Maroon Bel Canto Choirs

Program Overview

With two choir divisions for the 2024-2025 school year, Maroon Bel Canto Choirs (MBCC) offers beginning and intermediate singing opportunities for all:  Maroon Bel Canto Children’s Chorus (for upper elementary school students - see grades below, by school) and Maroon Bel Canto Singers (for middle school students).

Maroon Bel Canto Children's Chorus (MBCCC) gives students in upper elementary school the chance to participate in a traditional children’s choir with other young singers and learn the foundation of choral singing in a fun, supportive, high-energy environment. Singers rehearse weekly at their chosen MBCCC school site and then join with singers from across the valley in a mass rehearsal and a performance. No prior music or vocal experience required.

Maroon Bel Canto Singers (MBCS) is a smaller, more select ensemble for older students, with or without prior choral experience. In this choir for middle school students, singers rehearse weekly at their chosen MBCS school, sing with students from other schools in a mass rehearsal, act as section leaders for younger students, and perform a concert in March. With the focus squarely on older middle-school singers, we’ll learn fun and challenging repertoire, develop sight-reading skills, and build strong vocal technique!

Schools: 2024-2025 School Year

Maroon Bel Canto Choirs will run as an after-school program at eight several schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley during the 2024-2025 school year. Classes begin the week of October 14. All Roaring Fork Valley students (regardless of what school they attend during the school year) are welcome to participate in an after-school Maroon Bel Canto rehearsal at any hosting school. Please note that rehearsal dates and times are subject to change.

Meet the AfterWorks Teachers!

Maroon Bel Canto Children's Chorus: For upper elementary school students

Basalt Elementary School

• Grades 2-4
• Mondays, starting October 21
• 3:45 – 4:45 PM
• Directed by Kathryn Sansone
• Click here to view the class schedule

Crystal River Elementary School

• Grades 2-4
• Tuesdays, starting October 15
• 3:25-4:25 PM
• Directed by Annie Muir
• Click here to view the class schedule

Glenwood Springs Elementary School

• Grades 3-5, 
• Tuesdays, starting October 15
• 3:45-4:45 PM
• Directed by Emma Leake-Parker
• Click here to view the class schedule

Two Rivers Community School

• Grades 3-5
• Tuesdays, starting October 15
• 3:45-4:45 PM
• Directed by Cailey Arensman
• Click here to view the class schedule

Sopris Elementary School

• Grades 3-5, with 2nd graders accepted with director approval only
• Thursdays, starting October 17
• 3:45-4:45 PM
• Directed by David Parker
• Click here to view the class schedule

Maroon Bel Canto Singers: For middle school students

Basalt Middle School

• Grades 5-8
• Wednesdays, starting October 16
• 2:15 – 3:30 PM
• Directed by Katie Hone Wiltgen
• Click here to view the class schedule 

Carbondale Middle School

• Grades 5-8
• Thursdays, starting October 17
• 3:15 – 4:30 PM
• Directed by Madison McCutcheon
• Ross Montessori and Carbondale Community middle school students can participate by joining rehearsal after their school day has finished.
• Click here to view the class schedule

Riverview School

• Grades 5-8
• Tuesdays, starting October 15
• 3:45-4:45 PM
• Directed by Jen Sutton
• Click here to view the class schedule

Do you have a scheduling conflict with the Maroon Bel Canto Choirs day at your school this fall? We can help... Reach out to us about options!

After-School Program Cost: $210

Cost includes all rehearsals and concerts, snacks during the MBCC Workshop, bus transportation (on school district buses) to the MBCC Workshop, a music binder, all music, and a MBCCC/MBCS uniform shirt.

Please note that this program runs from mid-October through March and that students should commit to the entire series of rehearsals and performances. Of course, conflicts could arise, but in order for students to be a contributing member of a choral ensemble, they need to be in rehearsal as much as possible. If space allows at a particular school, mid-year enrollment will be permitted, and a prorated tuition rate may be offered. 

The AfterWorks Refund Policy is as follows:
Once a student has registered for an AfterWorks program (Beginning Strings, Chamber Music Lab, Lead Guitar, or Maroon Bel Canto Choirs), the following policy will apply to tuition refunds if that student chooses to leave the AfterWorks program:

• Before first class/rehearsal: full tuition refund
• Between first and third class/rehearsal: half tuition refund
• After third class/rehearsal: no refund 

Scholarships & Payment Plans

Tuition scholarships are available to students who demonstrate significant financial need. Tuition payment plans are also available, if necessary, and can be requested during the acceptance process.

Performances

• March 19, 2025 – Maroon Bel Canto Choirs Workshop & Showcase Concert, Location TBA
  • Depending on enrollment numbers, two workshop days may be needed. Dates will be confirmed shortly and communicated to participants. Maroon Bel Canto rehearsals end after the Showcase in March.

To learn more, please contact:
Heather Stanton, Vice President of Education and Community Programs
Email | 970 205 5057

Support for AMFS Education and Community Programs comes from Nancy Swift Furlotti and the Pettit Foundation, Dana and Gene Powell, Alpine Bank, Nancy Meinig - Meinig Family Foundation, the Fisher Family Fund at the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Edith Kallas and Joe Whatley, Golub Family Foundation, El Pomar Foundation, and Hensley and James Peterson.