The Meaford Children's Choir is launching summer programs for children aged 7-13 with a weekly Choir Club drop-in and a day camp. The choir offers a welcoming environ-ment for children to learn musical skills and make friends while receiving professional singing instruction, with no experience necessary and no cost to participate.

Choir Club takes place on Tuesdays at 4pm starting June 12. This 90 minute drop-in program develops confidence and skills in music through games and creative activities, leading to singing familiar songs and learning new repertoire. For the first time, Choir Camp will also be offered from 9am - 4pm daily, running August 20 - 24. The camp op-erates on a by-donation basis, with a suggested donation of $50 for the week of camp. This camp will feature fun with singing, instruments, songwriting, games, and fun with food and outdoor activities.

The choir has been directed by Lauren Best since fall 2017. Best is well known locally as a singer-songwriter and Owen Sound's Poet Laureate. Inspired by the positive local impact made by the choir, she championed expanding programming into the summer after the choir's regular season ended in May.

"I imagined the valuable musical experiences that we could bring to the community throughout the summer by offering an extended drop-in version of what the Meaford Children's Choir offers through the year," explains Best, who will facilitate both Choir Club and Choir Camp. "By also creating a day camp, even more children will have the opportunity to benefit from an immersive musical learning experience."

Occasional performances take place at Christ Church Anglican and in the community. The choir will perform as part of the Father's Day service at Christ Church Anglican at 10:30am on June 17th, which will be followed by a community Father's Day brunch at 11:30am.

source: media release, Meaford Children's Choir