We create music.
We create fun.
We create community.
At Guelph Youth Singers (GYS), we believe that music has the power to inspire, unite, and transform. For over 30 years, GYS has nurtured young voices through a blend of fun musical experiences and classical voice training. We aim to foster a lifelong love of music, while also equipping our choristers with skills that transcend the stage and prepare them for success in all walks of life!
What We Do
GYS is more than a choir. We create music, but we also create community, connection, and personal growth. Our musicians perform in a wide range of settings, from local festivals to competitive events, and even in musical theatre and pop videos. Through structured mentorship and a supportive environment, we help each young singer reach their full potential, both musically and personally.
Why GYS?
Musical Excellence with Fun at Its Core
GYS combines the joy of singing with a commitment to high-quality musical training. Our choristers learn the fundamentals of vocal technique, music theory, and performance skills, while also enjoying the thrill of collaboration and the excitement of live performance!
Real-World Benefits
While many of our alumni go on to careers in music—whether as soloists, in opera, or in musical theatre—choral experience also provides valuable skills for any career path. Singing in a choir teaches discipline, teamwork, leadership, and creative problem-solving, all of which are essential skills in today’s fast-paced world. Whether GYS graduates pursue careers in business, trades, medicine, law, or education, the confidence, perseverance, and communication skills they develop at GYS serve them well in every field.
Digital Detox in a Screen-Dominated World
In a world where screens often dominate young people’s attention, GYS offers a creative and engaging outlet for self-expression. Our rehearsals and performances allow choristers to connect with each other in real life, building meaningful friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Our Programs
We offer a range of programs to suit different ages, skills, and interests, ensuring every child finds the right fit:
- Mini Music Makers: For children aged 4-8, this program introduces our youngest singers to the joys of music, focusing on developing musical awareness, rhythm, and vocal expression through fun and engaging activities.
- Summer Camps: GYS offers summer camps, where children entering grades 1–8 learn, rehearse, and perform a short musical. In addition to musical rehearsals, campers enjoy arts, crafts, drama, and dance activities. Each week concludes with a performance for families.
- Choir I: Young singers begin their choral journey and focus on foundational vocal skills, music appreciation, learning to read music, simple choreography, and gaining ensemble skills while learning music focused on singing in unison and two-part harmony.
- Choir II: This program for intermediate-level singers builds on the skills learned in Choir I. In addition, choristers focus on vocal technique, ear training, reading music at a higher level, singing in two- and three-part harmony, and learning repertoire in different languages.
- Chamber Choir: Our advanced singers build on the skills mastered in Choir II. They engage in learning challenging repertoire in three- and four-part harmony, and develop choral techniques that result in outstanding, polished performances. They continue learning to read increasingly difficult music, and have the opportunity to perform at a high level, including collaborations with other musical groups.
GYS in the Community
Guelph Youth Singers is deeply rooted in our local community. We regularly perform at events such as the Guelph Kiwanis Music Festival, where our choirs consistently earn high marks and recognition. We’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the Guelph Chamber Choir, performing at major events such as the Ontario Sesquicentennial Celebration, and we’re proud to be part of other local festivals and events, including the Guelph Multicultural Festival, Hillside Festival, the Guelph Santa Claus Parade, and Rockwood Party in the Park.
Beyond local events, our choirs have participated in national and international festivals, such as the Cantando Festival in Whistler, B.C., and have built long-lasting relationships with music organisations across Canada.
Accessible to All
At GYS, inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We offer scholarships to ensure that all young talents, regardless of financial background, can access our programs. From summer camps to year-long musical training, GYS is dedicated to making the arts accessible for every child.
Our commitment to accessibility extends to our partnerships with local schools through the GYS Kiwanis Choir, which brings together young singers from both the Upper Grand District School Board (UGDSB) and the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB). Through this program, we offer a wide range of students the opportunity to perform and grow together.
More Than Just Singing
Music at GYS is about more than just choral singing. When possible, we participate in music videos and incorporate musical theatre into our programs, providing choristers with additional opportunities to explore and showcase their talents:
- Music Videos: GYS choristers have been featured in productions such as “La La Land” by Toronto pop group Rosa Ingenious.
- Musical Theatre: Choir II recently performed The Island that Rocks!, an energetic musical about adventure and sustainability.
These dynamic experiences allow our choristers to expand their creative horizons.
Help your child unlock their full potential—join us at GYS and watch them discover their voice through the joy of singing!
