Join our FREE Email List

The audition itself is informal and consists of singing “games” during which a small group of boys sing as a group and individually. Boys who are accepted are placed in the entry– or intermediate–level choruses, depending upon their musical level. SingFest and auditions are held at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter, Redwood City.

Participating with Ragazzi

Peninsula-based Ragazzi Boys Chorus is a world-class choral performing organization for boys ages 7 through 18. Ragazzi has experienced phenomenal success and growth since its founding in 1987, reflecting the organization’s uncompromising commitment to excellence.

Ragazzi’s mission is to:

• Perform the best traditional and innovative choral literature.
• Provide musical training - developing skills in ear training and sight singing, an understanding of theory, and an appreciation of music and the arts in general.
• Offer all boys the opportunity for personal, intellectual and artistic growth, fostering such qualities as self-confidence, cooperation, leadership, sensitivity and a commitment to excellence.
• Enrich the community through its gift of music, and its education of boys to be contributing members of society.
  

Ragazzi has five chorus groups with increasing levels of musical ability. Depending on the level of the group, they rehearse once or twice a week from September to June in Redwood City. Ragazzi also holds an overnight 12-day Music Summer Camp each year.

It is Ragazzi’s policy that all boys be able to read music and understand the theoretical foundation of the music they are singing. Learning music theory is an integral part of being a musician and is taught during weekly rehearsals. Ragazzi’s Theory Director also offers additional theory guidance prior to rehearsals from 5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Ragazzi performs its own concert series and collaborates with prestigious organizations from the Bay Area such as the San Francisco Opera, the San Francisco Symphony, West Bay Opera, Masterworks Chorale, the Lawrence Pech Dance Company, the Peninsula Symphony, and the Stanford University Symphonic Chorus.

Choral training with Ragazzi builds a boy's self-confidence and teaches him leadership and perseverance in a spirit of community and cooperation. Through training in sight-reading, vocal development, music theory and stage presence, Ragazzi prepares boys to be accomplished performers of outstanding musical works representing our diverse cultural heritage.

PROGRAM COSTS

Tuition

Ragazzi partially funds its program by charging tuition which covers approximately 40% of the organization’s cost. Ragazzi has a flexible tuition, camp and tour expense plan, scaled according to a family’s ability to meet the financial commitment.

Ragazzi maintains a “sibling policy” for families with two or more boys enrolled in the Chorus. Tuition for each additional boy enrolled concurrently with a sibling is discounted 10%. This policy does not apply to Camp.

Expenses

• Music Program tuition: $1325
• Registration: $175.  For first time students only (includes theory materials and music bag)
• Uniform: $100 (approximately)
  Uniforms are required for all choristers.  The uniforms are shirts, pants, ties, and, depending on level, vests or blazers. Blazers are provided by Ragazzi, subject to a rental fee. Used uniforms are available.