Community Response to the Berks Classical Children's Chorus

Tom McMahon, Mayor of Reading, visits BCCC during its Music in the Schools
program at GoggleWorks, Friday, April 21. With the mayor and the BCCC
singers are students from Lauer's Park Elementary School.

What does the community say about BCCC?
Susan Peña, Reading Eagle/Times
"The [BCCC] MasterSingers showed their polished, lovely sound and perfect diction in Gershwin's 'I Got Rhythm/Fascinating Rhythm' and 'A Foggy Day,' and in a Berlin medley whose highlight was a precise, hushed 'Puttin' on the Ritz.'" (1/22/06)

"The Berks Classical Children's Chorus presented a segment with the group's usual precision and sweet sound." (12/14/99)

"The BCCC's subsequent performances were beautifully prepared and precise to the last completely memorized syllable." (12/14/98)

"The BCCC has maintained its reputation for precision and musicality." (12/16/97)

Jean Ashworth Bartle, Founder/Music Director,
Toronto Children's Chorus, Toronto, Canada
"What a privilege it was for me to conduct the Berks Classical Children's Chorus at the Heritage Music Festival in New York City last April [2001]. The choristers sang not only with beautiful tone quality, great musicality, and impeccable diction, but also with strong commitment and infectious joy." (5/22/01)

Judith Willoughby, Founder, Temple University Children's Choir, Philadelphia, PA; Associated Director of Choral Activities, Oklahoma City University, Oklahoma City, OK
"The Berks Classical Children's Chorus is an outstanding musical resource for the children of northeast Pennsylvania. They sparkle with their beautiful tone, sophisticated musicianship, winning ensemble and stage presence. They are a community treasure!" (8/6/01)

Greg Funfgeld, Artistic Director/ Conductor, The Bach Choir of Bethlehem, Bethlehem, PA
"The Berks Classical Children's Chorus is a precious thing in our world - an ensemble of gifted and disciplined young people, impeccably prepared by passionate and nurturing mentors. Their artistry and the beauty of their singing are truly impressive. It has been a privilege to work with them. These young singers help ensure that the future of the choral art in America is in very good hands indeed." (8/20/01)

David DeVenney, Music Director of the Reading Choral Society
"I have always found [BCCC] thoroughly prepared, actively engaged in the musical process, and mature in the presentation and musicianship." (10/15/99)

Sidney Rothstein, Music Director of the Reading Symphony Orchestra
"The musical discipline shown and heard each time that the BCCC has sung with the RSO is indeed impressive." (10/15/99)

Philip A. Metzger, The Morning Call
"One of the treats of the first half was the Berks Classical Children's Chorus." (5/8/99)

Hear what music educators say about the magic of BCCC!

Andrea C. Brumbach, Music Teacher, Exeter Township Senior High School & BCCC Parent
"I have found that the BCCC singers that are members of my choirs tend to be more disciplined; have a more developed head tone & tone quality; have more range; have excellent intonation and have experience with more difficult literature. They lead their sections, and have more advanced musicianship skills."

Sandra Sittler, Retired, Music Teacher, Reading High School
“Berks Classical Children's Chorus has been nurturing the musical skills of our young people for over ten years. The young singers who participate in the chorus learn a wide variety of musical and personal skills that will stay with them, and enrich and change their lives and the lives of those who are fortunate to hear them perform.”

Donnasue Thompson, Music Teacher, Cornwall Terrace Elementary School & BCCC Parent
"Students who participate in BCCC enjoy the challenge of higher level choral reading skills as well as the joy of meeting new friends who share in their love of music."

Kathryn Wadsworth, Music Teacher, Governor Mifflin School District & BCCC Parent
“As an elementary music teacher, I am often asked by parents to recommend a voice teacher. I always reply that the best training for children's voices available in this area is BCCC. As the parent of a MasterSinger, I have also experienced the joy of watching my son create breathtaking music as part of an outstanding musical ensemble.”

Rosemary Barrell, Music Teacher, Oley Valley Middle School & BCCC Parent
“As a music educator and parent of a MasterSinger, I have found Berks Classical Children's Chorus to be a wonderful way for talented young people to expand their school music experience. The training they receive proves invaluable in all their endeavors.”

Berks Classical Children’s Chorus
201 Washington Street
Reading, PA 19601

Phone: 610-898-SONG (610-898-7664)
Fax: 610-898-SUNG (610-898-7864)
Email: bcccsings@dejazzd.com
Website: www.bcccsings.org