APPRENTICE CHOIR
AGE 4-7
SAT. 1:00-2:00pm
The children in our program are able to match and repeat pitches and rhythms, and they are competent English readers. They work comfortably in the group rehearsal environment and continue to develop their well-supported, healthy singing voice (head-voice). We offer a weekly sequential music literacy curriculum to help them achieve this.
Our students learn to follow a conductor and understand concepts such as entrances, cut-offs, and interpretation. We prioritize teamwork as an essential skill and focus on developing independent singing and decision-making as it relates to group dynamics. They sing in unison, frequently in rounds, and occasionally perform two-part repertoire in various languages.
Jennifer Taing
Apprentice Choir Conductor
Concert Choir Conductor
Ms. Jennifer Taing has extensive experience in choral music, having grown up in the concert, handbell, and chamber choirs of San Gabriel Valley Children's Chorus under the direction of Mr. Samuel Lin and in the legacy Baptist Voice Children's Choir. She also participated in her church and high school choirs, as well as the Women's Chorus of the Southern California Vocal Association's Honor Choir, the Pepperdine University Concert Choir, the Pepperdine University Genesis Gospel Choir, and the Pepperdine Songfest theatrical productions. Additionally, Ms. Taing holds a strong foundation in music theory, piano and vocal performance, and teaching solfege, music and play, and singing to children of all ages.
As a homeschooling mother of three, she also brings music education to various co-ops and communities, expanding children's passion and appreciation for classical music, composers, art, and literature. Through continued self-study and the pursuit of excellence in music, Ms. Taing continues the legacy of SGVCC with her involvement with our choristers' vocal development.
Ms. Taing holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication with a minor in Religion/Theology from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science in Human Resources Design from the Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University. Ms. Taing is also passionate about prayer, worship, community-building, discipleship, homeschooling, and leadership development.
AWARDS
At SGVCC, we actively support students who have contributed and participated in the choir by helping them apply for awards that can enhance their college application portfolios.
How do high school awards affect college chances?
Receiving awards in high school can significantly improve your college admissions prospects. Awards demonstrate your commitment, time management, and leadership skills, which are highly valued by admissions officers. By showcasing your extracurricular achievements, you provide evidence of your dedication and ability to balance responsibilities. To see how these efforts have impacted others, you can compare similar students' college admissions outcomes and where they were accepted.
These awards not only boost students’ portfolios but also provide valuable recognition that reflects their dedication and talents.
Major types of Awards SGVCC will apply for students
President's Volunteer Service Award
Certificate of Congressional Recognition by Member of Congress
California State Assembly Recognition by State Senator
State of California Senate Certificate of Recognition
INTERMEDIATE CHOIR
AGE 7-10
SAT. 1:00-2:30pm
In our program, children continue to develop their posture, breathing, and vocal technique. We work on part-singing, sight-singing, and aural skills to help them gain greater musical independence. In addition to their vocal training, they also participate in discussions about the style, cultural context, and history of various pieces of repertoire. As local ambassadors of the choir, they frequently represent the organization at events.
Our intermediate choristers are becoming vocal and social leaders through the development of their musical skills and confidence. They are capable of singing advanced-level repertoire in two, three, and four-part rounds.
Sze Wing (Sindy) Ho
Intermediate Choir Conductor
Ms. Ho, originally from Hong Kong, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Sacred Music, with minors in choral music, organ performance, and music theory from the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California. She also has a Master of Music degree in Music Theory from Texas State University and a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the Education University of Hong Kong. Before moving to Los Angeles, she studied church music, music theory, and organ performance at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas.
Ms. Ho has been an active church musician for many years, serving as music staff and choir director at Chinese churches in Hong Kong, Texas, and Los Angeles. In 2016, she founded and directed the Herald Children's Chorus to serve the Chinese American community in the San Gabriel Valley. Currently, she is the music director at Kindle Hills Church in Chino Hills, CA.
With experience teaching students of all ages, Ms. Ho is a passionate piano instructor. She holds a performance diploma (LTCL) in solo piano from Trinity College London and has studied with notable instructors such as David Renner, Jason Kwak, Yoon-Mi Lim, and Ladd Thomas, among others.
PRE-CONCERT CHOIR
SAT. 2:30-4:00pm
In the Pre-Concert Choir stage, young singers are nurtured to transition smoothly into the complexities of multi-part singing. This level focuses on building a solid foundation in vocal technique, introducing two-part harmonies, and enhancing sight-reading abilities. Choristers begin to explore a wider range of musical genres and languages, fostering an appreciation for diverse musical traditions. The curriculum emphasizes the development of aural skills and the ability to analyze simple choral scores. This stage is crucial for instilling confidence and a sense of musicality in young singers, preparing them for the more demanding Concert Choir level. Leadership opportunities within this group help foster a sense of responsibility and teamwork, essential skills for their growth as musicians and individuals.
Lilly Lee
Pre-Concert Choir Conductor
Mrs. Lilly Lee is a highly accomplished musician with both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Vocal Performance from National Taipei University of the Arts, Taiwan's top music school. She has performed solo with the Taipei Symphony Orchestra, won gold medals in international choir competitions, and taught renowned Taiwanese artists. With over a decade of experience running a professional studio, Mrs. Lee is currently a certified vocal and piano instructor with the California Music Teachers' Association (MTAC), helping students achieve their MTAC certification.
