23rd Annual Children's Choir Undeterred by Pandemic

Rachel Cornett

UACC members get a head start on fall choir with an online summer refresher.

The U of A Children's Choir welcomes all youth in grades 2–12 to join our singing community!

This community choir, a project of the Community Music School in the Department of Music, has a long tradition of drawing youth from all over Northwest Arkansas to sing and learn together.

Choir director Rachel Cornett reflected on this year's endeavor: "I'm disappointed that we are unable to meet in person, the singers and their families are disappointed, but we are not deterred by this year's challenges. We are excited to continue our tradition, just in a different way."

All rehearsals and performances this fall will be conducted online. Says Cornett, also a choir teacher at Springdale Public Schools, "Now that teachers, students, and parents are more comfortable with online learning, holding UACC activities virtually is a great option. It's an opportunity for students to continue singing together, and we have built in lots of extra special content and group activities."

Cornett said she hopes at some point during the spring semester the students will be able to meet and sing together in person but is prepared to deliver all of the content online.

The choir is divided into two sections: UACC I includes singers in grades 2–6, while UACC II is for singers in grades 7–12. The sections rehearse separately and come together for performances. The first rehearsal this year is Tuesday, Sept. 8, and the final rehearsal is April 27, 2021. The $275 fee includes all music, instruction and a T-shirt. Scholarships are available; email the director at uacc@uark.edu for information.

For those interested in joining, virtual auditions are available. Auditions allow the director to meet new students and assess their vocal qualities and readiness to learn. To get started, complete an Audition Form and sign up for an Audition Time. Full details about the choir are found at our website.

"It is so important for students to have a creative outlet, especially during uncertain and confusing times. Being away from their friends and usual school routine, possibly struggling with online classes, with parents also still working from home — all of these factors can cause high stress, which hampers their learning even more. UACC offers the chance to be with others who love singing, in a fun and energized environment, to help students regain some sense of normalcy and healing," Cornett said.

The Community Music School is an outreach unit of the Department of Music, with a mission to provide fun, student-driven community music programs for all in a safe and inclusive environment. Our community provides education to support growth in musicianship and opportunities for the creative process.