The Valuable Partnership Between Community Youth Choirs and School Choirs

Chris Maunu, Artistic Director, Pacific Youth Choir

NWACDA R&R Chair, Community Youth Choirs

chrismaunu.com

The relationship between community youth choirs and school music programs is one of tremendous mutual benefit and enrichment. Rather than competing, these two entities can work together to provide students with a holistic and expansive choral education. Non-profit children and youth choirs offer unique opportunities that complement the strong foundation built by school programs, helping students discover new areas of growth and artistic expression. I spent the majority of my career (17 years) at the helm of a large public school choir program in Colorado. Now, as new Artistic Director of Pacific Youth Choir (PYC), I’ve experienced from “both sides” how these partnerships deepen students’ musical experiences and strengthen the broader community. While this article is mostly viewed through the lens of secondary students, I believe you’ll find that it applies to all levels K-12.

Why Expand Horizons Beyond the Classroom?

School choir programs are vital for young musicians, providing essential instruction in vocal technique, ensemble work, and performance experience. Under the guidance of amazing educators, these programs ignite students' passion for singing and lay a strong foundation for musical growth. Community youth choirs, on the other hand, allow students to explore new dimensions of their musicianship. These may include more varied repertoire, unique performance opportunities, access to renowned conductors, guest artists, or performances at major venues. Where school programs must balance a range of student interest, community choirs allow the hungriest singers to dive even deeper into their craft. Depending on the program they engage in, these youngsters may have opportunities to perform with professional orchestras, engage in international tours, and much more.

Rather than duplicating school efforts, community youth choirs aim to build upon the great things school programs already offer, providing experiences that push young musicians to further grow and refine their skills. Collaboration between school and community programs helps students take their passion for singing to new levels while bringing those experiences back to the classroom, cyclically enriching both settings.

Unique Opportunities for Growth and Connection

Like honor ensembles or festival choirs, non-profit youth choirs can help students identify a more holistic view of musicianship. The skills and leadership students acquire at these events not only encourage their personal growth but often enhance their contributions in their school choirs. Youth choir engagement yields similar results and the benefits are long lasting. Numerous educators have shared with me how their students who participate in PYC have grown, enhancing their programs with new perspectives, leadership, and confidence.

Youth choirs create a space where students can be vulnerable, take risks, and build social skills in a new environment. As we all know, navigating self-doubt, anxiety, and social pressures is a daily challenge for our young people. A community ensemble offers them the chance to develop peer relationships outside the school setting and build confidence, free from preconceived notions tied to their school identity. Additionally, bonding with students from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, communities, and identities enhances their global perspective.

The youth choir conductor takes on the role of mentor and guide, offering singers leadership, self-motivation, and personal responsibility outside of an education setting. This unique outlet for personal growth provides students with a challenging, yet supportive and enriching experience.

How School Choir Programs are Strengthened

Community youth choirs serve as valuable extensions of school music programs. When schools and choirs partner, they create a continuum of musical education that offers expanded opportunities for students without placing additional demands on school resources.

For example, PYC recently hosted an honor choir with professional ensemble Choro in Schola, where 160 students from 30 schools participated, free of charge. We also hosted an all-day workshop with Grammy-winning ensemble Chanticleer, allowing 275 singers from several school ensembles to perform alongside and receive coaching from world class professional singers. PYC offers equally accessible events for elementary and middle school singers in the PDX community. These collaborations strengthen the overall music ecosystem, providing access to expert instruction and performance opportunities that are not always easy to finance within a school program.

Partnerships like these help schools expand their offerings and create enriching experiences for students. In my short time at PYC, I’ve visited dozens of schools, working with nearly 2,000 students through clinics, coaching, culture building, and more. The goal of these visits is to support local educators and students, reinforcing the partnership between school and our community programs.

Serving the Broader Community

Youth choirs don’t just foster individual talent—they serve the greater community by creating cultural and social hubs that connect people from diverse backgrounds. By offering public performances, community outreach, and collaborations with local organizations, youth choirs provide students with opportunities to give back and develop leadership skills.

Programs that demonstrate a tangible community benefit are increasingly appreciated. Youth choirs that prioritize service—such as performing for underserved communities, offering financial assistance, and participating in public events—are more likely to build lasting community relationships. These activities also help students see the broader impact of their musical efforts, fostering a sense of purpose and pride.

Can My Students Afford It?

Yes! Most community youth choirs prioritize access and inclusion, offering assistance to ensure that financial circumstances don’t prevent participation. At PYC, we provide over $50,000 annually in tuition assistance, ensuring that all young people can participate, regardless of economic circumstances. I highly encourage educators to explore the policies of your local youth organizations and promote these opportunities to your students.

Conclusion

The partnership between community youth choirs and school music programs is one of great mutual enrichment, yet somewhat underused. By working together, these institutions provide students with opportunities for growth, leadership, and connection—both musically and personally. This collaboration strengthens school programs, serves the larger community, and helps create a supportive environment where all young singers can thrive. Feel free to reach out anytime if you wish to chat or if I can be of assistance to you and your singers!