Transforming tHe Lives of Our choristers

by creating communities of compassion, excellence, and mutual respect

Mission & Vision

While our focus is on teaching girls the beauty of music and performance, we also prioritize teaching self-confidence and leadership through our music education programming. One of the core values of our organization is service. We teach our choristers that performance is not about self-glorification, but rather is an act of service to audiences. An important way we embody this value is through our annual Sing for Service program every Spring. Check out the menus above and the links below for information about who we are, our programs, and how we became PGC.

Mission

The Pittsburgh Girls Choir is committed to artistic excellence and performance through an exemplary music education program, and welcomes girls of all races, ethnicities and economic backgrounds into our supportive community.

My daughters are blessed to have this opportunity to engage in a group activity that requires them to give up their own ego, and as a result, be able to produce a sound that is beautiful, clear and unified.

Brenda Bakker Harger, Choir Parent

Vision

PGC seeks to share the transcendent beauty of girls’ voices and strives to transform the lives of choristers by creating communities of compassion, excellence, mutual respect.

People in the Hall of Witness below said it was like hearing a choir of angels singing. Thank you for touching so many people today with your music.

Shelby B. Queen, Special Event Coordinator, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

What are the advantages of a Girls Choir?

Artistic, intellectual and emotional needs of girls are easier to meet
Environment is more relaxed
Safe and supportive community is more easily facilitated
Leadership opportunities increase

My daughter has benefited more than words can say from this organization. Her leadership has blossomed because of the encouragement and gentle instruction of Kathryn Barnard and the other adults involved in the choir. She did not come to the choir 6 years ago with the same abilities to lead (and sing!) that she now carries with her as she graduates and moves on.

Vicki Smith, Choir Parent

Core Values

Equity

Making it possible for all girls to join regardless of financial status by providing a sliding scale tuition
Finding a place for every girl at every skill level
Providing equal opportunities for all regardless of race, ethnicity, socioeconomic background

Girls-only Education

Meeting the social, emotional, intellectual, and artistic needs of girls
Nurturing leadership skills in every girl

Artistic Excellence

Transforming the lives of girls through the power and beauty of choral singing
Performing music at the highest level of each choir’s potential

Music Education

Providing a sequential Kodaly-based curriculum focusing on ear training and literacy
Cultivating a girl-friendly learning environment which enables each girl to reach her highest potential

Community

Facilitating the creation of a safe community of mutual respect and encouragement within each choir by adhering to the Honor Code created by senior choristers, staff and board
Reaching out to the community of Pittsburgh, our state, country and the world through concerts, other events and social interactions

Collaboration

Supporting girls as they work to create something more beautiful together than any one of them can create on her own
Collaborating with other youth programs and professional artists in Pittsburgh

Mentorship

Older girls mentor younger girls modeling healthy relationships and discipline
Giving older choristers responsibility for helping to execute the Honor Code

Service

Teaching choristers that performance is not about self-glorification, but an act of service to audiences
Performing annually for several Senior Care facilities