Downtown Choirs

The Girls Choral Academy provides a variety of services to its members:

  • Music education
  • Performances
  • Travel opportunities
  • Social events

Our season runs from September through May and is broken up into three sessions:  fall, winter and spring.  Rehearsals take place in the Choir Room located in the basement of First United Methodist Church, 227 Fulton St. Please see the details below for each choir's rehearsal days and times.

The Downtown Choirs are tuition-based, however, the GCA will never turn a family away due to financial circumstances.  Please contact us for a scholarship application! 

Junior Academy I is held on Tuesdays from 4:45-5:45 PM and includes 1st graders through 3rd graders. Repertoire includes a wide variety of genres, including classical, folk, secular, and multicultural. This group is directed by Erica Soto.

Objectives include:

  • Unison singing and beginning vocal technique
  • Introduction to part-singing
  • Building listening and memory skills
  • Developing confidence and stage presence
  • Opportunity for travel

Tuition for Junior Academy I is $58 per month which includes Fall Camp and a GCA performance t-shirt.

Junior Academy II is held on Tuesdays from 5:50-7:20 PM and includes advanced 3rd graders as well as 4th & 5th graders. This group is directed by Erica Soto.

Objectives include:

  • Ear training
  • Beginning rhythm and note-reading
  • Development of vocal intonation and resonance
  • Skills in part-singing
  • Continued confidence building through performance
  • Opportunity for travel

Tuition for Junior Academy II is $70 per month which includes Fall Camp and a GCA performance t-shirt.

Senior Academy is held on Mondays from 5:30-7:00 PM and includes 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Emphasis is placed on performing a wide variety of literature from many genres in two and three parts. 

Objectives include:

  • Continued emphasis on correct vocal production, diction, and tone quality
  • Continued growth in music literacy skills
  • Development of singing in three-part harmony
  • Encouragement of solo singing in order to nurture confidence in musical and personal abilities
  • Opportunity for travel

Tuition for Senior Academy is $70 per month which includes Fall Camp and a GCA performance t-shirt.

Concert Choir is held on Mondays from 7:05-8:35 PM and includes 8th through 12th graders who demonstrate good vocal technique and music reading skills. Emphasis is placed on performing a wide variety of literature from various genres in multiple parts. 

Objectives include:

  • Continued emphasis on vocal resonance, diction, and technique
  • Continued growth in ear training, sight-reading, and music literacy skills
  • Performances in various community events
  • Encouragement of solo singing in order to nurture confidence in musical and personal abilities
  • All instruction is held in a demanding but positive atmosphere
  • Choir members are invited to take risks and enjoy successes
  • Opportunity for travel

Tuition for Concert Choir is $70 per month which includes Fall Camp and a GCA performance t-shirt.