CONCERT CHOIR
SAT. 3:30-5:30pm
In the Concert Choir level, choristers sing harmoniously in two to three parts, demonstrating advanced vocal techniques, fluency in sight-reading, and successful performance of music in a variety of languages and styles. Emphasis is placed on advanced sight-singing and aural skills, as well as understanding and analyzing the choral score. Choristers are encouraged to develop a secure sense of vocal independence and adaptability as performers. Youth are given opportunities to take on elected roles, which further develops their leadership skills and independence both within and beyond the Choir program.
Jennifer Taing
Apprentice Choir Conductor
Concert Choir Conductor
Ms. Jennifer Taing has extensive experience in choral music, having grown up in the concert, handbell, and chamber choirs of San Gabriel Valley Children's Chorus under the direction of Mr. Samuel Lin and in the legacy Baptist Voice Children's Choir. She also participated in her church and high school choirs, as well as the Women's Chorus of the Southern California Vocal Association's Honor Choir, the Pepperdine University Concert Choir, the Pepperdine University Genesis Gospel Choir, and the Pepperdine Songfest theatrical productions. Additionally, Ms. Taing holds a strong foundation in music theory, piano and vocal performance, and teaching solfege, music and play, and singing to children of all ages.
As a homeschooling mother of three, she also brings music education to various co-ops and communities, expanding children's passion and appreciation for classical music, composers, art, and literature. Through continued self-study and the pursuit of excellence in music, Ms. Taing continues the legacy of SGVCC with her involvement with our choristers' vocal development.
Ms. Taing holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication with a minor in Religion/Theology from Pepperdine University and a Master of Science in Human Resources Design from the Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University. Ms. Taing is also passionate about prayer, worship, community-building, discipleship, homeschooling, and leadership development.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE
SAT. 3:30-5:30pm
To participate in the Chamber Choir, simultaneous participation in the Concert Choir is required, as well as attendance at all mandatory events and retreats. Choristers in this ensemble are expected to demonstrate advanced musical independence and the ability to confidently sing mixed-voice choral works. Extensive home study is periodically required throughout the year.
Samuel Lin
Music Director
Chamber Choir Conductor
Samuel Lin is a graduate of the National Taiwan Academy of Arts, where he majored in vocal performance. He later received his Master's degree in Music Arts in Conducting from the Roger Wagner Center of Choral Studies at California State University in Los Angeles. During his studies, he had the privilege of studying Choral Conducting with Dr. William Belan, Dr. Roger Wagner, Dr. Robert Fowells, Dr. Donald Neuen, and Dr. Paul Salamunovich.
Under Mr. Lin's leadership, the youth choir participated in the International Youth Music Festival in Vienna, Austria, in 1988. In 1992, he led a demo-singing group representing the U.S. West region in the Hawaii seminar organized by the American Choral Musician Association. In 2007, Mr. Lin was invited to lead the combined Chamber Choir of the San Gabriel Valley Children's Chorus and East Valley Children's Chorus to attend the 11th Japan International Youth Musicale sponsored by the Tokoha Gakuen Educational Institute in Shizuoka City, Japan. In July 2012, he directed the San Gabriel Valley Children's Chorus to participate in the Vienna Youth Choir competition, where they were awarded 3rd place and the special Jury Choice Award.
Throughout his career, Mr. Lin has led several choral groups to various competitions and festivals around the world, including the Los Angeles Chinese Chorale, which accomplished a Taiwan concert tour, performed at the famed Taipei National Theatre, participated in the International Choral Festival in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2001, received the silver medal in the Global Chinese Choral Competition held in Taiwan in 2002, and received the silver medal awarded by the International Folksong Choral Competition in Barcelona, Spain in September 2006.
In addition to his accomplishments as a conductor and music educator, Mr. Lin founded the LACA Music Foundation in 1994, where he currently serves as president of the board. He is also the conductor of several choral groups, including the East Valley Evangelical Formosan Church Choir, Calvary Chinese Fellowship Church Choir, Los Angeles Chinese Chorale, Chinese Christian Chorale of Los Angeles, Southern California Senior Chorus, San Gabriel Valley Children's Chorus, SingA-Song Christian Chorus, and Rise and Shine Children's Chorus.
Mr. Lin has been invited to serve as a guest professor at the Singapore Theological Seminary and as a youth choir director in the Evangelical Alliance Mission Conference in Sydney, Australia. He has also served as a guest conductor for local choruses in San Francisco, Malaysia, and other locations. He frequently serves as a choral clinician and competition jury for both children and adult choirs.
Certificate of Merit (Voice)
Music Teachers Association of California
At SGVCC, we are dedicated to helping our students thrive and achieve their lifelong learning goals. The Certificate of Merit (CM) is an excellent opportunity to maximize their potential and enhance their future portfolios.
The Music Teachers’ Association of California® (MTAC) Foundation, established in 1989, supports students across its 62 affiliated branches statewide through various awards and scholarship programs. Since its founding, the MTAC Foundation has provided thousands of dollars in grants, awards, and scholarships to hundreds of deserving young students, making it a valuable resource for our students as they work towards their musical goals.
CM Vocal Coach
Samuel Lin
Music Director
Chamber Choir Conductor
SGVCC CM Members
Helena Hu
Level 10, Age 18
Vocal Coach: Samuel Lin
2024 Solo: Till I Hear You Sing
Helena Hu
Level 7, Age 17
Vocal Coach: Samuel Lin
2024 Solo: The Vagabond
