Ragazzi Boys Chorus is organized into six chorus levels. Each level requires 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, typically in grades K-1.

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

Chorus Levels

Primary boys (beginners) learn the basics of music theory, vocalizing, and practical musicianship. Primary choristers perform twice a year at Ragazzi’s winter and spring recitals. They may have one or more short private performances. Boys typically continue at the Primary level 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, Burlingame on Tuesdays, 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.