Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge, January 2011,
with Robbie Gil (left) and Grace Weber (right)
Our Story
Recognizing the need for musical opportunities for children within the community of Bay Ridge, Children's Chorus of Bay Ridge (CCBR) was established in September 2005. In addition to the benefits music provides to individuals, their families, and the overall community, CCBR helps build connections between the diverse populations of Bay Ridge and its surrounding neighborhoods.
CCBR is steadily building a presence and reputation in the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY. The group enjoys performing at community events and for community organizations. Previous performances include singing:
for patrons at theBay Ridge Festival of the Arts
at Bay Ridge United Church's Performance Coffee House
forArt on the Corner concerts in collaboration withBella Voce Singers of Park Slope
for residents at theNorwegian Christian Home and Health Center
for residents ofLutheran Augustana Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation
In September 2009, CCBR adopted the theme of peace. Music is a means to promote peace within ourselves and within our communities. In line with the theme of peace, CCBR partnered with Children in Need Haitian Project following the devastating January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Each concert since that time raises funds for this most worthy charitable organization.
In January 2011, CCBR was invited by independent artists, Grace Weber and Robbie Gil, to create a music video, "Where Do the Children Play?" See below:
CCBR is steadily building a presence and reputation in the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, and Sunset Park, Brooklyn, NY. The group enjoys performing at community events and for community organizations. Previous performances include singing:
for patrons at theBay Ridge Festival of the Arts
at Bay Ridge United Church's Performance Coffee House
forArt on the Corner concerts in collaboration withBella Voce Singers of Park Slope
for residents at theNorwegian Christian Home and Health Center
for residents ofLutheran Augustana Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation
In September 2009, CCBR adopted the theme of peace. Music is a means to promote peace within ourselves and within our communities. In line with the theme of peace, CCBR partnered with Children in Need Haitian Project following the devastating January 2010 earthquake in Haiti. Each concert since that time raises funds for this most worthy charitable organization.
In January 2011, CCBR was invited by independent artists, Grace Weber and Robbie Gil, to create a music video, "Where Do the Children Play?" See below:
Mission Statement
CCBR seeks to inspire the joy of creating music together in its members in a stress-free environment utilizing repertoire that reflect the diversity of Bay Ridge, its surrounding communities, and beyond. The guiding philsophy is that everyone can learn how to sing.
CCBR welcomes and celebrates diversity. Chorus members reflect the rich cultures present within Bay Ridge and its surrounding neighborhoods, having roots in various faith traditions and numerous ethnic backgrounds.
Director
Rita Pihra-Majurinen, BS, MM in MuEd
Rita brings a wealth of experience in working with children to the chorus. A music educator, choir director, and licensed Kindermusik® instructor, she currently serves as Music Director for Leif Ericson Day School [preschool-grade 8],
Program Director for the Summer Creative Arts & Music Program, and Coordinator of Music Ministries for Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. A pianist and singer, "Miss Rita," as she is known to her students, infuses teaching with the belief that all individuals possess inherent music potential.
In Grateful Acknowledgment
Founders:
Sara Paar and David Rommereim
Directors:
Sara Paar, 9/2005 - 12/2007
Rita Pihra-Majurinen, 1/2008 -
Associate Directors:
Marie Koutsavlis, 9/2005 - 12/2007
Community Service Assistants:
Rebecca Tom, 9/2008 - 6/2009
Marisa Petrusky, 10/2011 -
CCBR welcomes and celebrates diversity. Chorus members reflect the rich cultures present within Bay Ridge and its surrounding neighborhoods, having roots in various faith traditions and numerous ethnic backgrounds.
Director
Rita Pihra-Majurinen, BS, MM in MuEd
Rita brings a wealth of experience in working with children to the chorus. A music educator, choir director, and licensed Kindermusik® instructor, she currently serves as Music Director for Leif Ericson Day School [preschool-grade 8],
Program Director for the Summer Creative Arts & Music Program, and Coordinator of Music Ministries for Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. A pianist and singer, "Miss Rita," as she is known to her students, infuses teaching with the belief that all individuals possess inherent music potential.
In Grateful Acknowledgment
Founders:
Sara Paar and David Rommereim
Directors:
Sara Paar, 9/2005 - 12/2007
Rita Pihra-Majurinen, 1/2008 -
Associate Directors:
Marie Koutsavlis, 9/2005 - 12/2007
Community Service Assistants:
Rebecca Tom, 9/2008 - 6/2009
Marisa Petrusky, 10/2011 -
Collaborators
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Bella Voce Singers
Do Art Make Stuff
Ekaterina Smirnova
Children in Need Haitian Project
Brian Carter
Grace Weber
Robbie Gil
Saint Saviour Elementary School
Leif Ericson Day School
Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd
Bella Voce Singers
Do Art Make Stuff
Ekaterina Smirnova
Children in Need Haitian Project
Brian Carter
Grace Weber
Robbie Gil
Saint Saviour Elementary School
Leif Ericson Day School
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