Business Details
44 Years
experience
Empowering Young Voices Through Choral Excellence
Seattle Girls' Choir was founded in 1982 by Dr. Jerome L. Wright and is currently led by Artistic Director Sarra S. Doyle. Our organization provides comprehensive choral education emphasizing vocal technique, musical literacy, and ensemble performance to approximately 250 K-12 choristers from Seattle and the greater King County region. We offer progressive choir levels for singers from kindergarten through high school, including specialized training choirs and contemporary ensembles. Our curriculum includes music theory, sight-singing, ear-training, and performance skills, with rehearsals running September through June.Summer programs include day camps and overnight camps that serve as introductions to our choral community. We maintain a tradition of domestic and international travel for workshops, festivals, and performance tours. Collaborations with organizations like the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Byrd Ensemble enhance our artistic reach. Our mission centers on providing high-quality music education while fostering a sense of belonging. We are committed to enriching the Pacific Northwest cultural landscape through artistic excellence and community engagement.
Services
Choral Education
Summer Camps
Performance Tours
Music Theory Instruction
Vocal Training
Details
- Year established: 1982
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of expertise in youth choral education
- Our eight progressive choir levels ensure tailored musical development
- We provide domestic and international performance tour opportunities
- Our faculty includes professional conductors and music educators
- We partner with leading regional arts organizations for collaborative performances
Services
Choral Education
Our progressive choral program develops musical skills through vocal technique, music theory, and ensemble performance. Students in grades K-12 receive age-appropriate instruction that builds from basic to advanced levels. The curriculum emphasizes sight-singing, ear-training, and performance skills to cultivate well-rounded musicianship.
Summer Camps
We offer summer day camps and overnight programs introducing young singers to choral music. Campers develop vocal skills through group rehearsals, music theory games, and performance workshops. These programs provide immersive musical experiences while building community among participants aged K-12 in a supportive environment.
Performance Tours
Our ensembles participate in domestic and international performance tours that include festivals, competitions, and cultural exchanges. These opportunities allow choristers to showcase their skills while experiencing diverse musical traditions. Recent destinations include Wales, Austria, and Canada for prestigious choral events.
Music Collaborations
We collaborate with professional arts organizations like the Pacific Northwest Ballet and Byrd Ensemble to create unique performance opportunities. These partnerships expose choristers to professional artistic environments while contributing to the regional cultural landscape through joint productions and special projects.
Youth Choir Levels
Our eight choir levels accommodate singers from kindergarten through high school with progressive skill development. The program includes non-auditioned entry choirs, auditioned ensembles, and specialized contemporary groups. Each level builds upon previous training to develop technical proficiency and artistic expression.
People
Sarra S. Doyle
Artistic Director
Sarra S. Doyle leads the artistic vision of Seattle Girls' Choir, conducting advanced ensembles and overseeing music curriculum development. With extensive experience in choral conducting and music education, she maintains the organization's high artistic standards while nurturing student growth.
Lauren Kastanas
Executive Director
Lauren Kastanas manages organizational operations and strategic direction for Seattle Girls' Choir. She ensures program sustainability while maintaining community partnerships that support the choir's mission of musical excellence and youth development.
Miriam Anderson
Piccolini Conductor
Miriam Anderson co-teaches the Piccolini program for young singers, focusing on foundational music skills. She brings expertise in early childhood music education to develop age-appropriate curriculum that introduces basic vocal techniques and musical concepts.
Natalie Ingrisano
Dolcine Conductor
Natalie Ingrisano leads the Dolcine ensemble, guiding choristers through intermediate-level vocal training. Her instruction emphasizes ensemble cohesion and more complex musical arrangements while preparing singers for advanced choir levels.
Alex Gagiu
Cantamus Conductor
Alex Gagiu conducts the Cantamus ensemble, focusing on advanced vocal techniques and performance artistry. He prepares choristers for professional-level performances while mentoring their transition to the highest choir levels in the program.
Questions
What age groups does Seattle Girls Choir serve?
We serve singers from kindergarten through high school with progressive choir levels matching skill development stages.
How do students join the choir program?
Younger students join through non-auditioned Piccolini, while older singers complete placement auditions for appropriate ensemble levels.
Where are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals occur at our Choir Center in Volunteer Park and other Seattle locations as needed for specific programs.
What performance opportunities exist?
Ensembles perform locally, regionally, and internationally through scheduled tours, festivals, and collaborative productions with arts organizations.
Are there summer programs available?
We offer day camps and overnight camps focusing on choral skill development and musical exploration for all experience levels.
What is the Unsung Voices album?
This studio recording features choral works by women composers, including newly commissioned pieces performed by our advanced ensembles.
