The Choirs

Chamber is one of the premier ensembles of Heartland Youth Choir. This choir focuses on music reading skills, exposure to diverse works, and SATB literature. Chamber Choir is called upon frequently to perform for fine arts events, conferences, and participates in festivals throughout the United States. The Chamber Choir tours both domestically and internationally. 

Rehearsals: Sundays, 2:00 - 5:00pm

• Treble Singers: 2:00 - 4:30pm

• Tenor & Bass Singers: 3:00 - 5:00pm

Chamber Choir builds leadership, independence, and advanced musicianship while preparing singers for high-level performance opportunities and future musical pursuits.

Chanté

Grades 4–7 | Intermediate treble choir

Chanté is an intermediate-level choir that focuses on two and three-part treble singing. In this ensemble, particular emphasis is on music reading, vocal techniques and rhythm studies. Chante performs in all Heartland Youth Choir primary concerts and festivals, at local and regional events, collaborates with area arts organizations such as the Des Moines Symphony, and tours regionally each spring.

Windsor Heights Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:30pm | Ankeny Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:40 - 8:15pm

Chanté Choir develops strong music-reading skills and vocal confidence while helping singers grow in teamwork and stage presence.

Canto

Grades K–2 | Foundational ensemble

Canto is a foundational level ensemble where children participate in basic vocal development activities, note reading, rhythmic movement activities and simple choral score study. Canto also has the opportunity to perform in all Heartland Youth Choir primary concerts.

Windsor Heights Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:00 - 5:45pm | Ankeny Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 4:45 - 5:30pm

Canto Choir builds foundational singing skills and music basics while nurturing creativity, focus, and a love of choral music.

Cantemus

Grades 6–8 | Premier treble ensemble

Cantemus is one of the premier ensembles of Heartland Youth Choir. At this level, singers work on three and four-part treble harmony and advanced music reading skills. Cantemus is called upon frequently to perform for fine arts events, conferences, and participates in festivals throughout the United States. Cantemus regularly performs in collaboration with the Des Moines Symphony, Des Moines Metro Opera, and tours domestically and internationally.

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:45 - 7:45pm

Cantemus Choir strengthens confidence and vocal technique through challenging repertoire, teamwork, and meaningful performance experiences.

Cantilena

Grades 3–5 | Novice training

Cantilena is a ensemble that focuses on the training of novice level singers. In this level, children participate in basic note reading and begin work with two-part harmony. Cantilena performs in all Heartland Youth Choir primary concerts, at local events throughout the year, and tours regionally each spring.

Windsor Heights Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00 - 7:00pm | Ankeny Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:35 - 6:35pm

Cantilena Choir introduces part-singing and music literacy in a supportive environment where singers gain confidence and performance experience.

Musical Explorers - Cadet

Pre-School & Kindergarten | Non-performance class

Musical Explorers - Cadet is an experience focused, non-performance based class offered for children approximately ages 4 through 6. In this level, children explore the musical elements through singing, listening, moving and playing. These skills set the foundation for future learning and music literacy skills.

Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:00 - 5:30pm

Musical Explorers - Cadet encourages joyful musical discovery through singing, movement, and play that builds confidence and choral readiness.