History

In 1985, six students from the Essex Middle School in Vermont, inspired and driven to learn, persuaded their music teacher, Constance J. Price, to instruct them outside of school. Under her leadership and guidance, these young students became the founding members of the Essex Children's Choir of Vermont.

The Choir, soon after its establishment, performed in Denmark at the Copenhagen Children's Choir Festival in recognition of excellence. The purity of sound and accomplished musicianship of the children propelled the reputation of the ECC. The Choir's underpinning philosophy to treat music education as an academic discipline originated a unique legacy for music education within the state of Vermont. Through several generations of students, the Choir has performed at International, National and Vermont State Conferences, National and Vermont Public Radio, as well as local television. The lives of children throughout Vermont and the United States have been enriched through the Choir’s artistry, education program, and community service.

Our program nurtures musical understanding and vocal development, teaching the language of sound and its form to achieve excellence in the production of pure tone. We have had the honor of collaborating with artists nationally and locally. Karen Reed, our accompanist, and Heidi Soons, harpist, have been with the Essex Children's Choir from its inception.

“I remember it being a very exciting and maturing experience, helping to organize and establish the choir. We really felt like we were co-creators in an artistic endeavor, a power with which children aren’t trusted.”

Adrienne Bean George, Founding Alumna

original logo design © Derek Bratek / site built by Michelle Trick / all material contained within © 2009 The Essex Children's Choir of Vermont / P.O. Box 8374 / Essex, VT 05451