In 1983, Marguerite McCormick founded the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio to develop the artistic and personal potential of young people across the city. Today, more than 450 young musicians ages 5–18 gather every week to learn choral music and singing in a healthy, diverse, and inclusive environment. The organization runs eight core ensembles, one of which is in special collaboration with the Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as an extensive early-childhood music and movement program for babies and toddlers called Music Together. Through their specially crafted programming, CCSA continues to cultivate the arts and culture in San Antonio, while transforming the lives of young people through the power of music and friendship.
History
The CCSA was founded in 1983 by Marguerite McCormick. Originally known as the UTSA Children's Chorus, the chorus operated with only 33 singers. As the program grew, it eventually split off and the Children's Chorus of San Antonio was officially created as an independent musical non-profit organization in 1993.
Marguerite McCormick served as the artistic director of the chorus until 2017. In April 2017, she was succeeded by Ryan Garrison, a choral arts teacher at the Arizona School for the Arts. In 2019, Dr. Gary Mabry stepped up as Interim Artistic Director, following Garrison.
In 2014, CCSA became a resident affiliate of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts, moving the majority of its performances into the Tobin Center.
Programs
CCSA’s programs are divided into three divisions: Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Ensembles
Core Ensembles
CCSA's core ensembles provide a rigorous curriculum of performance-based instruction ranging from the basics of vocal technique through an extensive and diverse repertoire. These ensembles are divided into Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced level ensembles- accommodating a wide range of ages and skill levels. Placement hearings are held annually for both returning and new singers.
Preparatory and Prelude ensembles are Beginning Level ensembles, providing an introductory choral experience for ages 5–8. Both ensembles are directed by Mrs. Rebecca Juarez.
Chorale and Choristers are Intermediate Level ensembles, providing choral experience for ages 9–13. Chorale is the primary ensemble for ages 9–13. This ensemble is for growing and beginner singers. Choristers offers more challenging repertoire for singers with previous choral experience, ages 11–13. Mrs. Alyssa Avenatti directs Chorale and Mrs. Rebecca Morgan directs Choristers.
There are three ensembles at the Advanced Level for ages 14–18; Concert Choir, Chamber, and Encore. Concert Choir is a larger treble ensemble of singers with previous choral experience. Chamber ensemble is a full SATB-mixed choral experience, meeting one day/week for 90-minutes. Encore is CCSA's premiere advanced treble ensemble. Singers in Encore are also required to provide leadership within CCSA's Concert Choir. All three choral groups require placement by audition. Concert Choir, Chamber, and Encore are all directed by CCSA's Artistic Director, Dr. Ryan Garrison.
Neighborhood Choirs
In 2014, CCSA created the Neighborhood Choirs division as a community outreach program. Neighborhood Choirs are year-round programs for students in grades 3-8, guiding them to sing, work as a team and find their voice both musically and individually. Now in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs, Neighborhood Choirs are tuition-free. Students receive similar curriculum and instruction as comparable levels of core ensembles. Neighborhood Choirs meet once per week for one hour during the academic year. These choirs also offer summer camps for 2 hours, once per day for a three-week intensive camp during the summer. Neighborhood Choir students perform at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in the H-E-B Hall twice a year; summer students receive a similar experience with a concert in the Alvarez Theater.
Music Together
Music Together is a nationally recognized early childhood program that encourages natural enthusiasm for music and movement in infants, toddlers, and young children birth to age 4. Parents, grandparents, and caregivers are present at each class. Through this program, children and their accompanying adults share songs, rhymes, movement and instrument play in a non-performance-oriented environment. Music Together with CCSA offers Mixed Age classes for babies and toddlers 18 months old through age 4, and a Babies-only class. These classes occur throughout the week.