Education & Community

Children's Choir Mission Statement

The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program is committed to offering a world-class music program within a caring and encouraging environment while enriching the lives of individuals and making a positive difference in our community and beyond. Through exceptional choral training and performance opportunities, we inspire teamwork, professionalism, creativity, and artistic excellence. We foster exemplary character and a lifelong passion for music.

Core Values:

• Musical Excellence: We offer high-quality instruction along with expert-level vocal technique, musicianship, professionalism, and aural and visual music literacy.
• Exemplary Character: We encourage teamwork, responsibility, accountability, confidence, and empathy in our singers.
• Supportive Environment: Fellow choir members are encouraging. Caring directors see the best in each student and seek to develop tomorrow’s leaders. We welcome and celebrate students of all ethnicities and backgrounds.
• Collaborative Opportunities: Our singers enjoy collaborations with other artists; performance opportunities in exceptional venues; and regional, national, and international travel opportunities.
• Community Engagement: We seek to support music educators in our surrounding community and make our community a better place by educating its youth as well as performing at community functions.

About the Children's Choir

Located on the campus of Clayton State University and dedicated to excellence, the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program offers professional-level instruction in vocal technique, music theory, sight singing, ear training, and presentation as well as exposure to a variety of choral styles. Involvement also enhances young people’s lives, helping them to develop self-reliance, personal integrity, responsibility, compassion, teamwork, and confidence in their abilities.

The formation of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program is another successful endeavor by the Walter and Emilie Spivey Foundation, the Spivey Hall Education Committee, and Clayton State University to provide supplementary music education programs to metro-Atlanta youth from 17 different counties.

Children's Choir History

The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program was established in 1994 by founding director Dr. Martha Shaw.  The program features three choirs, with the Children’s Choir comprising 80 singers aged 10 to 18, who perform with remarkable energy, sophistication, and tonal beauty.  These distinguished young musicians exemplify Spivey Hall’s commitment to music education and artistic excellence.

Founded in 2002, the Spivey Hall Young Artists Choir includes students aged 10 to 13. This preparatory choir equips young singers with the skills needed to join the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir.

The Spivey Hall Tour Choir, a select group within the Children’s Choir, represents Georgia as cultural ambassadors.  This group has produced four professional CDs and has received recognition throughout the United States and internationally, including performances in Canada, Sweden, Norway, England, Austria, the Czech Republic, China, Scotland, and Spain. Notably, in February 2015, they earned standing ovations at the American Choral Directors National Conference in Salt Lake City. Additionally, In June 2016, they performed as a solo ensemble at Carnegie Hall, and in June 2018, they toured Italy, culminating in a performance of Mass at the Vatican. Most recently, in June 2024, the choir performed in Paris, France.

How to Join an Ensemble

Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Spring Auditions – 2027/28 Season
No previous choral experience is required. Singers must be between the ages of 10 and 15 on September 1, 2027, in order to audition. Membership into this treble choir program is contingent upon an audition and two teacher recommendations.

• Who: Auditions are open to students who will be ages 10–15 on September 1, 2027.
• Open House: Monday, March 22, 2027, at 7:15 PM
• Auditions: Saturday, April 24, 2027
• Where: Spivey Hall, located on the Clayton State University campus
• More info and audition guide video

Registration opens in early March 2027.

Spivey Hall Music Makers – Spring 2027
Spivey Hall Music Makers is a non-auditioned preparatory music ensemble for students. Participants will develop their singing voices, play instruments, experience folk dances, and explore music literacy. Music Makers will also have the opportunity to perform with the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir during their spring concerts.

• Who: Current 2nd–5th graders (limited to 25 participants)
• When: Rehearsals will be held on Mondays from 5:00–6:00 p.m., March 15–May 10, with a performance on May 15, 2027.
• Where: Spivey Hall, located on the Clayton State University campus
• Cost: $150 per student
• More info and rehearsal schedule

Registration opens in early February 2027.

• Who: Current 4th–8th graders
• When: Saturday, March 6, 2027
• Where: Spivey Hall, located on the Clayton State University campus

Children's Choir Alumni & Sponsors

Children’s Choir Alumni Logo

“You will always have a home at Spivey Hall.”
– Dr. Martha Shaw

Register as a SHCCP Alumni to stay connected to the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Family. By signing up today you will receive information about our upcoming concerts, news and the achievements of our exceptional students, staff and alumni.

Become a Sponsor

The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program serves 17 counties in the metro-Atlanta area with most of the 160 students coming from the Southern Crescent.  Due to a generous, one-time donation many years ago, we were able to set up two scholarship funds.  The first is the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Tuition Scholarship Fund which provides need-based financial assistance to all SHCC members.  The second is the Rock Dunlap Scholarship Fund that provides financial assistance for our Tour Choir members.  

We want young singers to have the opportunity to participate in music at the highest level possible.  Participation in this program changes the lives of students in many ways.  We hope you will support us in our efforts to generate much-needed funds for talented young artists.

The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program gratefully acknowledges the support of Clayton State University, the Spivey Hall Education Committee, The Walter and Emilie Spivey Foundation and the surrounding arts community. 
 
We have distributed over $5,000 in assistance. We need your help to sustain this level of support. 

Giving Levels

• Century Club ($100 – $249)
• Dean’s Club ($250 – $499)
• Campus Club ($500 – $999)
• President’s Club ($1,000 – $2,499)
• Heritage Club ($2,500 – $4,999)
• University Partners ($5,000 – $9,999)
• Trustee Level ($10,000 – $24,999)
• Major Gift ($25,000+)