Educational Outreach

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Live. Play. Sing.
Bring Cantus to your choir.

For more information, email our education outreach coordinator.

Cantus has become one of the most sought-after vocal groups in the United States. Through a rare combination of refined ensemble singing, youthful exuberance and broad repertoire, Cantus has created an important new voice in American musical life.

At the heart of Cantus’ mission is the desire to spread a love of singing to people of all ages, especially young men. Annually, the ensemble works with over 10,000 students in educational activities across North America. Our goal is to reinvigorate singers and provide useful, practical knowledge of how to make choral music a vital and engaging part of people’s lives. Over the years, Cantus has developed effective and engaging ways to work with singers of all ages.

In-School Performance

This is one of the best ways to reach elementary school children. Cantus will take your students on a trip around the world with delightful songs from many different lands and cultures. Along the way, students will hear Cantus tell the stories behind each of these songs, giving new appreciation for other cultures and a glimpse into the joy of singing. An in-school performance usually works best as a 45 minute event with time included for questions and answers.

Choir Master Class

This outreach can be geared for all ages, from elementary school, high school, college, church, or professional choirs. Cantus will sing a few pieces and then lead a master class. These master classes are high-energy, interactive events with all of the members of Cantus contributing their insights and suggestions. Cantus’ goal is not to coach individual pieces but to teach concepts of singing and performing that will apply to your choir’s entire repertoire. A choir master class usually works best as a 60-90 minute event with time included for question and answers.

Lecture/Demonstration
"[A] seasoned professional said that he had been here since 1954 and said that there had never been a presentation of this caliber given before." - Anchorage Concert Association

Cantus reveals the tricks of the trade in an hour long lecture and demonstration. In this session, the men of Cantus will talk about various vocal issues and ensemble considerations such as blend, use of vibrato, rhythm, consonants and communication and demonstrate their application in a variety of works. This session is best for more advanced choral ensembles and choral educators and lasts 60 minutes. The activity includes time for questions and answers.

Collaboration

Cantus has commissioned music specifically for the purpose of working with all types of singing groups. During a collaboration session, Cantus will use these commissioned works to provide an opportunity for your singers to sing with the men of Cantus. This collaboration may also culminate in Cantus’ local performance.

Day-Long Workshop

In a day-long clinic, Cantus will work with an ensemble, choir, or festival size group in a variety of activities. Included in the day are such things as: collaborating on a piece, lecture and demonstration, master classes, improvisation classes, vocal technique sessions, and performances by Cantus. This day is highly customizable to the needs and types of groups present and works to great effect for elementary to high school groups, college students, and adults. This day may also culminate in an evening concert.

Get Your Guys Singing

In a two hour clinic, Cantus will work exclusively with the men in your choral program. Cantus will teach your men one or two pop or world music pieces that they will be able to sing long after the ensemble leaves. Activities will include sectionals that will focus on vocal technique as well as a chance to work and sing alongside Cantus as fully collaborative partners. Your men will also get a chance to hear Cantus perform and ask questions about singing and vocal development. This activity is meant to create camaraderie and pride in your men that will spill into the rest of their musical lives. This activity works best with men grades 9-12.