The Renanim Youth Singers

The Renanim Youth Singers is celebrating its many accomplishments as it marks its tenth year anniversary. Having recently earned ‘First Class Performance’ at The 2009 Toronto Kiwanis Music Festival, the choir has also won a coveted world wide recording contract with Koltor Publishing, recording t’filot, songs and blessings for the school system. Read More

Announcing:

2010 Israel Concert Mission - On Wings of Song

The Renanim Youth Singers will be travelleing to Israel, December 16 to 28, 2010.  During the Mission the choir will perform 7 - 9 free concerts for different charitable organizations like Beit Halochem and Peres Centre for Peace. They will also perform for impoverished communities, special needs groups, as well as collaborate with other Israeli youth choirs throughout the country.

For more information contact Artistic Director Susan Michaels

Other News:

To see and hear an audio photo essay of our May 12, 2009 concert "Youth United in Rhythm: A concert of youth musicians promoting harmony among people.", please click here to go to our Performances page.

See and Hear us on YouTube.

To watch 3 of the songs performed live at our May 12, 2009 concert

click here for Halleluyah, click here for Oseh Shalom and for

Dry Your Tears Africa click here

In the spring of 2008, The Renanim Youth Singers recorded its second CD Israel at 60, Despair to Triumph that has won so many accolades that its music is being featured in two films. The first, “Stronger than Fire,” is about Holocaust survivor Eva Olsson, a recipient of the Order of Ontario.  The second film will use its popular “Jerusalem Medley” as a backdrop for a film promoting Jerusalem. The Renanim Youth Singers was also the winner of a North American contest by Transcontinental Music Publishing with its performance of Ben Steinberg’s Adon Olam. That performance has been put on a master CD and sent globally.

Regarded as, “The Musical Voice of Jewish Youth,” this children’s choir is a microcosm of Judaic pluralism, yet the group speaks as one cohesive voice when it performs for the Jewish community and when its vocalists reach out to the community at large as young Jewish ambassadors. In fact community service is an integral part of the choir’s mission statement and high school students earn “community service hours” when they perform at functions for these many registered organizations.

Acceptance into this prestigious ensemble is based on a successful audition. Although students from grade 6 to grade 12 may apply, those thirteen and under are considered to be part of the junior group and those older than thirteen to be part of the senior ensemble.

Watch video. (Photo credit: Ronen Segall)

To hear clips from our two CDs and for information about purchasing

click here

Our Philosophy

Associated with excellence, choristers develop a passion for creating music as they learn repertoire, proper vocalization techniques, music vernacular, musical literacy and expression. Through the rigorous demands of practice and rehearsal, choristers develop personal discipline, maturity and focus in other aspects of life. Although scientific studies (McMaster University) have conclusively proven music's ability to enhance the intellect, improving math and English scores, the goals of The Renanim Youth Singers are much loftier.

As the connective channel between emotional and intellectual communication, the choir teaches individuals how to listen while simultaneously interacting in musical dialogue. Public performance builds confidence even as one is humbled by the depth and beauty of the repertoire. Singing builds leadership skills, as it insists on blend and sensitivity for the benefit of the whole. The choir demands discipline and hard work, yet it is a lot of fun as it develops artistry and creativity. In addition, emotional engagement of the music helps bring out the best in people, encouraging life long bonds of friendship and the importance of community service.

Choristers take pride in belonging to The Renanim Youth Singers as they musically tap into their inner soul, (neshama) developing a positive sense of Jewish identity and culture. Indeed, the joy of performing in a Judaic choral ensemble is considered by many to be an emotional bridge to Jewish continuity. Anecdotal evidence suggests there is a connection between the artistic demands of self betterment and the desire to channel that positive spirit (ruach) into making this world a better place (Tikkun Olam).

Our Mandate

  • To develop a positive sense of Jewish identity as choristers gain knowledge and insight into their rich, musical heritage.
  • To develop a pluralistic, Jewish community youth choir, where membership is a source of pride.
  • To develop a love of music as choristers learn proper vocalization, expression, music vernacular, musical literacy and ear training.
  • To give choristers the opportunity to explore and develop their voices in a non-threatening, musical environment.
  • To introduce students to all types of repertoire: Jewish and non-Jewish, Popular, Broadway, Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Classical styles.
  • To give choristers a positive medium for their own personal expression, as the choir blends into one, unified Jewish voice.
  • To give students the opportunity to become involved in community and to learn of its essentiality to Jews everywhere.
  • To give Jewish students the opportunity to socialize with other musically minded choristers.

Charitable Registration # - 80632 0099 RR0001