Cincinnati Choral Academy

A collaborative program brought to you by:
The Cincinnati Youth  Choir,  Cincinnati May Festival, and Vocal Arts Ensemble (VAE)
With generous support provided by: 

Ohio Arts Council, Wohlgemuth Herschede Foundation, Louise Taft Semple Foundation, Louise Dieterle Nippert Musical Arts Fund

The Cincinnati Choral Academy is a free after-school program offering a comprehensive music literacy and choral education to third-fifth grade students 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.

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.

2021-2022 Locations, Teachers, & Rehearsal Schedules:

Carson School

4323 Glenway Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45205

Teacher: Rebecca Mullins, mullinr@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Accompanist: Kirsten Smith

Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:00

Frederick Douglass Elementary School

2627 Park Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45206

Teacher: Dobin Park, pianist0587@gmail.com

Accompanist: Pengcheng He

Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:00

John P. Parker School

5051 Anderson Place

Cincinnati, OH 45227

Teacher: Keri McGuire, kerryberry0902@gmail.com

Accompanist: Julie Brumback

Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:15

Roll Hill School

2411 Baltimore Avenue

Cincinnati, OH 45225

Teacher: Anna Calhoun, calhoua@cpsboe.k12.oh.us

Accompanist: Guiran Cho

Tuesdays / Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:00

Registration & emergency medical form is due back to the conductor at the singers’ first rehearsal.

CLICK HERE to fill out our registration forms.

Concert details:

CCA will be featured in the CYC Metamorphosis Concert on May 1st – Full details to be provided.

CCA will also participate in our CPS Honor Choir program on May 7th & 14th – Full details to be provided.

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.