History

SingersMarin, (Choral Singers of Marin) is an association of choruses that was founded to serve the community and preserve the choral art. SingersMarin has three avenues of service. First, we provide singers of all ages the opportunity to experience the joy of making music together. Second, we bring that joy to the community through our outreach program and public concerts. Third and most important, we strive for the highest level of musical standards in all of our presentations.

Founded by Artistic Director, Jan Pedersen Schiff in January, 1987, Choral Singers of Marin, Inc. became a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization in July, 1988 with Wings of Song as its first ensemble. This all-female (non-auditioned) chorus continues to grow in numbers and in excellence.In September of 2001, the chorus expanded to serve more women by holding rehearsals during the daytime and evenings, which also increased the number of performances they provide for the elderly audiences of Marin.The group sings a repertoire of familiar songs, including light classical, folk songs, show-tunes, and popular standards. In 1994, they hosted the California Women's Chorus Convention.The chorus recorded its first CD, Sentimental Journey, during the summer of 1999.

SingersMarin began building a mixed chorus in 1992.This group, originally called Choral Singers of Marin, became known as A Joyful Sound! Now performing only during the summer season, the chorus encourages families to participate together. The Marin Master Chorale, after four successful seasons, presented an historic final performance of the Berlioz, Requiem at Davies Symphony Hall in May, 2001. Today, American Choral Artists is the adult mixed chorus of SingersMarin. Included in its purpose are recording, touring, and becoming the model for excellence in the choral art.

Young Singers of Marin had its formal beginnings in 1996 as an outgrowth of a two-year sponsorship of the Marin High School Honors Chorus.The first all-female teen chorus chose the name les étoiles, and subsequently have become the “stars” of SingersMarin. Caroling Kids joined in the Fall of 1996, after a previously independent successful season. They recorded their first CD, "Simply Christmas" during the summer of 2000. SingersMarin expanded the children's program to spring rehearsals in 1999 to form a children's chorus for Carl Orff's Carmina Burana. These “star” programs now include the youngest children (6-8) participating as Twinkling Stars, and the next age level (9-12) as Starlights, with the best singers auditioning for les petites étoiles. SingersMarin is dedicated to providing a quality music education program for the young people of Marin County and committed to filling the gap left by the public schools in the area of vocal music.

In 1995 and 1999, through invitation, the adult singers performed at Carnegie Hall. In 1997, the choruses traveled to Berlin and Vienna to perform at the International Schubert Festival. In 1999, les étoiles performed at the Kiwanis Choral Festival in Vancouver, BC,and last summer at the Sydney Opera House where they received a gold award in the Australian International Music Festival, July,2001. Adult singers also performed the Berlioz, Requiem at the Sydney Opera House.

SingersMarin has also recently added to its series of illustrious awards and tours.  In 2004, les étoiles traveled to Bremen, Germany to compete in the Choir Olympics, where they received a bronze medal for their achievements.  In April 2006, Wings of Song and les etoiles returned to Carnegie Hall to perform the spring program of pieces by Ralph Vaughan Williams. In June of the same year, Celestial Voices participated in the Golden Gate International Children’s Choral Festival for the first time.  They competed in two categories and returned home with second and third place finishes.

Keep an eye out for SingersMarin choruses as they continue to make history.