There are many great things to say about Peninsula Girls Chorus. They cover a well rounded, international and uplifting repertoire of music, and have a decades-long history as a Peninsula institution. The program is very well run and all of the staff are highly competent and dedicated. They also do a great job teaching music theory. What is most special about PGC though is that it is a family for the girls over multiple years. Many of the girls literally grow up within the chorus. When I see the senior girls graduate every year, it is a true celebration of sisterhood. I would recommend the PGC to anyone looking for a supportive and fun community of vocal music for their child. read more

Well, it has been a few years now, and I wanted to update my review for some of you, if you are considering having your daughter sing with the peninsula girls chorus. My daughter started in repertoire for two years, then Allegra, and now Brava. I could not be happier with her progress, not only as a musician, but as a young woman of character. She's had an opportunity to develop as a soloist, and to develop her range from soprano through alto and I appreciated how her current teacher, Mr Skaff, challenges her to push herself. She was getting quite comfortable singing melodies as a soprano, and now has to sing harmony parts as an alto which I can imagine is challenging if you are new to it. I love hearing about her class sessions and the things she learns. I feel so grateful to the chorus for hanging on through a tough three years now of COVID. Unfortunately, my daughter had to miss some time in chorus because as a nurse working in the hospital, COVID was the nightmare we prayed would never happen but did. I was overwhelmed and so was my family. I am so thankful to the director Karyn Silva for giving us a leave of absence during that time so I could be there for the patients and the staff in the midst of that crisis and not stress about pushing my daughter on zoom. I will be ever grateful for their compassion and support. They welcomed my daughter back with open arms and never hesitate to let me know if she needs to improve or work on something. The musicianship books that the students work on train them thoroughly to read and understand music. I am truly pleased about that as there is an audio component and books do get checked and reviewed regularly by staff. The other wonderful thing is that they do have a uniform exchange so you can keep on exchanging a uniform in a different size as your singer moves up in sizes. I must say I have greatly appreciated that especially in these tight economic conditions. All I've had to worry about is some tights and the occasional black dress shoes. That truly cuts costs down for me. it also makes me feel like we're doing something good for the environment because these clothes do get gently used for a very long time, not just discarded. If you're wondering whether this is the right place for your daughter, come attend the end of year concert. It is a wonderful time to see, and hear what the graduating girls are planning, what universities and careers they're moving on to pursue, and you will be able to envision your own daughter and see if this is where you want her to be. This is what I did, and I knew right then and there that is exactly what I wanted my daughter to look and how to comport herself. Every year I marvel at the lovely girls that move forward, whose voices and talents give me chills, how they keep themselves neatly groomed, respectful of the dress code, respectful of the audience and their choirmasters. Thank you so much PGC!! read more

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This school was recommended to us by friends many years ago and my daughter is still loving it! The teachers there are amazing and very professional. Martha has been great as well. I truly believe they are the best chorus school on peninsula. I highly recommend it! read more

This is my daughter's second year with PCG. She has been in Brava both years to date and it has been an amazing experience so far! My daughter loves to sing but in Hayward, choirs such as this one aren't too close by. In my search for choirs PCG came up as having a good reputation, and after school hopping across the San Mateo bridge is going against traffic and easily allows us to get there for the later group practice (there are two time slots to choose from to practice with for the younger groups). She has the chance to sing different parts (the Brava girls switch from soprano to alto and vice versa during the year) and it's been amazing to see her progress as well as how the chorus has developed over the year. I love how she can sing in harmony and can now hear for the chords and not let it get her confused (like I do). Mr. Skaff is great about the feedback he has provided to my daughter and support in her progression toward the next choir level. Since Maya isn't local to Burlingame she came in not knowing anyone, so it's heartening to see how she has made friends during the time there and to see how much she enjoys it - she doesn't want to stop. And I am there in total support of that! I love hearing them sing and it's brought me tears of joy more times than I care to count. Thank you PCG for providing such a wonderful opportunity and experience for my daughter. read more

The PGC was recommended to us when my six-year old (at the time) asked to take singing lessons. She is just finishing her first year in the Repertoire program (for 6-8 year olds) and the educator, Ms. Cane, is terrific. She really knows how to interact with the girls to keep them engaged. The curriculum is mixed with performance music and music theory giving the girls a great foundation in their music education. There are opportunities to perform (two major performances for the younger girls, and more for the older choirs). The overall program is very well run by Karen Silva. It is structured with rules about attendance and family volunteer hours, but all of the structure is aimed at creating a high quality program that nurtures girls from elementary school through high school. read more

My older daughter (6th grader) had always liked singing but never took any formal singing lessons or had any voice training. I found out about Peninsula Girls Chorus (PGC) from a friend's recommendation so I decided to contact them for an audition. My daughter did well and was accepted into the Brava group. In the past year, she's had opportunities to sing the national anthem at a San Francisco Giants baseball game and at a Stanford women's volleyball game. It was an amazing experience for her. Every time I ask her how she's doing at PGC, she always answers with the most positive comments about the group. The staff are also very organized with an online portal and calendar that tells you what's going on as well as volunteering opportunities. For those of you residing in the Peninsula, PGC is a great program for your daughter/s to join if they have an interest in singing. I'm planning to get my younger one to join as well. read more

