​Our curriculum

LOWER DIVISION ENSEMBLES-  Fresco Ensemble (K-1) & Giocoso Ensemble (2-3)

Our ensembles for younger girls (grades K-3) focus on exploring the human voice as a musical instrument, and the joys of singing together. Inspired deeply by the time-honored Kodály Method, our curriculum strives to teach music and singing through an organic, logical, and sequential approach. Girls learn to sing using a natural tone, with an emphasis on engaging the whole body as a part of their musical instrument.

Girls in our Lower Division Ensembles learn basic note-reading and perform music from around the world, including folk
songs, popular songs, and appropriate standards of western classical music repertoire. While these ensembles focus on singing in English, we also include songs in other languages, especially those spoken regularly in our communities of Marin County.​

UPPER DIVISION ENSEMBLES-  Arioso Ensemble (4-5), Bel Canto (6-8), Chantons (9-12) & Descant Ensemble (4-12, audition required)

Our ensembles for older students (grades 4-12) provide a complete choral training, regardless of a singer’s skills or previous musical experience. Using elements from the Kodály Method, the Bel Canto Technique, and the Alexander Technique, singers learn to navigate their maturing voices and bodies to produce a natural and strong tone that is
unique to them.

Our Upper Division Ensembles learn and perform diverse and challenging repertoire from around the world and in multiple languages. Musicianship and aural skills are important factors in group singing. All members of Upper Division Ensembles receive training in these areas as part of their musical education.

Our newest ensemble The Descants, is designed to provide a more challenging and fast-paced experience for those in Upper Division with more advanced musical skills and a devotion for choral singing. This ensemble performs mostly a cappella (unaccompanied) selections from the canons of western classical music, while also representing genres and languages from across time and the world.

Beyond and more important than singing together, our girls grow and thrive together.  Activities outside of weekly rehearsal include social events, overnight retreats, day camps, music festivals and tours, leadership opportunities, mentorship, career
exploration, community outreach and volunteerism.