Children's & Youth Choirs

I began my teaching career in 1985 at Cutler Ridge Junior High (soon to become Middle School). With a strong working class neighborhood and a team of dedicated teachers there was great work being done across the curriculum.  In 1987, the Visual Arts teacher, the Drama teacher and I (Music and Choir) developed a combined arts model for our advanced programs which was adopted by the school administration.  Ridge ARTS, as it came to be called, was an exciting and fulfilling time in my growth as a teacher and taught me the importance of accepting children where they are, but taking them as far as they can go.  In 1992, the program was recognized by the Executive Educator Magazine and the School Board Journal as "one of the top 25 educational programs in North America."
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​I have carried that experience with me into my church based music education, always striving for excellence in the music and art I create together with children and youth. Through the creation of the CHOIR CLUB at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, I was able to attract a sizable children's choir that  performed in worship and presented an annual musical for the congregation. The ensemble met on Wednesday evenings where they were treated to some game and activity time, a sit-down dinner prepared by parents, and an intensive rehearsal time. Many friendships were formed - both among the kids and the parents.

​A year-round Youth Choir proved a bit more challenging due to the heavy demands of school and extra curricular activities. But undaunted, I instituted a "pick-up" Youth Choir.  I set aside 3-4 Sundays after worship where youth were asked, invited, cajoled, and flattered into attending 45 minute rehearsals in order to present music in worship for an upcoming Sunday. And they came! and they SANG!    Watch this video...
I have been fortunate to keep my school choir skills honed as a guest conductor for public and private school clinics, festivals and honor choirs. I find nothing more exciting than standing before a group of kids (or adults) ready to make music!
NCCC Honor Choir 
Set Me as a Seal
Rene Clausen
NCCC Honor Choir
​The Musicians
arr. Althouse
2009
CT Northern Regional High School Honor Choir  
​Steve Mitchell, conductor
Musicals have been a vital part of our children's and Youth programming and have been staged within worship services.  Here are two samples:
Excerpts from Don't Give Up - Clydesdale
Excerpts from Cool in the Furnace - Red & Hawthorne