History of the Santa Rosa Children's Chorus
The Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus was founded in 1984 by Juelle Hinman in order to create a professional level, nondenominational chorus for the children of Sonoma County. During the first year and a half, the Chorus performed nineteen concerts for churches, schools, local organizations and private gatherings.
Carol Menke has been on the staff of the Chorus almost since its inception, and assumed the overall artistic leadership in 1992. The Chorus has performed with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Sonoma County Bach Choir, Ballet California's production of The Nutcracker, and with the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus. Annual tours have taken the Chorus to Los Angeles, the Gold Country, Monterey Bay, Seattle, and British Columbia. In July 1998, the Chorus went on a concert tour to Italy. They gave concerts in Rome, Florence and Venice, and sang a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. They also went on a concert tour to Germany and Austria in the summer of 2003.
Under the artistic direction of Carol Menke, the children are divided into three groups: Training, Intermediate and Concert. Selected by audition from all of Sonoma County, these choristers meet weekly to study and rehearse. They concentrate on the basics including theory, sight-reading and proper vocal technique. The Training and Intermediate Groups receive music theory instruction under the guidance of Claire Frydenlund. The remainder of the rehearsal time is spent on vocal training and repertoire to be performed under the direction of Carol Menke. The Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus under the artistic leadership of Carol Menke has grown in reputation and recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary in 2014. In early May 2015 they performed Mahler’s 3rd Symphony with the Santa Rosa Symphony at the Green Music Center.
In June 2016 the Concert Group is planning a concert tour to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic!
Carol Menke has been on the staff of the Chorus almost since its inception, and assumed the overall artistic leadership in 1992. The Chorus has performed with the Santa Rosa Symphony, Sonoma County Bach Choir, Ballet California's production of The Nutcracker, and with the Santa Rosa Symphonic Chorus. Annual tours have taken the Chorus to Los Angeles, the Gold Country, Monterey Bay, Seattle, and British Columbia. In July 1998, the Chorus went on a concert tour to Italy. They gave concerts in Rome, Florence and Venice, and sang a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. They also went on a concert tour to Germany and Austria in the summer of 2003.
Under the artistic direction of Carol Menke, the children are divided into three groups: Training, Intermediate and Concert. Selected by audition from all of Sonoma County, these choristers meet weekly to study and rehearse. They concentrate on the basics including theory, sight-reading and proper vocal technique. The Training and Intermediate Groups receive music theory instruction under the guidance of Claire Frydenlund. The remainder of the rehearsal time is spent on vocal training and repertoire to be performed under the direction of Carol Menke. The Santa Rosa Children’s Chorus under the artistic leadership of Carol Menke has grown in reputation and recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary in 2014. In early May 2015 they performed Mahler’s 3rd Symphony with the Santa Rosa Symphony at the Green Music Center.
In June 2016 the Concert Group is planning a concert tour to Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic!