Registration

Are you interested in registering your singer for the Berkeley Youth Choir? Please explore our ensembles and offerings, and let us know if you have any questions at the question box below.

If you are a returning parent, please follow this link to re-register your singer.

The Minims

Our ensemble with current open recruitment is The Minims — our youngest group!

The focus of the ensemble is to have fun while making music together, all with the intention of building a strong musical foundation — both through introducing musical theory and singing techniques, and through creating a positive, fun community where young musicians can explore their first connections to music. 

Join Us!

September 2026 Open Rehearsals

New Choristers can join us for up to 3 rehearsals before registering. Want to try it out commitment free? Check out our Open Rehearsals this September.

Open Rehearsals Registration

Ready to join in the fun? Click the link below to sign up for our Open Rehearsals this September!

Any questions? We’d love to help!

Ready to register for choir? Click the link below!

Choir Registration
Choir Registration

The Berkeley Youth Choir distributes financial aid on a case by case basis. For any inquiries, please contact walbrecht@sfems.org

Meet the Faculty

  • Black and white portrait of a man in formal attire with short hair, wearing a tuxedo and bow tie, against a plain background.

    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.

  • A young woman with short brown hair, smiling, wearing a green top, earrings, and a necklace, outdoors with trees and a metal gate in the background.

    Willa Albrecht

    ADMINISTRATOR & 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.

  • A portrait of a young man with curly brown hair, blue eyes, and light facial hair, wearing a white T-shirt against a black background.

    Evan Alparone

    INSTRUCTOR

    A Bay Area native with 15 years of teaching, conducting, and accompaniment experience, Evan Alparone earned his B.A. from University of California, Los Angeles and studied choral conducting at San Francisco State University. He served as Choral Director at Moreau Catholic High School and has music-directed more than 90 musicals, including Off-Broadway productions and major Bay Area theatre projects. Currently Music Director at Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco, Evan brings his passion for ensemble singing and musical theatre to every rehearsal and performance.