The Choirs

Chamber

Grades 8–12 | Premier SATB ensemble

Chamber is a premier mixed ensemble for advanced high school singers. Singers perform challenging SATB repertoire while developing artistry, leadership, and high-level ensemble musicianship through performances, festivals, and regional and international touring opportunities. 

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Sundays, 2:00 - 5:30pm

• Tenor & Bass Singers: 2:00 - 4:45pm

• Treble Singers: 2:45 - 5:30pm

Chamber Choir builds leadership, independence, and advanced musicianship while preparing singers for high-level performance opportunities and future musical pursuits.

Chanté

Grades 4–7 | Intermediate treble choir

Chanté is an intermediate-level treble choir where singers build vocal technique, music-reading skills, and ensemble confidence through engaging rehearsals and performances. Singers explore two- and three-part repertoire while developing strong musical foundations in a supportive and encouraging environment.

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:30 - 7:00 PM | HYC North (Ankeny) Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:20 - 7:45 PM

Chanté Choir develops strong music-reading skills and vocal confidence while helping singers grow in teamwork and stage presence.

Canto

Grades K–2 | Foundational ensemble

Canto is a foundational level choir where children participate in basic vocal development activities, note reading, rhythmic movement activities and simple choral score study. Canto also has the opportunity to perform in all Heartland Youth Choir primary concerts.

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Mondays, 5:00 - 5:45pm | HYC North (Ankeny) Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 4:30 - 5:10pm

Canto Choir builds foundational singing skills and music basics while nurturing creativity, focus, and a love of choral music.

Cantemus

Grades 6–8 | Premier treble ensemble

Cantemus is a premier treble ensemble for middle school singers. Through three- and four-part repertoire, singers strengthen vocal technique, music literacy, artistry, and collaborative musicianship in a supportive and challenging environment. Cantemus performs throughout the Greater Des Moines community and tours both regionally and internationally.

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Cantemus Choir strengthens confidence and vocal technique through challenging repertoire, teamwork, and meaningful performance experiences.

Cantilena

Grades 3–5 | Developing treble choir

Cantilena is an ensemble that focuses on the training of novice level singers. In this level, children participate in basic note reading and begin work with two-part harmony. Cantilena performs in all Heartland Youth Choir primary concerts, at local events throughout the year, and tours regionally each spring.

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Mondays, 6:00 - 7:00pm | HYC North (Ankeny) Rehearsals: Tuesdays, 5:15 - 6:15pm | HYC East (Mitchellville) Rehearsals: Thursdays, 4:30 - 5:30pm

Cantilena Choir introduces part-singing and music literacy in a supportive environment where singers gain confidence and performance experience.

Musical Explorers - Cadet

Pre-School & Kindergarten | Non-performance class

Musical Explorers - Cadet is an experience focused, non-performance based class offered for children approximately ages 4 through 6. In this level, children explore the musical elements through singing, listening, moving and playing. These skills set the foundation for future learning and music literacy skills.

HYC Central (Windsor Heights) Rehearsals: Thursdays, 5:00 - 5:30pm

Musical Explorers - Cadet encourages joyful musical discovery through singing, movement, and play that builds confidence and choral readiness.