Cantabella Children's Chorus offers summer camps in Pleasanton and Livermore

The internationally acclaimed Cantabella Children's Chorus has teamed up with the cities of Pleasanton and Livermore to offer weeklong camps June 20-24 at Valley Community Church and July 27-July 1 at Granada Baptist Church.

Prior music training is not required. Campers will meet 9am to 12pm in two groups (ages 6-9 and 10-12) to learn healthy vocal production and artistic expression through multicultural songs, games and dance. Go to http://cantabella.org/summercamps2016/ for class and registration info.

The camps will use the Kodaly approach, which aims to develop the whole child, not just technical proficiency. "Our goal is to train their ears to listen to beautiful and in-tune singing, the eyes to understand and read music fluently, hand signs and singing games to use proper technique, and the heart to feel, express and become more sensitive to what's good and beautiful," says Cantabella faculty member Grace Edwards, who will lead the camps with Music Together teacher Jody Harcourt.

At the end of camp, the children will give a special performance for parents and community members.

Cantabella is also accepting students for its training choirs (K-5th) and performing choirs (5th-12th), which rehearse weekly during the school year in Dublin, Livermore and Pleasanton. To register, please visit www.cantabella.org or call 925-292-2663.

This Saturday (June 4) Cantabella will present its spring concert, "Simple Gifts: A Bouquet of Choral Treats," at 1pm and 4pm at the First Presbyterian Church, 2020 5th St., Livermore. Tickets are available at the door or can be purchased in advance at www.cantabella.org/tickets. Adults are $22. Children under 18 are free when accompanied by an adult.