Today we’d like to introduce you to Ralph Woodward.
Hi Ralph, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Coming from a family of singers (my parents both being voice teachers at BYU) I was well aware of principles of correct vocal production. I was also aware of the beauty of children’s voices when they are allowed to develop naturally.
Back in 1979, there were a number of very popular singing groups which tended to encourage children to sing in an artificial manner (often emulating pop music stars) which I knew was not good for their voices, So, using the techniques I had learned from my parents (mostly my mother), I decided to form a children’s choir in Salt lake City (based partly on the European tradition I was familiar with). Originally, it was called “The Wasatch Children,” but the decision was soon made to change the name to “The Salt Lake Children’s Choir.” Other than encouraging correct vocal development, emphasis was placed on outstanding vocal literature (including music of the immortal masters).
Our first concert was in December of that year in a library near Salt Lake City, Utah–and later performances (Christmas and Spring Concerts) were held in local churches with acoustics suitable for choral singing.
In the spring of 1983, we gave a major concert in Salt Lake City’s beautiful Symphony Hall (now Abravanel Hall), and the following Christmas, we were featured guest performers on the Tabernacle Choir Christmas concerts (which was the case again 7 years later). The 1983 concerts were used for the production, “A Child Is Born” which was distributed worldwide. (The choir has also appeared on several editions of “Music and the Spoken Word.”)
The choir is noted for its pure, angelic sound and outstanding repertoire. As such, it has been featured in performance at six conventions of the American Choral Directors Association. It has performed with numerous celebrated ensembles and artists over the years, has recorded with the Utah Symphony and Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, and is heard on classical radio broadcasts. Singers selected from the choir have also been heard on numerous film soundtracks.
The Salt Lake Children’s Choir is divided in two ensembles, ranges in age from 8 through 15 and rehearses once a week.
Many choir members have gone on to careers in music, and three are internationally celebrated opera singers. However, most choir members simply go on to having a happy life of singing.
Choir alumni frequently join the choir at the conclusion of its major concerts, and four adult alumni choirs have given outstanding performances at special choir anniversaries in Abravanel Hall. The rich, mature sound they have produced has always been breathtaking and thrilling to hear–but no more beautiful than when they were children.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Initially, the endeavor was exciting, because it was a new concept. However, we have noticed that there is ever-more competition for the interest of young singers with groups that favor a more popular style of singing–as well as music. We counter by making sure our music is engaging and fun–often drawing from my own extensive experience with different languages and cultures–including good examples from the Great American Songbook. However, we are not willing to sacrifice our young voices to modern pop trends.
Another challenge is financing our program. Tuition and salaries are very low as a result. The rewards of our efforts are definitely other than financial.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As mentioned, I come from a musical family–my greatest musical background coming from the home. However, I received a scholarship in Applied Music (French Horn) at the University of Illinois School of Music–where I studied for two years. During that time, I performed in the American Wind Symphony and toured Latin America (for four months for the US State Department) with the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra). Following that, I served a church mission in Brazil, then finished my undergraduate studies at BYU.
While at BYU, I was tenor section-leader of the BYU A Cappella Chior which won First Prize in the 1968 International Choral Eisteddfod (in Llangollen, Wales)–the world’s premier choral competition.
Thereafter, I studied French horn with renowned hornist, Hermann Baumann and performed in the Rheinische Philharmonie and Stadtische Orchester Wuppertal, Utah Symphony, and Ballet West.
I also taught music in both Nevada and Arizona–where I had the opportunity to organize select children’s choirs.
Upon doing this, I realized that teaching children to sing brought far more satisfaction than playing in an orchestra.. As a result, when I finally had the opportunity and space to organize a children’s choir in Salt Lake City in 1979, I did so. I realized immediately that this was what I was really meant to do. The vocal techniques I learned from my parents were the springboard to the choir’s subsequent success. Of course, I have learned a few more things during our 46-year history.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can contact us at media@childrensing.org for interest in collaborations or volunteering. Our website, childrensing.org, has more information about the choir and our story. There is also a donate page, should you feel inclined to help us in this way. Our organization is almost entirely funded by donors and grants.
Pricing:
- Tuition information is available on the auditions page on our website: childrensing.org/auditions We have been able to set aside funding for a handful of need-based scholarships beginning this concert season.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://childrensing.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slchildrenschoir/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saltlakechildrenschoir/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSaltLakeChildrensChoir
