Spirito Singers to offer New Elective Classes this Fall

Spirito Singers saw some interesting changes in their approach to musicianship during the pandemic.

Spirito has always offered high level training in singing and performing since its very beginning in 2008. But with the uncertainty of the safety of choral singing in the early stages of the pandemic, under the guidance of Artistic Director Carling Fitzsimmons, Spirito created an all-new online curriculum in the Fall of 2020. Offering this 12-course curriculum made Spirito distinctive in the world of Chicago area youth chorales.

“We got such great feedback from singers and families about our virtual elective classes last fall,” states Fitzsimmons. “The singers really loved developing their individual musicianship skills while getting to know each other better with the small class sizes. So we thought: why not add electives to our in-person curriculum on a permanent basis?”

This coming season, Spirito will offer elective classes to both the Ragazze and Bravura ensembles. After Ragazze singers (5th – 8th grade) complete a theory curriculum, they will have the option of several classes like advanced musicianship and a cappella training. The high school Bravura members will have options like a cappella training, conducting, composition, musical theater vocal technique and audition boot camp.

“As singers gain knowledge and confidence through their elective classes, they’re going to feel more comfortable stepping into a leadership role,” continues Fitzsimmons. “We saw this in our spring concert this year when our Bravura conducting students took the podium to lead Ragazze in performance. We’re seeing it as songwriting and composition students ask about writing pieces for their ensembles to perform. We’re seeing it with the addition of a student-coached a cappella ensemble for Ragazze this year. Confidence has a ripple effect and as these singers keep exploring, the possibilities of what they can achieve only grow.”

To learn more about Spirito ensembles and electives please go to https://www.spiritosingers.org/ensembles Spirito is holding auditions through early August. To find out about singing with the Spirito treble ensembles and the Men of Spirito, go to https://www.spiritosingers.org/getinvolved