Columbia Youth Choirs General Information
Registration for the 2025-2026 Season is now open! Sign up HERE.
About CYC: CAAM’s youth choir extension Columbia Youth Choirs (CYC) was established in 2013 to serve students in grades K-12 of any ability level, economic background, and cultural or religious affiliation. Its membership represents over 30 public, private, and homeschool programs in the region. The seven choirs and CYC Academy classes offered ensure any interested singer an opportunity to receive high-quality vocal music education at an affordable price. CYC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, registered with the State of Missouri.
Choirs/Classes
Poco Voce
Open to young musicians in grades K-1
Conductor: Piper Stow
Primo Choir
Open to singers in grades 2-4
Conductors: Chloe Prewett and Emily Edgington Andrews
Cambiare Chorus
Open to tenor/bass/changing voices in grades 5-12
Conductor: Topher Otake and Clara Smith
The Bellas
Open to treble voices in grades 5-12
Conductor: Emily Edgington Andrews
Canta Bella
Open to treble voices in grades 8-12, audition only
Conductor: Emily Edgington Andrews
Camerata
Open to SATB voices in grades 8-12, audition only
Conductor: Clara Smith and Topher Otake
CYC General Information
CYC Schedule At-a-Glance
Sundays at Columbia Independent School (1801 N. Stadium Blvd.)
3:30-4:20 p.m. Primo Choir, Open to singers in grades 2-4
3:45-4:20 p.m. Camerata, Open to SATB voices in grades 8-12, auditioned
4:30-5:20 p.m. Cambiare Chorus, Open to tenor/bass/changing voices in grades 5-12
4:30-5:20 p.m. The Bellas, Open to treble voices, grades 5-12, non-auditioned
4:30-5:00 p.m. Poco Voce, Open to grades K-1
5:20-6:00 p.m. Canta Bella, Open to treble voices in grades 8-12, auditioned (Click Here for Audition Information)
Important Season Dates
*A detailed calendar will be provided at the beginning of the season with additional specific dates related to the ensemble. Below are major dates that impact all.*
Session 1: August 24, 2025 – November 16, 2025
Session 2: January 25, 2026- April 26, 2026
Location
Rehearsals will take place at Columbia Independent School (1801 N. Stadium Blvd.)
Tuition
Keeping costs low is a vital component of CYC. Our tuition ranges $30-$180 per year depending on the class or ensemble. That’s just $7-$8 a week! Similar nearby choral programs cost up to seven times more (not including uniforms and tours). Our low rates do not cover the actual running cost of $416.88 per child. If you’re able, please consider adding a donation to help with costs such as staff salaries, sheet music, venue rentals, and printing. Or sponsor another singer in need! Click here to give.
Session Fees for 2025-2026
Poco Voce: $80/session or $140/year ($8.33/class)
Primo Choir, Cambiare, and Bellas: $100/session or $180/year ($7.20/rehearsal)
Canta Bella and Camerata: The standard cost of $100/session or $180/year PLUS an additional $50.
Session Fees example: A singer may participate in Bellas, Canta Bella, and Camerata. The total cost for that singer would be the following: Bellas ($180/year), Canta Bella ($50/year), Camerata ($50/year) for a total of $280/year.
- Have several singers in your family? Don’t worry! CYC offers multi-child/family discounts: 1st child is full price, and any additional siblings are 20% off.
- Scholarship and payment plan options are available and may be requested when filling out the membership information form.
Contact the CYC Coordinator if you have any questions!