About the Chorus
Vivace Youth Chorus of San José begins its 9th season welcoming young singers from all areas of the community. Led by Artistic Director, Peggy Spool, the core values of the chorus are commitment to choral excellence, regard for each child, kinship among choristers and their families, and respect for the cultures that comprise our diverse community.
Founded in 2003, by Peggy Spool and a group of dedicated parents, Vivace Youth Chorus is a high-quality choral program for children ages four to eighteen. Youth from throughout the Silicon Valley participate in our 6 choral levels. The chorus offers a program that balances vocal training, music theory, and performances. Upper level choirs take part in choral festivals and tours. All choristers gain exposure to various musical genres, from traditional folk to classical, jazz, and contemporary. The chorus collaborates with area composers and musicians, as well as with other ensembles including San Jose Symphonic Choir, Opera San José and Mission City Opera. In addition to weekly rehearsals at all levels, intensive semester workshops and retreats that feature guest clinicians are provided for the upper levels. Vivace's program also includes a one-week optional summer choral music camp for younger students, open to members and non-members. Scholarships and family discounts are available to keep the program accessible to families of all means.
Vivace singers have performed throughout the city of San José. Local venues have included the Rotunda at San José City Hall, the 01SJ Festival at St. James Park, Le Petit Trianon, the San José Museum of Art, the Children's Discovery Museum, the California Theatre, and other community venues. They have also participated in the "Sing A Mile High" Festival in Colorado, the Pacific Rim Children's Chorus Festival in Hawaii and the Pacific International Children's Choir Festival in Oregon. In June, 2012, the Tour Choir will participate once again in the festival in Colorado.
Peggy Spool has worked with children's choruses in the Bay Area for 20 years. She holds a Master's in Voice from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and a Certificate in Kodály Music Education from Holy Names University. She is a member of the American Choral Director's Association, National Teachers of Singing, and Organization of American Kodály Educators.
