Ragazzi Boys Chorus is organized into six chorus level. Each level demands increasing maturity, musical mastery, and artistic capability. Ragazzi also holds non-auditioned Prelude classes for very young boys and sponsors our alumni ensemble, Ragazzi Continuo.

Introductory Class

Prelude boys engage in a fun and active class for beginning musicians that nurtures their interest in music. Prelude is our only non-auditioned level and is open to boys ages 5-7.

Classes are Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in Redwood City

Chorus Levels

Primary boys (beginners) learn the basics of music theory, vocalism and practical musicianship. These boys perform twice a year, at Ragazzi’s winter and spring recitals. They may have one or more short private performances. Boys continue at the Primary level for usually 2 to 5 semesters, until they are ready for success at the intermediate level.

Rehearsals are 5:30 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. in Palo Alto on Mondays or Redwood City on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays.

Premiere (intermediate beginners) choristers continue learning vocal technique, music theory, classroom and practical musicianship. 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. Premiere boys sing at the intermediate level for usually 2 to 5 semesters until ready for our upper level treble groups.

Rehearsals are Mondays or Tuesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

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, also performing 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 the Young Men’s Ensemble.

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 tours either domestically or internationally every summer.

Rehearsals are Mondays and Wednesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Young Men’s Ensemble 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, to perform publicly, and tour every year.

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, and excellent citizenship. Choral Scholars rehearse with Concert Group weekly and monthly; they perform repertoire of the highest difficulty and musical standards at home and on tour.

Rehearsals are Wednesdays in Redwood City, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. in addition to continuing with Young Men’s Ensemble rehearsals, 6:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.

Alumni Ensemble

Ragazzi Continuo: A chamber ensemble open to Ragazzi alumni. They perform their own concert series and occasionally sing with the boys at recitals and concerts.