Cantus Youth Choirs was featured in “A Word From The Experts” section in the Eagle Informer Magazine. Full article text is included below.
Why did you start Cantus?
I grew up immersed in music and was a school choir teacher. After my Eagle-born husband and I moved here, we partnered with some exceptional people to start a community choir. We believed there was a need, and it grew quickly, from 140 singers in Season 1, to 240, representing over 30 schools, this past season! We offer traditional and contemporary ensembles directed by Keith McCauley, Melody Paskett, Michelle Pedersen, and me.
What should families look for in a community music program?
Eagle families are very fortunate to have great programs in their schools. When looking to supplement that education, here are key attributes to consider:
1. Is the program/curriculum developmentally appropriate?
An appropriate program gives your child a strong musical foundation and a deeper desire to continue in music.
Children ages 0-8 need programs that focus on singing and dancing to music through play. Their bodies need to move! Gross motor activities ensure your child will learn, be engaged, and want to continue.
By 4th grade, children are ready for a rehearsal setting. We try to create the right educational environment, and choose music singers will find engaging. We want them to love Bach and Mozart, but find that folk, world or contemporary music can be a gateway–introducing musical principles that will allow them to later appreciate the musical genius of the greats.
2. Are the participants and parents engaged and valued?
Any great youth-focused musical organization will recognize that people always come first, then the product. Your child should know they are valued and not just a tool to create a sound or to represent a studio well. Cantus invites parent involvement and feedback, and continues to adapt based on the needs of our singers and families.
3. Are the instructors great teachers and not just great musicians?
It is possible to be a very fine musician and a poor teacher. Does your child’s teacher have a background in pedagogy? Do they relate well to youth or children? Even a great professional musician may not be the best fit for 5-year-olds or middle schoolers.
What does Cantus offer?
Cantus is fun! Kids join and fall in love with the music and their new Cantus family. They love the tours, social activities, concerts, and making new friends from across the valley.
Cantus offers unique opportunities like singing backup for Jim Brickman, hosting nationally-respected guest artists, and commissioning arrangements by the composers and arrangers for ensembles ranging from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to Pentatonix.
We believe in this community. Every director, staff member, and volunteer in Cantus is invested in helping the children of our friends and neighbors reach their full potential and have life-changing musical experiences.
Erika McCauley is Artistic Director of Cantus Youth Choirs, a nonprofit community youth choir program with over 240 singers in grades 4-12. Cantus just completed its 5th season and has launched open registration for Season 6. For more information, visit www.cantusyouthchoirs.com.