Look at our group!
The 2019-2020 BCC concert season was abruptly halted in mid-March of 2020 immediately follow the group's perfomance in Britton's War Requiem at the Eastman Theatre. It proved difficult to continue with "regular chorus" gatherings and performing altogether stopped. Then, in the fall of 2020, Nazareth College announced that their Community Music Program, of which the BCC was a member, would remain on hiatus for the 2020-2021 school year. Alas, in the spring of 2021, it was decided to close the CMP down for good, thus ending a 20 year residency at the institution.
It was a surprise, and once again, the chorus needed to rethink and restructure. It has been a bumpy journey, but the group has reemerged as the Bach Children's Chorus of Rochester, and they currently rehearsing at St. John of Rochester Catholic Church in Fairport, NY. The group is not affiliated with the church, but they have graciously offered up space for the chorus to gather as needed. Thank you for your continued support. Best, Karla and Jennifer Rochester Amerks
The BCC performed in public for the first time since March 2020. We were delighted to sing the National Anthems at a Rochester Amerks game as they took on the Laval Rockets. The BCC performed both the American and Canadian National anthems during this home hockey game. This event took place on Wed., April 13, 2021 at 7:00p at the Blue Cross Arena in Rochester. 
"LET FREEDOM RING" CONCERT
This Concert occurred at Pinnacle Lutheran Church in Rochester, NY. The BCC joined the Brockport Symphony Orchestra for two nights to pay tribute to the amazing woman and Rochesterians Harriet Tubman and Fredrick Douglass. It was very special to recognize relatives of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass who joined us tonight, including Jacqueline Sprague (great-great-niece of Nathan and Rosetta Douglass Sprague and Strategic Consultant for the Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Celebration) and Geraldine Howard (Harriet Tubman's great-great-grandniece who serves on the Learning Center Board, lives in Rochester, and was born in Auburn, Tubman's resting place). Thank you to Pinnacle Lutheran Church, the Greece Baptist Church,The Village of Brockport, First Presbyterian Church of Brockport, Cornerstone Christian Academy, and the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts for their wonderful support. The show was performed on two separate evenings: Thur., Apr. 28, 2021 at Pinnacle Lutheran Church, and Mon., May 2, 2021 at Greece Baptist Church. |
Our Annual Tradition
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2019-20 Season
"Of Grace and Giving"
Literature of friendship and faith, both classical and contemporary, provide the inspiration for this program. The NCSO will be joined by the Nazareth College Percussion Ensemble, the Wilmot Wind Quintet, and the Nazareth Bach Children’s Chorus, featuring the premier performance of movements from composer Mr. Brad Batz’s Mass of Grace. This performance was given on Friday, October 11, 2019 with the Nazareth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Nancy Strelau, conductor at the Beston Hall in Glazer Music Hall at Nazareth College. 
BCC in Carnegie Hall, 2014
The Bach Children's Chorus of Nazareth College performed with the RPO in the historic Carnegie Hall on May 7th, 2014. Rarely performed opera "Merry Mount" by Rochester composer, Howard Hanson. 
BCC at Fenway Park, May 23
New York City, 2018Images from the 2021-2022 Season |
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Rochester's Premier Music Ensemble for Children Age 7-15
The Bach Children's Chorus of Rochester is western New York's most respected children's classical music ensemble. The chorus appears regularly with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Rochester Chamber Orchestra, and other area ensembles. The girls and boys in the group range in age from 8 to 16 and are well known in Rochester’s arts community.
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The BCC selects its members through auditions from spring through summer for the following academic year. Please click on the Join Us tab for information about joining the chorus.
Students in the Bach Children’s Chorus receive exceptional vocal training and learn to appreciate many types of music. In addition, students have a wonderful time making friends and interacting with peers who have similar interests. Experiences throughout the year range from formal concerts, to sporting events, seasonal parties, and team building activities. The children meet weekly for rehearsals throughout the academic year. Rehearsals are Saturday. THE BCC CONTINUES TO BE EFFECTED BY THE PERILS OF COVID-19, AND WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING WITH AN ABBREVIATED SCHEDULE. PLEASE CONTINUE TO CHECK OUR WEBSET FOR ANY FUTURE EVENTS. |
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In our previous years, the chorus toured annually, usually during spring break. The BCC have sung at many exciting venues including the National Cathedral in Washington, DC, St. Patrick’s and St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in New York City, and in Williamsburg, Virginia. In the spring of 2018, the chorus toured New York City, and in 2019 they visited Toronto, Canada. They have sung at St. John's Episcopal church in Lafayette Square, where the Presidents' pray before their inaugurations. They have also performed the National Anthem at a Washington Nationals game and for the Rochester Amerks - both in English and in French. In 2014, the chorus traveled to NYC again, to perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in Carnegie Hall! The BCC continues to be the children's chorus of choice for the RPO and have performed in numerous operas, including Carmen, Carmina Burana, and La Boheme, as well as with the Nazareth College Jazz Ensemble.
