Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, Inc.

Through professional-level choral education and performance, Pittsburgh Youth Chorus provides opportunities for a diverse group of young singers to realize their innate artistic potential and to share experiences that enrich their lives while benefiting their families and the community.

Pittsburgh Youth Chorus utilizes many of the music education principals developed by Hungarian composer Zoltán Kodály. The Kodaly Method is highly structured and sequenced, with well-defined skill and concept hierarchies in all elements of music. These sequences are closely related to child development-the way in which young children progress naturally in music. As a child develops physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually, he or she also develops musically in the acquisition of increasingly complex skills and more involved concepts.

Some of the tools used at PYC from the Kodály Method are solfége (do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do), Curwin hand signs, rhythmic syllables, and a movable "do" system. Through the use of these tools PYC choristers begin with the simple, and sequentially move to the more complex, always building on the foundations laid in the beginning. Like all skills, practice makes perfect. Once a concept or skill is learned, it is practiced again and again so that it becomes second-nature. With each layer of mastered skills and concepts, the development and artistry of the student is heightened and Zoltán Kodály's philosophy is evident.

Testimonials

I have had the pleasure of working with these talented young singers with the Pittsburgh Opera ,and always walked away impressed. ~Tyrone Arnold, Pittsburgh Opera Company

Children's Festival Chorus (now PYC) was an amazing experience for me. The rep is challenging, and inspires growth both intellectually and musically. When you join CFC, you aren't just listening to the director sing your part and then repeating what she/he sang. CFC teaches you how to actually read the music and figure it out on your own. It's extremely satisfying knowing that you have been taught the theory and solfeggio skills needed to learn any piece given to you, no matter the difficulty.
CFC has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities that I would never have even dreamed of. In the four years that I was with CFC, I've performed at Heinz Hall several times, PNC Park, The Bayham theater, the Museum of Natural History,and the Console Energy center. How many kids can say "When I was eight I performed at Heinz hall"? Not too many.
Also,the teachers and students are all supportive of each other,like a big family.There's always someone there who can help you out with anything you're struggling with.This is an absolutely AMAZING chorus. Keep up the good work to everyone that's currently enrolled, and I'd recommend it to any budding vocalist one thousand percent. ~ Amber Rigot, former chorister

CFC provided the best musical experience for me. I was able to do so many amazing things and created great memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. ~Bethany Hodes, former chorister