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For boys ages 5-7: Prelude (no audition needed)
Start your child’s music learning journey with Ragazzi’s Prelude class! Intended for boys ages 5-7 in grades K-1, Prelude does NOT require an audition to join. Prelude students discover the basics of singing and music literacy through interactive songs, games, and dances.
CLASS SIZE: ~8-10 students
Teacher: Kyle Sofman
WHEN AND WHERE: Wednesdays in Redwood City (St. Peter’s Episcopal) 4:15 pm to 5 pm with Ms. Sofman
For boys ages 7-10: Primary Group (join via audition)
Primary Group choristers rehearse once a week for 2 hours and learn the basics of music theory, vocalizing, and practical musicianship. Primary choristers perform twice a year at Ragazzi’s winter and spring recitals and are invited to sing the National Anthem at a major sporting event (often a Giants baseball game) every year. Boys typically continue at the Primary level for 2 to 5 semesters until they are ready for success at the intermediate level (Ragazzi Premiere)
HOW TO AUDITION: No previous singing experience or preparation is required to audition. We know this is likely a boy’s first audition experience, so we keep the experience short, simple, and fun! Auditions take about 20-30 minutes and are held year-round. We
Ragazzi’s auditioned chorus levels begin instruction in September 2026 and conclude in June 2027.
CLASS SIZE: ~10-15 students
Teachers: Kyle Sofman, John Collaros
WHEN AND WHERE:
For boys ages 8-11: Ragazzi Premiere (prior experience recommended)
Premiere (intermediate beginners) choristers continue learning vocal technique, music theory, classroom and practical musicianship. Most Premiere choristers sang previously in Primary Group, but it is possible for boys new to Ragazzi to audition directly into this level if they possess prior music experience.
Increased behavioral and musical maturity allows Premiere boys to participate in our end-of-semester recitals and at selected public concerts and with some outside organizations, including singing the National Anthem at one or more major sporting events (often a Giants baseball game) every year. Premiere boys sing at the intermediate level for usually 2 to 5 semesters until ready for our upper level treble groups.
CLASS SIZE: ~18-25 students
Teachers: Kaori Nakano, Nathan Wilen
WHEN AND WHERE:
For boys ages 12-18: Advanced Ensembles (prior experience required)
Avanti (intermediate to advanced) boys deepen their skills as performers. These boys take 2 to 4 semesters to finish our music theory program and learn Ragazzi’s standard repertoire (pieces that can be performed at weddings or concerts). They learn and perform their own repertoire and occasionally perform with Concert Group and Young Men’s Ensemble. Avanti tours domestically every year in the summer. Avanti trebles may audition for Concert Group; those in voice change are eligible for Young Men’s Ensemble.
Avanti is intended for boys ages 9-13 in grades 4-8.
Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Concert Group (advanced) is our top group for treble voices. These boys learn very challenging music and are called on to collaborate with outside groups who require skilled trebles. Concert Group boys may be invited to audition for opera roles. They are expected to exhibit the highest standards of musical excellence, group cohesion, and poised professionalism. This group tours every year, either domestically or internationally. Boys continue in Concert Group until voice change, when they are eligible for Young Men’s Ensemble membership.
Concert Group is intended for boys ages 10-14 in grades 5-9.
Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. with one Saturday rehearsal per month
Young Men’s Ensemble (YME) is Ragazzi’s main chorus for changed voices. The group performs its own repertoire for tenors and basses, and may sing with the trebles to provide lower voice parts for mixed choral music. Ensemble members are expected to exhibit the highest standards of musicianship and professionalism, frequently perform publicly, and tour every year during the summer.
NOTE: Changed voice singers auditioning for YME should plan to attend our Summer Session overnight camp from July 26-August 1, 2026, which begins the 2026-27 season.
Young Men’s Ensemble is intended for boys ages 12-18 in grades 7-12.
Rehearsals are Wednesdays in Redwood City, 6:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Choral Scholars is a changed-voice chamber group selected from experienced Young Men’s Ensemble members. It is an internal honor choir. Membership requires great musicianship and singing, a demonstrated commitment to the program, and excellent citizenship. Choral Scholars rehearse with Concert Group weekly and monthly and perform repertoire of the highest difficulty and musical standards at home and on tour.
Choral Scholars are typically ages 14-18 in grades 9-12.
Rehearsals are Wednesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. with Concert Group in addition to continuing with Young Men’s Ensemble rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m. Choral Scholars also rehearse with Concert Group one Saturday per month
Alumni Ensemble
Ragazzi Continuo is a chamber ensemble open to Ragazzi alumni by audition. They perform their own concert series and occasionally sing with current Ragazzi choristers at recitals and concerts.