With a membership of over 230 students, singers in the Grand Cities Children's Choir comprise four ensembles. Each choir offers age appropriate vocal instruction and develops overall musicianship. The program strives to create a spirit of community through the universal language of music.
In addition to our performing groups, GCCC has a program for our 10 through 12 grade graduates. These students serve as mentors or Grazioso Guidares (GGs), which is Italian for “gracious guide.” These students spend numerous hours volunteering their time and talents to each of the choirs while receiving training in leadership, personal development, and musical teaching techniques.
Our Philosophy
The GCCC is a performance-based music education program whose mission is to offer young people the experience of musical artistry and excellence through choral singing in a youth-centered atmosphere. Students develop their vocal mastery as they prepare and perform along with the members of their choirs. Literature covers a wide variety of musical styles and time periods. Rehearsals focus on vocal skill development, ear training, sight singing, and performance preparation. GCCC welcomes students from all ethnic, social or economic backgrounds, and tuition assistance is available to ensure that all children are able to participate.
Our Story
The Grand Cities Children’s Choir was founded in 2002 by Melanie Popejoy, Artistic Director. GCCC was created as a division of the Summer Performing Arts Program (SPA), which is an artistic enrichment program for elementary, middle, and high school students offered through the Grand Forks Public School System. Since its inception, GCCC has grown from two choirs to four, developed a mentoring program for the graduates, and implemented a musical enrichment tour every three years.
Choirs
The Grand Cities Children's Choir is comprised of four performing groups. Children are selected to participate in a choir based on their age and where they are in their musical development.