Alpha Children’s Choir of Blackstone Valley
History of the Choir

The Alpha Children's Choir of Blackstone Valley was started last year by Mount Saint Charles Academy's Choral Director and Children's performer Greg Cooney. Greg originally started the group as a way of getting younger school children of the Blackstone Valley involved in singing and performing. In the Fall of 2006, an invitation was put out to area elementary students to participate in the Mount Saint Charles Service Lessons and Carols at Precious Blood Church, Woonsocket. 45 children from private and public elementary schools signed up. Every year over 200 Mount Saint Charles students present a Service of Lessons and Carols in a local church. Members of the Band, Choir, Drama, Dance and Bell Choirs participate. Cooney wanted to let younger children sing at the event so he formed a choir of area second through eighth grade students. At the beginning of 2007, many parents suggested to Mr. Cooney that he form a choir that could meet on a more regular basis. In the Spring of 2007, eight children signed up for the choir and in September of 2007, the choir grew to 28 members.

In December of 2007, the Alpha Choir members performed to over 1000 people at the Lessons and Carols in the historic Precious Blood Church and at Mount's Junior High Christmas Concert. They also appeared with Greg Cooney at the North Smithfield Pumpkin Festival. Some of the choir members occasionally join him when he performs in libraries and concerts.

The children's choir is open to children in grades 2 - 8 and auditions are not required. Greg listens to children and chooses music based on their singing abilities. The group performs a wide variety of music ranging from Classical, Folk, Broadway, and music written for children to perform. In addition to teaching healthy vocal technique for the developing or experienced voice, Greg introduces stage presentation and choral movement “choirography”. Choirography is movement that enhances the performance without hurting the choral sound.

This spring, the Alpha Children's Choir will be performing at the Mount Saint Charles Spring Concert, the MSC Disney Spectacular Choral Cabaret in May, and area local venues. The group will also be recording two songs with Greg that are to be released later in 2008. Members of the Choir will also perform in some of Greg Cooney's Spring and Summer Concerts in Libraries and Park Concerts.

The Alpha Choir rehearses on Tuesday nights from 6:30 – 7:45 in Mount Saint Charles Academy Music Room.

For information about joining the choir and registration, go to the Alpha Children's Choir link at: www.gregcooney.com or call 769-0310, x136.