Cape Ann Youth Chorus
Building joyful, confident young singers through community, creativity, and musical discovery.
Rooted in Rockport Music’s commitment to inspiring a love and understanding of music through exceptional performances and creative learning opportunities, the Cape Ann Youth Chorus (CAYC) welcomes singers ages 8–18 into a supportive ensemble where curiosity, creativity, and connection thrive.
Our mission is to build a vibrant, inclusive chorus where young singers grow artistically and cultivate curiosity, creativity, and meaningful musical engagement within the Cape Ann community.
About CAYC
Rockport Music’s Cape Ann Youth Chorus offers an engaging, inclusive choral experience for young singers across Cape Ann and Essex County. Participants rehearse weekly, explore repertoire from diverse musical traditions, and perform at concerts and community events throughout the year.
The chorus brings together singers of different ages and backgrounds, fostering confidence, musical development, and a strong sense of belonging. Older singers may also apply for mentorship opportunities, supporting younger members and developing leadership skills within the ensemble.
Register to join CAYC
The Cape Ann Youth Chorus welcomes singers ages 8–18 with rolling enrollment throughout the school year. Rehearsals take place on Mondays from 4:15–5:30pm, with weekly sessions designed to help singers grow musically, build community, and develop healthy vocal technique.
The full-year registration fee is $350, and tuition is prorated for those joining mid-year. Thanks to generous scholarship support, no singer is ever turned away for financial reasons. With no audition required, the chorus offers open access to any young person who loves to sing.
Rehearsals are held primarily on the third floor of the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport. Performances take place both at the Shalin Liu Performance Center and throughout the community, giving singers meaningful opportunities to share their work with audiences of all ages.
Feel free to contact Education Coordinator, Greg Jukes with any questions: gjukes@rockportmusic.org or 978-546-7391 x.144
Recent and Upcoming Events
- Rockport Tree Lighting, Dock Square — December 6, 2025 at 3:45pm
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Middle Street Walk, Gloucester — December 13, 2025 at 2:00pm
- Open Rehearsal, Shalin Liu Performance Center — December 15, 2025 at 4:15pm
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Spring Concert, Shalin Liu Performance Center — May 17, 2026 at 3:00pm
“Cape Ann Youth Chorus helped me develop vocal techniques and a unique style I would have thought impossible if not for this vocally enriching program.”
— CAYC Student
The CAYC Experience
In this multi-age ensemble, singers learn from and with one another through two core elements: Musical Development and Community, Social & Emotional Growth. These foundations guide every rehearsal, supporting each singer’s growth both artistically and personally.
Musical Development
Singers build healthy vocal technique, strengthen ensemble skills, and explore music from a wide range of cultures and traditions. Rehearsals include warmups, group activities, new and familiar repertoire, and creative opportunities appropriate for beginners through experienced young musicians.
Community, Social & Emotional Growth
The chorus brings together young people from across Cape Ann and Essex County, creating a welcoming, multi-age ensemble where singers develop friendships, confidence, and leadership. Through collaboration, shared goals, and performing in the community, singers cultivate a strong sense of belonging and pride in their collective work.
Meet the Co-Directors
Kristina Martin — Co-Director
Kristina Martin is a lifelong singer and educator whose career spans opera, musical theater, community arts, and youth choral development. She has performed with North Shore Music Theatre, Back Bay Chorale, Gloucester Stage Company, Kansas City Lyric Opera, Springfield Opera, and the Washington, D.C. Opera at the Kennedy Center.
A longtime resident of Rockport with her husband and three daughters, Kristina has taught chorus and performing arts at all levels of Rockport Public Schools and at the Waring School in Beverly. She maintains a private voice studio, prepares choruses for the Annisquam Village Players, and is the longtime director of the youth choir at the First Congregational Church of Rockport. She is a co-founder and director of the summer choral and arts program Cape Ann Arts Alive. Kristina is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association of Teachers of Singing. She studied opera performance at Boston University and voice, education, and communication disorders at Brigham Young University.
Thomas Smoker — Co-Director
Now in his second year as Choral Director for Rockport Middle and High School, Thomas Smoker is a singer, pianist, arranger, and educator with more than 15 years of experience. He has served on the faculty of Berklee College of Music and Endicott College, directing ensembles and teaching across the performing arts. Thomas regularly music directs and arranges for high school and community productions and maintains a vibrant performance career in opera, musical theater, oratorio, and concert work throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic. He is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, the American Choral Directors Association, and the A Cappella Educators Association. Thomas holds a graduate degree in Vocal Performance from The Boston Conservatory.