General Program
BYC is a nonprofit youth choral program creating a joyful, inclusive community through music. We offer high-quality training, friendships, and exciting performance opportunities.
We have open enrollment each September and January. Prelude (PreK–K, must be 4 by Sept. 1) has continuous open enrollment through January as they do not perform in our December concert.
We welcome singers from age 4 through young adulthood (up to age 24). Placement is based on age, grade, and—starting in 3rd grade—musical readiness.
We welcome singers from age 4 through young adulthood (up to age 24). Placement is based on age, grade, and—starting in 3rd grade—musical readiness.
Choir Placement & Progression
How are choristers placed into choirs?
Placement depends on both age/grade and musical development. Our youngest choirs (Prelude and Prima) are strictly grade-based. Starting with Intermezzo (3rd–6th grade), we also consider maturity, ability, and readiness.
Every choir is multi-age by design. Choristers typically spend at least two years in each level—first as a learner, then as a leader. This helps children build confidence, leadership, and strong musical foundations.
How are choristers placed into choirs?
Placement depends on both age/grade and musical development. Our youngest choirs (Prelude and Prima) are strictly grade-based. Starting with Intermezzo (3rd–6th grade), we also consider maturity, ability, and readiness.
Every choir is multi-age by design. Choristers typically spend at least two years in each level—first as a learner, then as a leader. This helps children build confidence, leadership, and strong musical foundations.
It’s tempting, but moving up too soon often backfires. Older choristers benefit from being leaders in a multi-age group, and the next level always brings longer rehearsals and higher expectations. We very rarely make exceptions, and only when a child is clearly developmentally ready.
- Prelude — PreK–K (must be 4 by Sept. 1)
45-minute rehearsals focused on joyful singing, rhythm, and movement. - Prima — Grades 1–2
60-minute rehearsals with more structured singing, literacy foundations, and ensemble skills.
Strictly grade-based. Children spend two years in Prelude/Prima combined. - Intermezzo — Grades 3–6
90-minute rehearsals with part-singing, sight-reading, and independence.
Placement considers age, maturity, and ability. From here, you’ll notice grade overlap. - Lyrica — Grades 5–8
Intermediate ensemble focusing on vocal technique, literacy, and leadership. - Cantare — Grades 7–12
Advanced ensemble with challenging repertoire and leadership opportunities. - Voce (coming soon!) — Grades 11–college age 24Chamber-style ensemble for advanced young adult singers.
Not at all! Our teachers use a rotating curriculum—so songs, activities, and repertoire are always fresh. In Intermezzo and above, choristers revisit solfege, rhythm reading, and vocal technique at progressively deeper levels to strengthen musicianship.
Placement depends on both age/grade and musical development. Our youngest choirs (Prelude and Prima) are strictly grade-based. Starting with Intermezzo (3rd–6th grade), we also consider maturity, ability, and readiness.
Every choir is multi-age by design. Choristers typically spend at least two years in each level—first as a learner, then as a leader. This helps children build confidence, leadership, and strong musical foundations.
It’s tempting, but moving up too soon often backfires. Older choristers benefit from being leaders in a multi-age group, and the next level always brings longer rehearsals and higher expectations. We very rarely make exceptions, and only when a child is clearly developmentally ready.
- Prelude — PreK–K (must be 4 by Sept. 1)
45-minute rehearsals focused on joyful singing, rhythm, and movement. - Prima — Grades 1–2
60-minute rehearsals with more structured singing, literacy foundations, and ensemble skills.
Strictly grade-based. Children spend two years in Prelude/Prima combined. - Intermezzo — Grades 3–6
90-minute rehearsals with part-singing, sight-reading, and independence.
Placement considers age, maturity, and ability. From here, you’ll notice grade overlap. - Lyrica — Grades 5–8
Intermediate ensemble focusing on vocal technique, literacy, and leadership. - Cantare — Grades 7–12
Advanced ensemble with challenging repertoire and leadership opportunities. - Voce (coming soon!) — Grades 11–college age 24Chamber-style ensemble for advanced young adult singers.
Not at all! Our teachers use a rotating curriculum—so songs, activities, and repertoire are always fresh. In Intermezzo and above, choristers revisit solfege, rhythm reading, and vocal technique at progressively deeper levels to strengthen musicianship.