Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Youth Choir Programs Seattle
Northwest Choirs has been dedicated to nurturing musical talent and fostering artistic excellence in youth for over 50 years. Our organization provides comprehensive music education programs that emphasize vocal performance, music literacy, and performance skills, serving boys aged 5-18 and young women aged 12-18 from diverse backgrounds across the Puget Sound region. With a faculty of experienced professionals, we offer tiered training programs that cultivate discipline, teamwork, and personal growth while maintaining accessibility through financial aid initiatives.Our choristers regularly collaborate with prestigious institutions like the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and have performed internationally, earning recognition for their exceptional artistry. As a nonprofit entity, we remain committed to community enrichment through choral music, combining rigorous musical training with character development to create well-rounded artists and individuals.
Services
Music Makers
Prep Choir
Advanced Levels
Summer Camp
Vocalpoint! Seattle
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- Over 50 years of excellence in youth choral education
- Collaborations with Seattle Symphony and international ensembles
- Three-tiered training system for ages 5-18
- Financial aid available for all programs
- Expert faculty with professional music backgrounds
What people say
Exceptional clarity and balance
World-class training
Lifelong friendships
Professional collaborations
Musical excellence
Services
Music Makers
Our Music Makers program introduces boys aged 5-6 to foundational music concepts through interactive learning. Using movement-based activities and playful games, children develop rhythm, pitch recognition, and basic musical understanding while building confidence in a group setting. This entry-level program requires no prior experience and serves as the perfect introduction to our choral community.
Prep Choir
Designed for boys aged 7-8, Prep Choir offers twice-weekly sessions focusing on music reading, harmony singing, and performance techniques. Participants build essential vocal skills while developing teamwork abilities through collaborative rehearsals. The program emphasizes musical growth and confidence-building, preparing young singers for advancement to our more complex choral ensembles with no prior experience required.
Advanced Levels
Our Advanced Levels program challenges musically experienced boys aged 9-12 with rigorous training in complex vocal techniques and ensemble performance. Participants join specialized ensembles after demonstrating proficiency in rhythm and pitch reading, receiving intensive instruction that prepares them for professional-level performances and international tours as part of our premier choral groups.
Summer Singers Camp
This week-long summer day camp provides boys aged 5-7 with immersive musical experiences through vocal exercises, interactive lessons, and creative activities. Campers develop foundational music skills while building confidence in a supportive environment, culminating in a showcase performance for family and friends to celebrate their progress in a fun, non-competitive setting.
Vocalpoint! Seattle
Vocalpoint! Seattle offers high school-age young adults professional-level training in contemporary vocal performance. This elite ensemble focuses on modern repertoire while developing advanced vocal techniques and performance skills. Members participate in professional collaborations and community performances, benefiting from mentorship opportunities with established music professionals in Seattle's vibrant arts scene.
People
Jacob Winkler
Artistic Director
A Northwest Choirs alumnus with international touring experience, Jacob brings decades of choral leadership expertise. He previously directed Seattle Girls Choir and teaches at Pacific Northwest Film Scoring Program, holding advanced degrees in music from University of Washington.
Mark Shattuck
Executive Director
With 20+ years in nonprofit leadership, Mark oversees organizational operations. A former professional musician, he combines arts management expertise with global performance experience, holding degrees in Organizational Psychology and Business from California State University, East Bay.
Benjamin Kromholtz
Associate Artistic Director
A Northwest Choirs graduate with 25+ years of involvement, Ben directs the Apprentices program. He holds music education degrees from University of Washington and has extensive experience as choral director and adjudicator in the Seattle music community.
Taylor Hyde
Associate Executive Director
An award-winning music educator, Taylor directs intermediate choirs and oversees administrative operations. She received her Bachelor's in Music Education from Western Washington University and actively performs with Seattle-based choral ensembles.
Stephen OBent
Apprentices Director
A multifaceted music professional, Stephen directs apprentices while serving as Minister of Music at Bellevue Congregational Church. He brings diverse experience from conducting, composing, and performing across multiple musical genres and educational settings.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We offer programs for boys aged 5-18 and young women aged 12-18 through our Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle ensembles.
Do you require prior singing experience?
No prior experience is needed for our entry-level programs. Our tiered system accommodates all skill levels from beginners to advanced singers.
How do auditions work for advanced levels?
Advanced programs require an audition assessing rhythm, pitch reading, and vocal ability. Our staff provides guidance for prospective members preparing for auditions.
Are there financial assistance options?
Yes, we offer financial aid to ensure accessibility. Applications are available through our website with need-based consideration for all programs.
What performance opportunities exist?
Our choristers perform with Seattle Symphony, tour nationally/internationally, and participate in professional recording sessions and community events throughout the year.
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