The Structure of the North American Choral Company

The NACC operates within 3 main areas:
Education, Performance, and Concert Production.

Our educational programs include school-based choirs conducted as part of the school day in several GRPS buildings, after-school tutoring, jazz history and music theory instruction, and the summer component of the Believe To Become initiative led by the Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation.

Our primary performing ensembles meet after school at Park Church choir room located on the corner of Park Place and Fulton...right across the street from the Grand Rapids Public Libary.

Our concert production arm is called, NACC Presents.  It's aim is simple: to bring more interesting and exciting vocal music performances to Grand Rapids, and use the revenue to provide financial scholarships to children from families who need it most. Attending an NACC Presents event is a fabulous way to support the kids we serve. 
 

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NACC Performing Ensembles
(Grade levels are approximate.  Consideration is given to a singer's vocal ability and maturity level.)



Children’s Choir – Grades 3-5
Children’s Choir teaches young singers in grades 3-5 the basics of good singing; vocal production, breathing techniques, beginning music reading skills, and tone quality. They sing unison and 2-part music that represents a variety of cultures and musical styles. Movement is incorporated into the repertoire when appropriate.



Concert Choir – Grades 6-8
Concert Choir is an advanced choir of singers beginning in grades 6-8. In this ensemble members continue to hone music comprehension, sight-reading, and vocal production skills. Their repertoire includes traditional choral works, folk music, world music and some contemporary popular music. Yearly, this ensemble joins the other advanced ensembles to perform a large work and frequently performs in collaboration with other NACC ensembles.


Chorale – Grades 9-12
Chorale is a four-part, SATB ensemble for high school students. It performs music in a myriad of styles from traditional acoustic choral music including large choral works, to musical theater, rock and r&b, plus music from many different cultures from all around the world. Along with fundamental singing skills, emphasis is placed on music theory and aural comprehension. Further emphasis is placed on repertoire’s cultural and historical significance. Music theory and sight-reading skills are not required, but will be developed in this ensemble. Singers are expected to practice their music outside of their weekly rehearsal.
Performances employ theatrical elements including some costuming, limited movement, spoken word, projection, lights, sets and props. This ensemble regularly performs alone and in conjunction with other NACC ensembles.

NACC Singers - Adults
This adult ensemble performs in concerts alone, with our youth choirs, and with other community groups. Its material includes vocal jazz, pop, gospel, theater, folk and choral music from every corner of the world in solo and group performances. Repertoire requires a high level of musicianship and singing abilities. Sight-reading skills understanding of basic music theory are required. Membership is by audition only.

 

School-Based Choirs
The North American Choral Company has school based choirs in five Grand Rapids Public Schools. These ensembles rehearse during the academic day. As the singers progress they matriculate into the ensembles that rehearse after-school.

East Leonard Voices
Montessori Voices
Palmer Voices
Sherwood Academy Voices
William C. Abney Academy