South Hadley Children’s Chorus
The South Hadley Children’s Chorus enrolls girls and boys (with unchanged voices), ages 7-14, from many Pioneer Valley towns, from public and private schools and homeschool situations, rehearsing Wednesday afternoons between September and May. Seven public performances in 2008-09 included Amherst College, Smith’s John M. Greene Hall, the Holyoke Children’s Museum and Springfield’s Symphony Hall with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Children are accepted by informal audition testing a child’s ability to read words and match pitches. The final audition date for the 2009-10 season is Wednesday, September 9.
Founded as a six-week, one-concert ensemble in 2001 by Catherine Waldron, the Children’s Chorus begins its fourth nine-month season under the baton of Dr. Catharine Melhorn. Still partially subsidized by the South Hadley Chorale, the Children’s Chorus has traditionally depended on grants from the South Hadley Cultural Council and donations from a few generous community patrons, as well as membership fees of $100 per year per child, with scholarships and discounts for siblings available.
Cathy Melhorn, Conductor
Cathy Melhorn, recently retired as long-time Choral Director at Mount Holyoke College, is a graduate of Smith College with advanced degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Illinois. She has led Mount Holyoke choirs on tours to China, South America, Eastern and central Europe, England, Wales, Costa Rica and throughout the US and Canada. Between 1987 and 1992, Ms. Melhorn was founder and director of the highly successful Mount Holyoke Children’s Choir which performed throughout the Pioneer Valley, with the Springfield Symphony and in New York City. She is thrilled with this opportunity to work again with young singers.
"I really love watching kids develop a passion for singing in the company of other children who share their interest and enthusiasm. Through exciting repertory drawn from many different cultural traditions and good vocal training, I aim to nurture the artist in each child. The kids learn songs, of course, but also poise, self-esteem and the joy of creating and sharing something beautiful through careful and persistent practice. And it's great fun!"