Danville Girl's Chorus Trains Singers in Musicianship, Teamwork and More

Discipline. Respect. Musicianship. Teamwork. Accountability. Responsibility. Let the singing begin!

The Danville Girls Chorus, 165 girls from third to eight grade, learn more than musical scales and songs under the guidance of Ken Abrams.

Abrams, who is the choral director  at San Ramon Valley High School in Danville, has been the chorus' artistic director for the past 18 years.

"The call for what we do is well-rounded music. We're not putting on concerts so mom and dad can videotape," said Abrams. "We strive for excellence. It's a very involved and detailed program with a whole team of parent volunteers who must serve in some capacity each year."

The chorus has been training East Bay girls in musicianship since 1993.

Most of the girls  enter the program in third or fourth grade and stay until eighth grade.

During the school year, the girls attend practice every Wednesday for two hours. Girls in the honors choir practice for an additional two and a half hours before concerts and three hours on Saturdays.

Tina Perault's daughter Shannon has been a chorus member since 2007 and is in the sixth grade.

"We want them to be committed, a year long commitment, hopefully longer," said Perault of Shannon's fellow chorus members. "We publish a schedule ahead of time with practice, dress rehearsals, and concert dates so that the girls know up front what's involved."

The chorus is divided into five levels, mostly by age. Initially girls audition into the preparatory level, then advance to intermediate, apprentice, concert, and extension of concert — the honors choir.

Advancement is determined by age, singing performance and cooperation with the group. The teachers look at singers' attendance and participation at rehearsals and teamwork.

The training the girls receive from Ken Abrams and the other music teachers can help prepare them for professional music training later in life.

"It's not just about singing. It's about developing an appreciation and understanding of music," said Perault.

All of the teachers are professional elementary, middle and high school teachers. They are also trained musicians.

Ariana Viera was in the choir from third to eight grade and is now an assistant in the choir program. Viera is a senior at San Ramon High School where she is a member of the concert choir, chamber choir and jazz vocal ensemble. She will attend Brigham Young University in the fall where she hopes to study music.

 "I have a passion for music and hope to improve the quality of others' lives through music therapy," she said.

The teachers and volunteers in the choir aim to train the girls to become responsible adults.

During performances, some girls may have solo performances, however, the singers are taught to do their best and be part of a team.

Said Perault, "they're not there to out-sing or outshine, they're there to perform as a chorus."

The chorus' spring concert, "We're Singin' in the Rain," is this Saturday, March 13, at 11 a.m. at Canyon Creek Church in San Ramon, featuring music about the seasons and weather.

Once a year the concert and honors chorus go on tour, alternating in-state one year, out of state the next. In May the choir will travel to Ashland, Oregon, to perform at senior centers and schools. On June 5, the girls will perform at Canyon Creek Church in San Ramon, featuring songs like ABBA's "Dancing Queen." Each year, the choir also performs at the Danville Tree Lighting on the last Friday in November.

The chorus welcome girls in grades three to eight to audition on June 8, for the next school year's choir.

The cost to be in the chorus for one year varies for the five singing levels, but is approximately $450. Scholarship funds are available and based on financial need.

Thirteen-year-old Miranda Rebholz of Danville, has been in the chorus since the third grade.

Rebholz is now an eighth grader at Charlotte Wood Middle School in Danville and this will be the last year she can sing in the chorus.

"I have some of the best memories in GKG and I've made great friends," said Rebholz. "I'll miss it. I always look forward to DGC. All the things that we learn I can use later in life."

To purchase tickets for Saturday's concert, or to learn more about the chorus, visit www.danvillegirlschorus.com.

The "We're Singing in the Rain" spring concert, will be performed Saturday, March 13 at 11 a.m. at Canyon Creek Church in San Ramon, 9015 Gale Ridge Rd. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m. and tickets cost $10.