“KidSing is in my top three favorite events of the year – the joy on the singers’ faces after their final concert is infectious” – -Cynthia Hogenson, SJBC Associate Artistic Director
The St. John’s Boys’ Choir and YCCM Cantabile are once again joining forces to host KidSing – the 16th Annual Central Minnesota Children’s Singing Festival at the College of Saint Benedict on Saturday, Jan. 25.
All students in grades 3, 4, and 5 are invited to sing alongside the SJBC and Cantabile for the day. A concert featuring all singers will close out the festival. And, for the first time ever, free transportation is available from three locations around St. Cloud: GREAT Theatre (Waite Park), Salem Lutheran Church (East St. Cloud), and the St. Cloud YMCA. Transportation is sponsored by Trobec’s Bus -Service, Inc.
“This is a great opportunity for young singers to experience our choirs, meet our directors, and have so much fun!” said Kara Rysavy, Artistic Director of Cantabile. “There’s nothing quite like watching our guest singers learn three new songs alongside our current singers, gain confidence throughout the day, and perform for their families after just a few hours of rehearsal.”
The KidSing festival offers a chance for singers to learn about the SJBC and Cantabile before two programs launch next month: YCCM’s Prelude Choir and the SJBC’s Training Choir.
Back for its second year, YCCM’s Prelude Choir is for young singers in grades 3-5. Rehearsals will take place at Sartell Middle School on Mondays from Feb. 3 to March 17. Participants will explore the joy of singing in a fun and supportive environment, building foundational vocal and ensemble skills. Details and registration are available at youthchorale.org/join/prelude-choir.
And the SJBC’s Training Choir is heading out into the community. “We’re excited to meet singers where they’re at!” said Matt Kiminski, the SJBC’s Director of Marketing and Outreach and Training Choir Director. “3rd-, 4th-, and 5th-graders are invited to join us at First United Methodist Church (Sartell) on Monday nights from February to May, or Salem Lutheran Church (St. Cloud) or at Saint John’s on Thursday nights. No audition needed!” More details about the SJBC’s Training Choir are available at sjbchoir.org/trainingchoir.
There is no cost to attend KidSing, and the concert at the end of the day is free (with free-will donations graciously accepted). More details and registration are available at sjbchoir.org/kidsing.
If you go …
• KidSing – 16th Annual Central Minnesota Children’s Singing Festival for all students in grades 3, 4, and 5.
• Saturday, Jan. 25
• 9 a.m.-4- p.m. (Concert at 3:15 p.m.)
• College of Saint Benedict, St. Joseph.
Free to participate!
About the St. John’s Boys’ Choir
Now in its 44th season, The St. John’s Boys’ Choir continues the tradition of enabling boys to express themselves through music, and provides an environment that nurtures and encourages creativity. Founded in 1981 by Br. Paul Richards and the Saint John’s monastic community, the organization has grown to include four choral ensembles which perform more than 50 engagements annually. Members of the choir represent home, public, and private schools in more than 15 communities around Central Minnesota.
About YCCM Cantabile
Cantabile is a community choir for singers in grades 4-9 whose -season runs September through May. Founded as a part of their Preparatory program, Cantabile Girls’ Choir was hosted at St. Cloud State University for 26 years. In 2023, Cantabile transitioned operations to a program under the Youth Chorale of Central Minnesota. The program consists of two ensembles: Choristers (singers in grades 4-6) and Cantabile (singers in grades 6-9).