Helping Kids Find Their Voice with Oregon Children’s Choir

Sponsored by Oregon Children’s Choir

Does your kid sing around the house, make up songs in the car, or just really love music? Oregon Children’s Choir gives Eugene and Springfield kids a place to build those skills, meet other young singers, and perform together — and families can try a rehearsal for free before committing.

What Is Oregon Children’s Choir?

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Randall Moore, University of Oregon Music Professor Emeritus, Oregon Children’s Choir was created to supplement local school music programs with additional choral opportunities for young people.

More than 40 years later, the Eugene-based nonprofit continues to serve kids throughout Lane County with after-school choirs for students from elementary through high school.

Who Can Join?

Oregon Children’s Choir offers programs for students in grades K–12, with groups based on age and voice.

No previous singing experience is necessary. New families are encouraged to attend a free trial rehearsal to meet the directors, experience a rehearsal, and see whether choir feels like a good fit.

Kindergarteners are invited to attend a first free rehearsal in the fall, too. An hour of after-school choir can be a lot to take in for some new kindergarten students, so families can try it out and see how it goes. If it feels like too much at first, they are welcome to pause and rejoin later in the year.

What Does Choir Look Like for Kids?

During rehearsals, singers work on much more than memorizing songs. Depending on the choir, kids may:

• Warm up and develop their voices
• Learn new music
• Practice singing together as an ensemble
• Build performance skills
• Practice teamwork and listening
• Make friends with other kids who enjoy music

Oregon Children’s Choir says its programs are designed to help singers develop vocal skills, confidence, teamwork and performance strategies while having fun along the way.

Which Choir Is Right for Your Child?

Prelude Choir — Grades K–2
Mondays from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
First rehearsal: September 14

Junior Choir — Grades 3–5
Mondays from 4:30–5:30 p.m.
First rehearsal: September 14

Treble Ensemble — Grades 6–12, higher voices
Mondays from 4–6 p.m.
First rehearsal: September 14

Synergy — Grades 9–12, higher voices a cappella
Tuesdays from 6:30–8:30 p.m.
First rehearsal: September 15
An audition is required after the first rehearsal (Synergy a cappella only).

Families with students in grades 6–12 with lower voices should contact Oregon Children’s Choir directly to ask about current placement options.

What Is the Time Commitment?

Choirs meet once per week from September through June, with four performances during the year.

Rehearsals are held at:

1376 Olive Street
 Eugene, Oregon

For younger singers, that generally means about an hour each week. Older ensembles have longer rehearsals as students take on more advanced music and performance work.

What About Shy Kids?

Choir can be worth considering for kids who love music but aren’t necessarily eager to perform alone. Singers get to participate as part of a larger group, so the focus isn’t on one child standing by themselves in front of an audience.

For some kids, that group environment can be a comfortable way to practice performing and build confidence over time.

Can We Try It Before Signing Up?

Yes. New families are invited to attend a free trial rehearsal before deciding whether to join.

Oregon Children’s Choir also welcomes new singers throughout the year, so families who miss the September start are encouraged to reach out rather than assuming they have to wait until the following season.

Financial Options

Oregon Children’s Choir offers flexible 3-, 6- and 9-month tuition payment plans.

Tuition scholarships are also available for families who need financial assistance.