HISTORY of marin girls chorus
The Marin Girls Chorus was founded by Martha Wall, in 1988, in response to a parent's request that Marin County offer something akin to the San Francisco Girls Chorus. In 1992, a Boys' Chorus was added, as well as a Junior Chorus for the youngest singers, and the name was changed to the Marin Girls and Boys Choruses. The Boys' Chorus proved difficult to support as a separate entity; so, in the fall of 1997, the name was changed once again, this time to the Marin Children's Chorus. In the fall of 2008, the chorus returned to its roots as the Marin Girls Chorus, as a treble-voice chorus that encompasses well over 100 finely trained singers in five levels.
Since its inception, the chorus has been invited to perform in many venues and has achieved acclaim for its varied repertory and outstanding performances. Past engagements include performing with the Marin Music Conservatory (1990 and 1991), the Marin Opera (Hansel & Gretel, 1992), the Marin Youth Orchestra (1993, 1994), and the Winifred Baker Chorale(Anne Frank, 1995, Carmina Burana, 1996), Golden Gate Opera (Hansel & Gretel, 2000, 2001, 2002).
The Concert Choir—now called Bel Canto and composed of singers aged 10 to 14—performed at the 1993 Golden Gate International Children's Choir Festival and won a Silver Medal. They have sung as part of the soundtrack for two documentary films; recorded at Lucas Soundstage as back up musicians and greeted dignitaries with song. In 2009, the Marin Girls Chorus was proud to be part of the Grand Opening Ceremony for Homeward Bound’s “Next Key Center” in Novato, and thrilled that we were cast in an NBC pilot television series, “Parenthood.” When members of San Francisco Opera and Orchestra came to Marin to perform “The Classics, Broadway, and Favorite Songs of the Past,” the program included a special performance by the Marin Girls Chorus.
In July 2012, MGC again participated in the Golden Gate International Choral Festival in Berkeley, CA, and earned two Bronze medals and one Silver medal in the competitions. The week marked a highlight of our choral experiences, as we sang with and for 18 choirs from all over the world, including Denmark, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, China, Democratic Republic of Georgia, Canada, Honduras, and Lithuania! We hosted a choir from Canada, making friends and forging bonds we hope will never break.
Since its inception, the chorus has been invited to perform in many venues and has achieved acclaim for its varied repertory and outstanding performances. Past engagements include performing with the Marin Music Conservatory (1990 and 1991), the Marin Opera (Hansel & Gretel, 1992), the Marin Youth Orchestra (1993, 1994), and the Winifred Baker Chorale(Anne Frank, 1995, Carmina Burana, 1996), Golden Gate Opera (Hansel & Gretel, 2000, 2001, 2002).
The Concert Choir—now called Bel Canto and composed of singers aged 10 to 14—performed at the 1993 Golden Gate International Children's Choir Festival and won a Silver Medal. They have sung as part of the soundtrack for two documentary films; recorded at Lucas Soundstage as back up musicians and greeted dignitaries with song. In 2009, the Marin Girls Chorus was proud to be part of the Grand Opening Ceremony for Homeward Bound’s “Next Key Center” in Novato, and thrilled that we were cast in an NBC pilot television series, “Parenthood.” When members of San Francisco Opera and Orchestra came to Marin to perform “The Classics, Broadway, and Favorite Songs of the Past,” the program included a special performance by the Marin Girls Chorus.
In July 2012, MGC again participated in the Golden Gate International Choral Festival in Berkeley, CA, and earned two Bronze medals and one Silver medal in the competitions. The week marked a highlight of our choral experiences, as we sang with and for 18 choirs from all over the world, including Denmark, Germany, Australia, Indonesia, China, Democratic Republic of Georgia, Canada, Honduras, and Lithuania! We hosted a choir from Canada, making friends and forging bonds we hope will never break.