First Experiences in Singing
FIRST EXPERIENCES IN SINGING
An introduction to vocal instruction from an award-winning children’s chorus.
Registration for our 2025|26 FES classes will begin this summer. Click the link below to get notified when registration opens.
LACC’s First Experiences in Singing is now a year-long program meeting for 10 weeks each in the fall and spring. In 2024|25, the year-long class cost $1,033 + a $100 registration fee (we expect this cost to increase by approximately 3% in 2025|26).
The program is offered to first graders (last season on Wednesdays) and second graders (last season on Mondays), with enough sessions offered to meet demand. Enrollment for FES begins in summer; click here to be notified when registration opens.
First Experiences in Singing exposes young singers in first and second grades to core melodic and rhythmic musical exploration through high-quality folk song, using the bel canto vocal technique. Students enjoy many opportunities to sing solos, play musical games, and use physical manipulatives to practice musical sight-reading and writing skills.
Through the FES program, children:
- gain experience and confidence singing in bel canto technique in group, small group, and solo settings
- learn tonal and rhythmic skills through Kodály-based sequential lessons from master teachers
- become familiar with high-quality folk songs, singing games, and dances, and
- demonstrate the skills learned through a final demonstration (an informative performance, or informance) for parents, family, and friends.
SEMESTERS OF FIRST EXPERIENCES IN SINGING
In the first semester of FES, children will explore the joy of singing. Vocal production based in head tone or the upper voice will be explored through simple exercises (sirens, animal sounds, etc.) as well as songs. Additionally, the concepts of pitch, pulse, rhythm, pitch, solfege (so, mi, la, do), and the music staff are explored through kinetic, visual, and aural games. The additional solfege syllable (re) will be introduced. Full body breathing will be taught. Additional rhythmic note values, time signatures, and conducting will be introduced.
In the second semester, along with reinforcing all previous concepts learned in the fall, children will learn to create bel canto vowels through the use of American folk songs. Introductory experiences in rhythmic and melodic dictation (translating aural patterns to the written music staff), will be presented. Dynamic contrast will be experienced through aural examples and games. Joyous self-expression is deepened. Children will practice vocal exercises that develop a blended choral sound and establish a foundation for healthy vocal production. Musical scales, tempos, and partner songs will be explored. The extended Do pentatone will be completed with the introduction of High Do. Staff dictation examples are drawn from class repertoire. Kinetic activities and listening examples continue to provide engaging experiences while deepening musical understanding. Additional activities assist children in finding their artistic voice.