Academy Choir is our NEW middle school choir for students in grades 6–8.

This youth choir is directed by Cecile Blanchard, a Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District choir teacher with over 30 years of experience. Academy Choir students will receive comprehensive vocal training while developing their technique and musicality through engaging repertoire. Students will learn pieces in a variety of languages and styles.

This program is a continuation of the choral training that students receive in our elementary choir ensembles. In addition to large group instruction, Academy Choir students will receive specialized vocal coaching and music theory training during sectionals.

All participants must also be currently enrolled in their middle school music program. Enrollment will be verified with each student’s school music teacher.

Please email Operations and Programs Director Emily Senchuk for more information about this ensemble.

SCHEDULE & TUITION

Academy Choir meets on Sundays from 1:00–3:00pm at the Elemental Music campus  (1906 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica).

Tuition for the 2024/25 season is approximately $430/trimester, for a total of $1,295 for the season. Tuition averages to approximately $24/hour. Participation is a year-long commitment (27 rehearsals). 

Early Bird Discount for those who enroll by June 1: $50

Non-refundable deposit of $250 is due upon enrollment.

Tuition reduction is available on a sliding scale. Our Tuition Reduction Form is short & sweet. Please submit your form ASAP so we can help determine a family-friendly tuition rate for you and start making music! Payment plans are also available.

ENSEMBLE PLACEMENT

During the Academy Choir ensemble placement, students will be asked to:

  • repeat echo patterns played on piano (pitch matching)

  • sing a short solo (less than 1 minute) demonstrating breath management, range and tone production

  • sight-read a short musical example

Ensemble placements for students who are new to Elemental Music will be held in September 2024. Please fill out the form below to get on our list.

If you would like to speak with our Translation Liaison to answer questions and provide information in Spanish, please email Juanita Devis. You can also visit our Spanish website for more information!

Si usted desea hablar con nuestra Traductora Intermediaria para que responda sus preguntas y reciba la información en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a Juanita Devis. ¡También puede visitar nuestra página de internet en español para más información!