Welcome!
The Berkeley Youth Choir is a vibrant training and performance program for young singers, offering exceptional musical education grounded in centuries of choral tradition. Our choristers explore a wide range of repertoire, develop healthy vocal technique, and build strong ensemble skills under the guidance of experienced faculty. Through rehearsals, performances, and community-building activities, choristers learn the discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression that define great singing.
Please feel free to explore our past concerts, get in touch, or check out our upcoming events down below!
Looking for information on Registration? Learn more HERE
Join Us!
-
Mondays 5:15-6 pm
The Minims are our youngest ensemble, accepting choristers from grades K-2.
Taught by Willa Albrecht, the focus of the ensemble is to have fun while making music together, all with the intention of building a strong musical foundation through creating a positive, fun community where young musicians can explore their first connections to music.
Singers learn the basics of reading music, healthy singing techniques, and performance etiquette, as well as solfege using the Kodály method.
Tuition — $120/month
-
BYC has multiple ensembles on pause this fall and will be aiming to restart ensembles for older choristers in the spring.
Please contact us through the interest form below if you are interested in an older ensemble!
Interested in trying out a rehearsal or getting on our newsletter? Click below to fill out our interest form!
Watch the BYC 2026 Spring Concert
Missed the concert? You can now watch the full Berkeley Youth Choir Spring Concert, recorded on May 17th, 2026 at First Church Berkeley UCC (First Congregational). In this concert we honored our seniors as well as welcoming our youngest ensemble to the stage for the first time!
The Berkeley Youth Choir is ready to foster the next generation of singers!
Founded in the fall of 2025, the Berkeley Youth Choir is rooted in our mission to expand access to music education. This choir will empower young singers to develop their voices, artistry, and sense of community. Through rigorous training and meaningful performance opportunities, it builds pathways for lifelong engagement in the arts.
The Berkeley Youth Choir is a vibrant training and performance program for young singers, offering exceptional musical education grounded in centuries of choral tradition. Participants will explore a wide range of repertoire, develop healthy vocal technique, and build strong ensemble skills under the guidance of experienced faculty. Through rehearsals, performances, and community-building activities, choristers learn the discipline, teamwork, and artistic expression that define great singing.
In addition to local concerts, the choir will participate in tours and competitions, giving young musicians the opportunity to share their artistry with audiences across the country and around the world. These experiences foster confidence, broaden cultural understanding, and create lifelong memories for participants.
The program currently offers performing ensembles for ages 8-18, as well as an Intro to Music Class for K-2 students, ensuring a clear pathway for early musical engagement and growth. We hope you will join us on this journey!
Meet the Faculty
-
Derek Tam
DIRECTOR
The Executive & Artistic Director of SFEMS as a whole, Derek has extensive experience working with youth choral ensembles. For four years, he served as artistic director of the 70-voice Star Valley Children’s Choir, and he was also responsible for resurrecting a choral program at Berkeley High School in 2013, He is excited to work again with developing singers to expand their knowledge and passion for choral singing.
-
Willa Albrecht
INSTRUCTOR
A Pomona College graduate with a B.A. in Music, Willa has a deep background in choral performance, leadership, and education. She has sung with the Pomona College Choir, Glee Club, and Coro Des Moines Choral Festival, performing a wide range of repertoire in both domestic and international settings. Willa is excited to bring her love of choral music and teaching to the Berkeley Youth Choir.