Oakville Children's Choir (now operating as Oakville Choir for Children and Youth) is a Canadian nonprofit children's choir organization based in Oakville, Ontario. Founded in 1994, it provides music education and leadership development for youth aged 4–24[1][3]. Registered as a charitable organization (Business Registration Number: 889106571RR0001), it operates multiple choirs and emphasizes inclusivity, artistic excellence, and community engagement[1][2].

History

Established in May 1994 by Glenda Crawford, the choir began with two ensembles: a Senior Choir (grades 4–8) and a Cherub Choir (grades 1–3)[2]. By its first concert in December 1994, it had attracted the attendance of Oakville’s mayor, Ann Mulvale[2]. The organization incorporated as a nonprofit in 1995 and released its debut album in 2001[2].

In 2006, Sarah Morrison became artistic director, overseeing the choir’s expansion into seven ensembles serving over 200 participants annually[1][2][3]. The organization rebranded to Oakville Choir for Children and Youth to reflect its broader age range and programming[1][3].

Ensembles and Programs

The choir operates tiered ensembles for skill development, including Little Voices (ages 4–6), Growing Voices (ages 7–12), and Brave Voices (ages 13–24)[1]. Repertoire spans classical, folk, and contemporary works, with an emphasis on collaborative performances[1][2]. Leadership training and international touring form core components of its curriculum[1][2].

Artistic Direction

Under Morrison’s leadership, the choir has pursued partnerships with local and international arts organizations, including cross-cultural choral exchanges[1][2]. It has maintained a focus on high-performance standards, earning recognition for its contributions to youth music education[1][2].

Rebranding

The shift to Oakville Choir for Children and Youth emphasized inclusivity across age groups and a commitment to empowering youth through vocal artistry[1][3]. The organization continues to prioritize accessibility, mentorship, and community-building through music[1].

[1] https://oakvillechoir.org/about-us/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oakville_Children's_Choir [3] https://choralcanadafloat.ca/?post_type=artist&p=296 [4] https://icchoir.org/about/ [5] https://kids.kiddle.co/Oakville_Symphony_Orchestra