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CORE VALUES

At VIVA, our five core values shape every rehearsal, concert, and learning experience for every age and stage. Read more about how we put these principles into practice below.

CHORAL PERFORMANCE ARTISTRY

High-quality choral performance and the joy of singing go hand in hand at VIVA. Choristers develop their musical skills through challenging repertoire, thoughtful rehearsal, and regular performances opportunities. We value both the process of learning and the achievement of a strong performance, and seek to give all singers engaging and rewarding musical experiences.

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In practice: 

  • nurturing the joy of singing while pursuing a high standard of musical and vocal performance

  • balancing the process of learning and rehearsing with the goal of a strong performance

  • providing regular performance opportunities, including in-house concerts, guest performances, and tours

  • exploring music from diverse genres through works by both contemporary and historic composers

  • developing healthy, age-appropriate vocal technique suited to a wide range of repertoire

  • providing our youngest choristers with fun, imaginative, and engaging singing experiences

CHORAL CREATION & VOCAL MUSIC EDUCATION

Choristers build musicianship through group singing, theory, ear training, one-on-one vocal instruction, and musical creation. These experiences help choristers develop the skills and confidence to understand their music, work independently, and explore their own creativity.

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In practice: 

  • learning from accomplished musicians and educators, including professional performers, conductors, composers, and experienced teachers

  • adapting teaching and programming to the needs and interests of the singers in our choirs

  • giving choristers opportunities to explore songwriting, composition, improvisation, and other forms of creation

  • learning through both individual study and collaborative music-making

  • contributing to research and evolving practices in vocal education, including work with the changing adolescent voices, aging voices, and transgender voices

INCLUSIVE CHORAL PRACTICES

We believe choral music should be accessible to everyone. VIVA welcomes singers of diverse ages, abilities, identities, and backgrounds, and works to reduce barriers to participation wherever possible. Singers are placed in ensembles where they can contribute, be challenged, and grow as musicians.

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In practice: 

  • creating a safe and welcoming environment where all choristers can make music together

  • developing inclusive choral practices and learning from the experiences of singers with disabilities

  • providing bursaries to help reduce financial barriers to participation

  • supporting singers in the Every Voice Matters Chorus, an entry-level ensemble that provides individualized support for singers with disabilities

  • applying inclusive choral practices across VIVA's choirs to support singers with diverse needs

CHORAL LEADERSHIP & MENTORING

VIVA provides young leaders and aspiring educators with opportunities to gain experience working with children, youth, adults, and singers with disabilities. These opportunities allow choristers to grow as musicians while developing the skills, confidence, and responsibility that come with leadership.

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In practice: 

  • developing leadership skills through collaboration, mentorship, and responsibility

  • providing opportunities for older and more experienced choristers to mentor and support younger singers

  • offering optional employment opportunities for teen and adult choristers

  • providing mentorship and professional development for aspiring and experienced educators

  • fostering leadership in the SATB Youth Choir by giving choristers opportunities to take on different musical roles

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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

VIVA brings together singers of different ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience through a shared love of choral music. Choristers become part of a community that extends beyond their individual choir, with opportunities to connect with other VIVA singers, artists, and the wider community.

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In practice: 

  • bringing together choristers from across Toronto and the GTA

  • creating opportunities for choristers from different VIVA choirs to sing and collaborate together

  • welcoming singers with a wide range of musical experience and skill levels

  • collaborating with composers, professional guest musicians, local Indigenous artists, and other arts and community organizations

  • fostering a partnership between the Every Voice Matters Chorus and Community Choir with regular joint rehearsal time and repertoire

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