rehearsals scheduled Tuesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. at Vankleek Hill Collegiate (VCI).

No auditions required to join.

Children’s Choir Director Sarah Burnell brings extensive experience in school, community, and church choral music. She has sung with ensembles including the Ontario Youth Choir, Seraphim, La Ceilagh Chamber Choir, and the Sainte Anne Singers.

Burnell said the decision to launch the program comes at a time when there is already a strong music education community for young people in the area.

“The community has always had a really vibrant music education community for younger people. We felt it was time to offer another opportunity and another way for young people to make music together,” Burnell said.

For Burnell, one of the central goals of the new choir is creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where children can explore music regardless of their previous experience.

The choir is open to children with or without previous musical experience. Burnell said the program will welcome children who have taken private music lessons or participated in school or summer music programs, as well as those who have never had the opportunity to participate in music before.

Children will not be required to have experience in reading music, and the choir will operate bilingually.

The age range is also designed to allow older, more experienced singers to serve as positive mentors for younger participants.

“The energy of the really little ones is unbeatable. And then when you pair the focus and the drive of the older ones, it’s an incredible combination,” Burnell said.

The music will reflect a variety of styles and cultures, with the children learning and performing pieces in several languages. The children will sing in English, French, and Hebrew, with some Latin also included. The musical styles will range from classical and jazz to folk and popular music.

For Burnell, exposure to different languages and musical traditions is an important part of what a choir can offer young people.

“Choir, I think, is such a great way to encourage that cultural diversity,” she said.

She hopes the program will help develop children’s curiosity about other countries, cultures, and backgrounds while creating a space where everyone feels welcome.

The children’s choir will perform as part of the Accord Choir’s December and May concerts. For the December concert, Burnell said the repertoire will include a variety of holiday music, including selections connected to Christmas, winter, and Hanukkah.

“Choir singing is for everyone,” Burnell said.

The response to the new program has so far been positive.

The opportunity was promoted during Accord’s summer camp in early July, where Burnell said parents approached her with questions about the new choir. Existing Accord Choir members have also been helping promote the program within the community.

Registration numbers are already encouraging, Burnell said, although the organization is hoping to attract more young singers.

Ultimately, Burnell hopes the children’s choir will give young singers a place to discover their voices, experience the excitement of making music with others, and develop an appreciation for music and cultures beyond their own.

Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit https://www.accord-choir.ca/home or the group’s Facebook page.