The BCC was founded by its current director, Karla Krogstad, in 1989. Over 1,500 students have joined the Bach Children's Chorus singing family.
The BCC was founded by its current director, Karla Krogstad, in 1989. Over 1,500 students have joined the Bach Children's Chorus singing family.
The Bach Children's Chorus is celebrating its 33rd year of operation.
We would like to hear from Alumni, Family Members, and Current Students of the BCC.
Please visit our Alumni page, and submit a memory that will be shared on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Here are some examples of memories we've received. Read more here:
"We can't say enough good things about the Bach Children's Chorus. It's given our daughter the training and knowledge she needs to be a better singer. She's grown as a person and a performer, as well as become braver and more confident in general." ~ Brad and Jennifer Batz
"The Bach Children’s Chorus has given me a strong musical foundation. I have learned how to sing in harmonies, stay on pitch, be flexible with voice parts, and so much more from Mrs. Krogstad. I have found that I am at a great advantage among my musical peers due to these lessons I learned at an early age. I also have been able to experience the memories and friendships that BCC brings. These are things I will cherish forever." - Jenna D'Angelo
"Our daughter, Audrey, has experienced many different educational opportunities. The environment that the BCC provides for the students is far and above, the most professional, nurturing and well-organized of any we have encountered to date. Karla’s dedication to the success of each student is evident throughout every aspect of the program. We are delighted to be able to provide such a wonderful opportunity for Audrey."
- Brian and Kelly Scudder
"I loved having the privilege of singing such beautiful music with so many talented kids." [read more]-
Elizabeth Rossborough
"Over my (many) years in BCC I learned songs in a lot of different languages, and BCC fostered a love of languages in me that continues to this day. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the chance to be exposed in my early years to music and language through BCC, and I'm so glad to see it's around to celebrate 25 years!" [read more]- Chelsea Wiggins
"I loved performing in Handel's Messiah-- Even now when I hear the Hallelujah Chorus, I am immediately taken back to my BCC days and the thrill of participating in such a masterful piece of music!" [read more]- Alisha Bishop
We would like to hear from Alumni, Family Members, and Current Students of the BCC.
Please visit our Alumni page, and submit a memory that will be shared on our website.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Here are some examples of memories we've received. Read more here:
"We can't say enough good things about the Bach Children's Chorus. It's given our daughter the training and knowledge she needs to be a better singer. She's grown as a person and a performer, as well as become braver and more confident in general." ~ Brad and Jennifer Batz
"The Bach Children’s Chorus has given me a strong musical foundation. I have learned how to sing in harmonies, stay on pitch, be flexible with voice parts, and so much more from Mrs. Krogstad. I have found that I am at a great advantage among my musical peers due to these lessons I learned at an early age. I also have been able to experience the memories and friendships that BCC brings. These are things I will cherish forever." - Jenna D'Angelo
"Our daughter, Audrey, has experienced many different educational opportunities. The environment that the BCC provides for the students is far and above, the most professional, nurturing and well-organized of any we have encountered to date. Karla’s dedication to the success of each student is evident throughout every aspect of the program. We are delighted to be able to provide such a wonderful opportunity for Audrey."
- Brian and Kelly Scudder
"I loved having the privilege of singing such beautiful music with so many talented kids." [read more]-
Elizabeth Rossborough
"Over my (many) years in BCC I learned songs in a lot of different languages, and BCC fostered a love of languages in me that continues to this day. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the chance to be exposed in my early years to music and language through BCC, and I'm so glad to see it's around to celebrate 25 years!" [read more]- Chelsea Wiggins
"I loved performing in Handel's Messiah-- Even now when I hear the Hallelujah Chorus, I am immediately taken back to my BCC days and the thrill of participating in such a masterful piece of music!" [read more]- Alisha Bishop
"My favorite memory is when we were on our DC trip (and I can't remember the exact year) but we were touring around to all the memorials and I remember singing our arrangement of the national anthem at the Vietnam Memorial. Even as a kid, I could feel the gravity of the situation and how haunting/moving it was to remember the fallen with our voices. I will always credit BCC with instilling in me a work ethic that has brought me success and accolades as I continue to perform in Rochester." - Lauren MacDonough
