About Us
​Founded in 2021, the Church Street Choral Academy exists to inspire and positively influence young people through high-quality arts enrichment and academic support. CSCA’s mission is to provide excellent choral music education that fosters musical literacy, healthy singing habits, artistic excellence, and personal growth for a lifetime of music-making.
Our vision is a diverse, inclusive community where children of all faith traditions and backgrounds have access to transformative music education.
Our music education program includes:
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Professional Choral training – In two weekday rehearsals, choristers receive classical singing instruction, learn how to read music, and perform a variety of choral music that spans five centuries, and study English, Latin, French, and German diction.
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Piano instruction – Once a week, students receive a free 30 minute lesson. If a student does not have a piano at home, the Choral Academy provides a digital piano for their use. This instruction gets an instrument in the hands of children and helps to enhance their abstract reasoning skills.
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Music theory lessons – Following a structured curriculum, students are instructed in age appropriate music theory which reinforces the lessons many are learning in their school music classroom.
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Travel – Choral scholars are invited to travel with the Choral Academy on local, regional, national, and international tours. All touring costs are generally covered by the Church Street Choral Academy.
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Art Experiences – Students are offered free opportunities to attend many arts events in Greenville and beyond including musical concerts, theatrical performances, and visual arts offerings.
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Summer Camp – Each summer, the Choral Academy holds a summer choir camp that includes opportunities for music, art, athletics, and lots of fun.
Participation for all students in the program is free.
FAQ
How is the choir structured?
What is the cost to participate?
At this time, all students, boys and girls, sing in one choir and participate in rehearsals, lessons, and other activities in small groups. As choral scholars age, they will be invited to participate in other choirs as a part of the CSCA.
What student should audition?
There is no cost to the student or family to participate in the program. Program costs are generously covered by donations from individuals, grants, and fundraising events.
What does a rehearsal day look like?
When are performances?
The choir sings one time each month during the school year at our host location, Christ Church Episcopal. Typically, this is at a 5:00pm evening service. Other performances occur throughout the school year.
My child participates in their school choir, sports, or other activities. Can they still participate in the choir?
Our program begins at 4:30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. During the week, students will receive:
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Small and large group choral rehearsals
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30 minute class piano lesson
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30 minute music theory and group voice lesson
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Snack each day, dinner on Wednesdays
My child likes music, but I'm not sure they could sing in a choir.
Absolutely! We distribute our schedule, which includes performances and special events, at the beginning of the rehearsal year. Keep the rehearsal schedule in mind as you are planning other activities – attendance is expected at all rehearsals and performances except for illness, etc. We ask that as soon as you are aware of unavoidable conflicts that you let us know.
Students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to audition. We believe every child can make music, so students do not need to have prior choir or instrumental experience.
We evaluate interested students on their potential, not on present skill or technique. It takes time for every chorister to become a choral scholar. We encourage everyone to at least ‘come and see.’