About Hartford Youth Chorus
Founded in November 2024, the Hartford Youth Chorus (HYC) is a growing choral education and performance program serving students in grades 1 through 8 across the Greater Hartford area. A proud initiative of Voce, Inc., HYC is committed to nurturing young singers through high-quality, accessible music education rooted in the Kodály method—emphasizing musical literacy, ear training, and expressive performance.
HYC offers enriching opportunities for students to perform in professional and community venues not typically available to children’s choirs, allowing them to experience the power of their voice in dynamic and meaningful settings. Inspired by leading programs such as the Young People’s Chorus of NYC, Brooklyn Youth Chorus, and New York City Children’s Chorus, HYC is building a model for artistic excellence, equity, and personal growth.
While the program currently serves grades 1–8, our vision includes expanding into the high school years, offering a continuous path of musical and personal development for young artists throughout their academic journey. Our long-term goal is to grow a diverse ensemble of 100+ students who reflect the spirit and potential of Hartford’s youth.
HYC is more than a choir—it’s a creative home where young voices are trained, celebrated, and empowered.
OUR Mission Why?
“We believe that every child possesses a unique voice that deserves to be heard, nurtured, and celebrated. Music is not merely an art form—it is a fundamental language of human expression that transcends barriers and builds bridges between hearts, minds, and communities.
Our program for students in grades 1-8 provides the critical foundation for musical concepts, pitch recognition, and ensemble skills. Through sequenced instruction, students learn proper vocal technique, breath control, and musical literacy skills, as well as have the opportunity to experience the joy of making music together. Through this regular practice, children learn discipline, commitment to their ensemble, perseverance in perfecting a piece and confidence in performing for others.
We are committed to excellence in musical education while maintaining an inclusive, supportive environment where every Hartford child can succeed. The voices we nurture today will be the leaders, artists, teachers, and community builders of tomorrow. This is not just music education—this is investment in our city’s future. We hope when HYC children sing together, they know that they are part of something beautiful, powerful, and bigger than themselves. This understanding shapes not just their musical abilities, but their character and their place in the world.”
– Sarah Chasse & Cheryl Tierney, Co-Directors for Hartford Youth Chorus
Mission Statement
The Hartford Youth Chorus (HYC) is a partnership through Voce, Inc. and select Hartford Public Schools in the Greater Hartford area. The HYC program will provide experiences that will cultivate change, and challenge ideas.
Our mission is to empower inner-city youth through the transformative power of music, providing a platform for artistic expression, personal growth, and community building. Through the introduction of vocal performance, we strive to foster a sense of belonging, cultivate self-confidence, and promote teamwork. Our choir is dedicated to celebrating diversity, bridging cultural differences, and inspiring hope, both within our members and in the broader community. Together, we use music to uplift voices, nurture talent, and create a lasting impact on our city’s future.