CCA Director

Keri McGuire has loved directing choirs and being a part of the Cincinnati Choral Academy team since 2017. She is a music educator with 20 years of experience in music education. Mrs. McGuire received her Bachelor in Music Education degree with a Vocal Emphasis from Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY. She later earned her Master in Music Education with a Mastery of Levels Orff-Schulwerk Certificate from the University of Kentucky, in Lexington, KY. Her decision to become a music teacher and choir director was solidified when she attended the all-state children’s choir in Louisville, KY during her college years. Since graduating, she has taught music and drama in Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. She has loved making Cincinnati her home since moving here with her family in 2015. In addition to teaching music in the classroom, Mrs. McGuire has co-authored a music curriculum for early learning, Wee Wonder. She believes that the earliest stages of learning are strengthened through music, and that learners of all ages should have quality opportunities for singing and music-making experiences. She feels everyday offers a chance to connect in positive ways with others, and that music provides that opportunity to bring people together.
A collaborative program brought to you by:
The Cincinnati Youth Choir, Cincinnati May Festival, and Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE)
With generous support provided by:
ArtsWave, Ohio Arts Council, Andrew Jergens Foundation, William O. Purdy Jr. Foundation Fund of the GCF
The Cincinnati Choral Academy is a free after-school program offering a comprehensive music literacy and choral education to students in grades 3-5, once or twice per week during two-hour sessions. Participants who would benefit most from the Choral Academy are recommended by school staff members. Recommended students are not required to have prior musical experience, but a commitment to attending all weekly rehearsals and performances is essential.
Program Mission
The Cincinnati Choral Academy’s mission is to enrich and educate the community by building outstanding young leaders in a safe environment while providing musical excellence to all youth regardless of their background.
2023-2024
Carson School
4323 Glenway Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45205
Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:00
Choir Director: Dr. Rebecca Mullins
Frederick Douglass Elementary School
2627 Park Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206
Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:15 – 4:00
Choir Director: Julie Brumback
John P. Parker School
5051 Anderson Place, Cincinnati, OH 45227
Thursdays, 2:15 – 4:15 pm
Choir Director: Keri McGuire
Roll Hill School
2411 Baltimore Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45225
Thursdays
Choir Director: Grace Devoid
William H. Taft Elementary School
270 southern Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45219
Day/time: TBD
Choir Director: Keri McGuire
Woodford Academy
3716 Woodford Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213
Mondays & Wednesdays, 8:00-9:00 am
Choir Director: Dennis Betz
Registration & emergency medical form is due back to the choir director by the singers’ first rehearsal.
Attendance
It is an honor to be a member of the CCA. Each child (and their family) is expected to demonstrate commitment by; being punctual and consistently attending all rehearsals and performances. Every single child is important to the success of the program. Just as with any other team effort, the success of the choir is reliant on the attendance of all of its members. Therefore, the child and family should make participation a priority. All rehearsals and performances are mandatory for all singers.
Performances are mandatory for all singers. If a singer has a conflict with a performance date (see schedules above), notify the director as soon as possible.
Weather
If CPS closes schools, CCA is canceled. If schools are delayed, CCA will run as normal.
Uniforms
The uniform for all concerts consists of the CCA T-shirt (provided), black pants or floor-length black skirts for girls, black socks or hose, and black dress shoes.