Children's Choir
The University of Northern Iowa Children’s Choir (UNICC) is a choral ensemble for students in grades 3 through 9. UNICC provides a program of music education and choral performance that seeks to fulfill each child's potential, while striving to create a model of artistic excellence and diversity that represents, enriches, and gives back to the community. Singers receive training in healthy vocal technique and music literacy, and have the opportunity to foster friendships while making music together with their peers.
Spring Concert - April 29th at 7:30pm - Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
Members of UNICC rehearse weekly on Tuesday evenings during the academic year on the campus of the University of Northern Iowa and present performances throughout the year. Collaborative highlights for UNICC include performances with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra, the UNI Chamber Orchestra, and the UNI Varsity Glee Club.
- Tuition Fee is $100 per semester
- Full tuition is expected for each semester.
- A member may leave the group by the end of the second week, and receive a full refund. Members who leave during the third or fourth week will receive a partial refund. No refunds are available after the fourth week of the semester.
- If you wish to apply for a financial aid, please complete the Financial Aid Application before registering. You will be contacted by email when the application has been received.
Questions? Contact the UNI Community Music School at childrenschoir@uni.edu or by calling 273-2142.
Fall
- Fall rehearsals start September 12, 2023
- Rehearsals will meet weekly, 6:30-7:45pm, on Tuesdays at Jebe Hall in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
- There will be no rehearsal on November 21, 2023
- Dress Rehearsals: November 29 at TBD, and December 10, 2023 at 6:30-7:45pm
- Glee Club Variety Show Concerts: December 1 at 7:30pm, and December 2 at 2:30 and 7:30pm
- Fall Concert: December 12, 2023 at 7:30pm (Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center)
- Viewing Options: Online or In Person
Spring
- Spring rehearsals start January 23, 2024
- Rehearsals will meet weekly, 6:30-7:45pm, on Tuesdays at Jebe Hall in the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
- There will be no rehearsal March 12, 2024
- Dress Rehearsal: April 28, 2024 at TBD
- Spring Concert: April 29, 2024 at 7:30pm (Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center)
- Viewing Options: Online or In Person
Artistic Director
Ryan Occeña is the Artistic Director of both the UNI Children’s Choir and the Metropolitan Chorale, and serves as the chorus instructor at Central Middle School in Waterloo, IA. In his first decade as a music educator and choral conductor, he taught and directed students in preK through college at public, private, and parochial programs in Kansas, New York, and Iowa.
Rehearsals
- Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30-7:45 at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center in Jebe Hall
- All members are expected to attend weekly rehearsals and participate in the end of semester concerts.
- Rehearsal absences should be reported to childrenschoir@uni.edu.
Collaborative Pianist
Mariko Morita is an adjunct instructor at UNI, where she teaches Music Appreciation and serves as a collaborative pianist. She began organ studies at the age of five and grew up performing on the stage. Earning BM and MM degrees in Organ Performance from Seton Hill and Emory Universities, she was honored to be the first Japanese to receive a Doctor of Music degree in Organ Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Her teachers include Tokuko Yoshida, Edgar Highberger, Timothy Albrecht, Larry Smith, Marilyn Keiser and Christopher Young.
Choir Assistants
At every rehearsal, you will find UNI students working with the Children's Choir. Assistants are generally music education majors at UNI.
This semester's assistant(s) are:
Concert Attire
Concert attire for Children's Choir members includes the Children's Choir tshirt and black on the bottom (black pants, long skirt, and socks). New members will receive a free tshirt. If returning members would like to purchase a new or additional tshirt, you can do so at registration.
