The Tahoma Girls' Choir was founded in 1988. Under the direction of Dr. Gregory and Nancy Vancil since 1990, TGC has gained an international reputation for Choral excellence. TGC offers a rigorous yet positive approach to choral music for girls ages 7-20 throughout the South Puget Sound region. The TGC program provides concentrated instruction in vocal and choral technique, performance skills, music literacy and theory. The Choir consists of three ensembles: Cherubim, a preparatory choir for our youngest singers; Intermezzo, an intermediate-level choir for developing choristers; and Cantabile, our premier touring ensemble. TGC ensembles have performed at state, regional and national music conventions, and at international choral festivals. Significant performances in TGC's history include:


  • July-August, 2005: Cantabile tours to Sweden, Russia, Estonia and Latvia, performing at the Riga International Women's Choir Festival, Riga, Latvia

  • July, 2004: Cantabile travels with Latvia's Riga Girls' Choir to perform at the Idaho International Choral Festival, Pocatello, Idaho

  • July, 2002 and 1999: Cantabile performs at the Idaho International Choral Festival, Pocatello, Idaho.

  • August, 2000: TGC is the only choir from the Americas to be invited to perform in the Vivace 2000 International Choral Festival, Veszprem, Hungary.

  • March, 1999: All three TGC Choirs perform at the Washington State Arts Time Convention.

  • December, 1998: All three TGC Choirs perform with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

  • July, 1998: Cantabile and Intermezzo perform for the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians Regional Conference.

  • February, 1998: Cantabile and Intermezzo perform with the Olympia Symphony Orchestra.

  • November, 1997: Cantabile performs at the National Convention of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association.

  • December, 1996: All three TGC Choirs perform with the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra.

  • July, 1996: Cantabile performs at the International Choral Kathaumixw, Powell River, BC, Canada.

  • March, 1996: Cantabile performs at the Northwest Division Convention of the American Choral Directors Association.

  • February, 1996: All three TGC Choirs perform for the Washington State Music Educators' Arts Advocacy Day.

  • In addition, TGC has performed annually since 1996 on the Argosy Christmas Ship.



TGC has performed world premieres of several significant choral works, including Daniel Gawthrop's "Sea Visions," and the "Cedar House Songs" by Gregory Youtz. In 2002, TGC received a grant from the Pierce County Arts Board to produce the world premier of Gregory Youtz' "To Bethlehem".

Tahoma Boys' Choir was founded in 2003, applying the same high-quality, rigorous, gender-specific education to a boy's program. Both changed and unchanged boys are welcome in the Choir, with special attention given to voices in transition. Many boys begin as Sopranos and move down as they grow, becoming Tenors or Basses by the time they finish the program.

All Choirs participate in Concerts, Retreats, weekly rehearsals and special events as is appropriate.

APPLAUSE

Harvey Felder, Conductor and Music Director, Tacoma Symphony Orchestra

"The Tahoma Girls' Choir sang with a rich, beautiful tone, with clarity, excellent diction, deportment, discipline and responsiveness to musical direction. Their joyful vigour and professionalism were delightful."... " I am convinced that the Tahoma Girls' Choir is a valuable asset to the arts community in Tacoma. I strongly encourage you to join me in support of this worthy undertaking."


C. Szalai Ágnes, Director, Vivace 2000 International Choral Festival, Veszprém, Hungary

"We were very pleased with the Tahoma Girls' Choir, with the music and performances, and with the artistic quality of the singers. We were all very happy with your coming here and were especially pleased with your beautiful singing."


Dr. Scott E. Anderson, Artistic Director, Idaho International Choral Festival

"It was a pleasure to have the United States represented by such an accomplished choral ensemble as the Tahoma Girls' Choir. In every way, these girls exhibited exemplary behavior and offered our foreign guests the best examples of American choral art."


Li Li-chun, Director, Cantabile Chamber Choir, Taiwan

"I can't forget the exciting afternoon we shared with each other. It is my honor to say that: Your wonderful choir -- Tahoma Girls -- has nice choral sound and remarkable performance. We enjoyed very much! My life has been enriched by having met you and your wonderful choir."


Alex Browne, Reviewer, The Peace Arch News, Surrey, British Columbia

"Cantabile had no trouble winning over a capacity audience with its excellent vocal blend and diverse repertoire, providing beautifully rounded vocal tones, balanced with a delightfully youthful vigour."