Summer
Singing
Club
Theme: OPALITE
This summer, older singers are invited to grow, connect, and make music together in Georgia Children’s Chorus Summer Singing Club —a flexible, low-pressure program designed for rising 6th–12th graders.
Meeting Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00–6:30 PM, June 16 through July 23, this ensemble offers a unique opportunity for singers to stay vocally engaged over the summer while building skills and exploring a wide range of musical styles.
Inspired by the luminous, ever-changing qualities of opalite, this session embraces versatility and expression through a diverse repertoire, including:
Classical selections
Contemporary pop arrangements
Musical theater favorites
Jazz-influenced pieces
Rehearsals will focus on both artistry and technique, helping singers develop:
Healthy vocal technique and tone
Music theory fundamentals and literacy
Listening skills and ensemble awareness
Confidence and individuality in performance
Singers will work collaboratively in a supportive, encouraging environment that values both musical excellence and creative exploration.
The session will culminate in a featured performance at the Athens Farmers Market on July 18 (between 9:00–11:30 AM), giving participants the chance to share their work with the community in a fun, relaxed setting
Whether you’re looking to maintain your vocal skills, try new styles, or simply enjoy making music with others, Summer Singing Club is a meaningful and enriching way to stay connected to singing all summer long!
Find Your Voice
✳︎
Choral Experience
✳︎
Build Musicianship
✳︎
Mixed Repertoire
✳︎
Perfomance Practice
Find Your Voice ✳︎ Choral Experience ✳︎ Build Musicianship ✳︎ Mixed Repertoire ✳︎ Perfomance Practice
FAQ
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Any rising 6th through 12th grader who loves to sing! No previous experience necessary.
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That’s okay! Summer time is full of vacation traveling and altered schedules. Try to come to as many rehearsals as possible, but if you need to miss a few, we will understand!
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A variety of styles will be represented in our repertoire, including popular songs (like Opalite!) and musical theater favorites. There will be something for everyone!
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Details coming soon!
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Registration fee: $25
Tuition for the entire summer: $200
Personnel
Natalie Smith
Incoming GCC Artistic and Executive DirectorNatalie Smith is a musician and community arts leader based in Athens since 1999. A lifelong musician, she began singing in choir at age two, studying piano at age five, and flute at age 11. These experiences helped to shape her belief that children thrive when they are both challenged and deeply supported.
Since 2001, Natalie has taught private lessons, preschool music classes, arts camps, and small group sessions, developing a thoughtful, student-centered approach to music education. She is the founder of HEART Music, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality music instruction through a partnership with the Clarke County School District.
A professional flutist for nearly two decades, Natalie performs with orchestras and world music ensembles across the Southeast and is a founding member of the children’s entertainment band The PG Show.
Natalie holds a master’s degree in Flute Performance and bachelor’s degree in Music Theory from the University of Georgia.
Neil Golden
AccompanistNeil grew up in a musical family in the Upstate region of South Carolina and began playing piano and other instruments at an early age.
He won numerous awards in composition and performance, including being the SCMTA solo recitalist winner at age 17, and went on to earn a degree in music from Lander University.
Neil moved to Athens, GA, in 1999 and began touring the world and recording with many musical acts including The Glands, Elf Power, Japancakes, Luke Roberts, Calvin Orlando Smith, Golden Eels, and Anne Richmond Boston.
In 2019, Neil began playing piano for The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Athens, where he refocused on classical music and sparked an interest in jazz piano, often performing and accompanying vocalists, instrumentalists, and choirs.
Summer Singing Club Registration Form
Please complete a separate entry for each participant, then come back to this page pay your club fees.
Summer Singing Club Fees
Paying the non-refundable registration fee is required to hold your singer’s spot. Full tuition payment is due by the first day of singing club.
