By Joan Passarelli
Every week, the members of Cantabile Children’s Chorus put aside their books, balls and baseball gloves, and come together to sing.
These children, from first grade through high school, aren’t just carrying a tune. They are singing in harmony, learning music theory, and having a wonderful time doing it.
Music is “crucial” to a child’s development, said Signe Boyer, music director and founder of Cantabile. “It builds a child’s self-confidence, self-esteem, sense of teamwork and pride.”
Founded in 1994, Cantabile (pronounced kahn-TAH-bee-lay) Children’s Chorus now consists of four choirs rehearsing in Los Altos and three rehearsing in San Jose. More than 120 young singers from this area are learning to pursue excellence in vocal music through Cantabile. The word is Italian for “in a singing style.”
Boyer conducts Cantabile’s Chamber Ensemble, the most accomplished choir in Cantabile. She has directed children’s choirs since 1982 and is also the director of vocal music at Keys School in Palo Alto.
Boyer noted the special way Cantabile builds teamwork. She said, “Today, when kids are playing soccer or doing theater, it’s often a ‘me’ thing. Choir is a ‘we’ thing. They see the value in working towards a common goal.”
Peggy Spool directs the other choirs of Cantabile. Spool attended Oberlin College and graduated from Boston University with a degree in vocal performance.
“With Peggy,” Boyer said, “the children learn music theory, ear training, sight singing and breathing. They learn how to be attentive and really focus in a rehearsal.”
Cantabile groups have performed with the San Jose Symphonic Choir and with the Peninsula Symphony in Palo Alto. Cantabile’s Chamber Ensemble toured England in 1998 and traveled to Italy in 2000 to perform in the Tuscany International Children’s Choir Festival.
In addition to regular winter and spring concerts, Cantabile performs throughout the community. It has performed world premieres of children’s choir works.
All children first grade and up who love to sing are invited to join Cantabile. New singers can join during the first two weeks of each new semester, in August and January. The Los Altos rehearsals are at Foothills Congregational Church, 461 Orange Ave., although Cantabile is not affiliated with any church.
Cantabile offers a Summer Music Day Camp Aug. 6-10 for boys and girls ages 6-10. The day camp will be held at First Congregational Church, Los Altos.
“Summer camp is a great way for young kids to start with music,” said Mary Hamilton, whose children have been in Cantabile for seven years. “For kids who have already been singing with Cantabile, it helps them get back in the flow. If not, they can try it out!”
The chorus next performs with the Baroque Choral Guild June 9 in Palo Alto. For other upcoming concert dates, or more information about Cantabile, call 964-8644 or visit www.cantabile.org.
