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.

Ensembles

  • Mondays 4-5 pm

    The Minims are our youngest ensemble, accepting choristers from grades K-2. Taught by Willa Albrecht, throughout the course of the year, they learn the foundations of music theory and performance, leading to a lifelong love of music. We cover solfege, the basics of reading music, and the techniques for healthy vocal production, all while incorporating fun and encouraging curiosity. The Minims perform in our all-choir performances at the end of the semesters, and, following the Kodály method, learns repertoire based in folk traditions spanning through the centuries.

  • Mondays 5-6:30 pm

    The Madrigals are our newest ensemble, made up of choristers in grades 3-5. They perform in our spring and fall concerts and sing with our older ensembles, where they are able to learn concert etiquette both by instruction and example. Their rehearsals and repertoire are structured to continue building strong musical foundations, with a focus on learning theory through solfege and harmonic exploration. They will learn the basics of sight-reading and sight-singing, as well as the historical relevancy of all their repertoire. Students from all musical backgrounds are welcome in this ensemble, including absolute beginners!

  • Wednesdays 4-6 pm

    The Motets are our middle-school aged mixed ensemble. This ensemble performs in all our featured performances throughout the year, as well as our full-ensemble concerts.Led by Evan Alparone, the Motets ensemble is designed for middle school singers who are ready to take the next step in developing their voices and musicianship. Rehearsals continue their development towards healthy vocal technique, helping students unlock greater range, control, and expressiveness. Using ear training and music theory students build a deeper understanding of how music is structured and performed while developing stronger sight-reading skills and the confidence to tackle more advanced repertoire, including multi-part harmonies. Students are encouraged to suggest music they enjoy and feel personal connection to from their own lives, helping them feel more connected to the repertoire while exploring and performing diverse styles.

    New Motet members must sign up for a Musical Assessment with Mr. Tam

  • Mondays 4-6 pm

    The Troubadours, our younger boys’ choir, made up of the male members of the Motets.This group focuses on helping boys navigate vocal changes in a safe and supportive environment, and also looks at repertoire focused on historical examples of boys’ choirs.The Troubadours combine with our older boys’ choir, The Schola, for an hour on Mondays.

    New Troubadours must sign up for a Musical Assessment with Mr. Tam

  • Mondays 4 pm-7pm

    The Schola features our oldest and most accomplished singers, with both treble and changed voices. Led by Derek Tam, the group explores a diverse and eclectic repertoire, and also focuses on building additional vocal and musical skills. The Schola is invited and expected to perform at various engagements.

    New Schola members must sign up for a Musical Assessment with Mr. Tam

  • Tuesdays or Thursdays 4 - 6 (TBD)

    The Polyphonics is our only auditioned, all a-cappella ensemble. They perform the most, at a cappella competitions and showcases, as well as at local events and their very own concert for Mothers’ Day. The Polyphonics perform a variety of a cappella repertoire from a long history of mens’ a cappella and are also given the opportunity to perform their own arrangements. 

Join Us!

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.

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

Is your child in middle school or above? Make sure to sign up for a musical assessment with our artistic director, Derek Tam at the calendar here.

Our music assessments are a way for us to get to know your singer's current ability and musical level. Mr. Tam will cover the bases of theory, pitch accuracy, and sight reading ability with your singer to make sure we know how we can best accommodate their needs and interests in our choir.

Any questions? We’d love to help!

Ready to register? Click the link below!

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.