The Peninsula Girls Chorus not only allowed me to pursue my love of singing, but also showed me vast worlds I would have never been able to experience alone. With PGC I traveled to Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic as well as several states in the US such as Colorado and Louisiana. I would have never had such grand and unique experiences had I not been a member of the PGC. The vocal and musical education I received with PGC is unparalleled. PGC not only gives each singer an opportunity to be the best she can be, but it also is conscientious and understanding of every singer's individual needs. PGC is a professional and extremely successful choral organization that is loyal to its singers even after they have graduated and moved on. PGC offers a musical, social and educational experience unlike any other and girls of all ages and backgrounds can benefit from its programs. read more

The only regret we have with PGC is that our daughter didn't join earlier! From the wonderful and stress-free audition, to their administration, and teachers, it's a top class organization. We love that they are highly organized and well-run with wonderful people who are humble and helpful. They even offer scholarships to needy girls and you can even trade in your old uniforms for a bigger size that others have worn. They could easily nickel and dime you for sheet music and all sort of things but they are very reasonable. I was outside listening in on the second class and was surprised how good the girls sounded. And Miss Roseman's engagement and passion is infectious. You can tell she cares about music and the girls. Our daughter has many interests and by far, PGC is her favorite. read more

My daughter tried out for PGC right before her 6th birthday, started a few months later in the fall, and is now in her 4th year with PGC. She loves to sing and this has been such a wonderful organization for her to be a part of. Not only is she getting to sing, she's meeting new people, and learning musicianship as well. The teachers are all amazing and build these girls up in all areas. PGC is great in person, but they were even more amazing during the last year and a half as we've had to deal with the restrictions of COVID. Normally the girls meet once a week to sing and they have concerts twice a year in the winter and summer. During COVID, the teachers all pivoted to Zoom lessons and met with the students twice a week. They also continued the concerts, although they were virtual for the last year. Teachers came up with games and activities that the girls could do via Zoom and they taught the girls how to video themselves singing so that they could hear their progress and put together the concert videos. Now that we are back in person, PGC has continued to follow county guidelines to keep the girls safe while being able to sing live. My daughter is so happy to be back in person with her teachers and friends. I would highly recommend PGC to anyone who has a daughter that loves to sing or has an interest in getting started. read more

We have been very happy with the instruction and performance exposure for our daughter. She loves coming to rehearsals and always comes home singing and happy! read more

Both of my girls, now in 6th and 7th grade joined PGC several years ago. They absolutely love this community of teachers and students and have grown so much since joining. PGC truly is a place where girls are encouraged through singing in a safe and motivating and fun environment. It is a place where our girls have felt at home. The rewards have been felt far beyond the PGC walls. It has reached the classroom at school as they have learned to use their voice among their peers. They have grown in their confidence. And not only do they learn rhythm, tone, fluency, but a love of music and song. We are so grateful for the PGC and look forward to watching our girls continue to move up. read more

I started singing in PGC when I was 7 years old and continued through it until I graduated from high school, spending a grand total of 11 years in this choir. I now work as an intern at this choir, which involves doing the behind the scenes prep work for each semester and working at the choir's music camp. PGC was the first musical activity that I ever became apart of and set the building blocks for my musicianship. Music is one of my biggest passions and will be a part of my life forever and this love for music was instilled in me thanks to years in PGC. The choir goes on tours every other year and the tours alternate between domestic and international. Only the oldest two groups get to go on tour (middle school and high school girls). I have been on 3 tours as a PGC singer: Italy, East Coast (D.C., New Jersey, Philly, New York), and England. There are 5 groups separated by age. Rehearsals are once a week. There is a fall semester and a spring semester with a concert concluding each semester. Each group has a uniform. In addition from learning music and growing in voice technique and musicality, learning music theory is highly valued and the girls go through theory work books. In order to pass from certain levels to the next, a certain theory book level must be accomplished. PGC isn't as strictly intensive as the San Francisco Girls Choir (which meets 3 times a week) but it is a perfect mix of being an opportunity for someone casually pursue singing as a hobby and being able to adequately train girls who are dedicated to becoming a serious musician. The focus of PGC is helping girls find their voice, and it has certainly helped me find mine. read more

Peninsula Girls Chorus - Ensemble performing in the Spring 2015 Concert - Performing Arts Near Me - Burlingame, California

My daughter has been a part of this chorus for 2 years now and really enjoys it. The teachers are really nice and seem very enthusiastic about what they teach and are all professional instructors. The curriculum is very organized - music books, newsletter updates, website, calendar, concerts etc etc are all given to you upfront so you can arrange your schedule for the entire year accordingly. The best part is that the girls are grouped according to age and moved up based on their performance and achievement - there are also 2 major concerts and several smaller performances where they get to sing at city hall or a nursing home etc so that is really a beautiful experience for these young people. Great program!! Would highly recommend it !!j read more

Our daughter has been in PGC for 6 years and loves it. She was always a girl who loved to sing, but she has become a singer thanks to PGC. We were looking for a choir for her to join because in elementary school every year it seems the school choir starts back at the beginning again with the addition of new, inexperienced students. At PGC, as she matured and learned, our daughter progressed through the different levels of choirs at PGC (Allegra, Brava and now Concerta, and hopefully in high school, Ensemble). The high school girls are truly amazing and inspire all the younger girls. Confidence born of accomplishment is a gift you can give your girl by signing her up for PGC! read more

The PGC is not merely an outstanding choral organization for young women, but a magical place where girls find their voice. My three daughters (two now in college) participated in the chorus for many years, and my youngest, now 15, joined the PGC when she was 5 years old. Over the past ten years I have seen her benefit tremendously from the training and music education she has received. Not only has she received an individualized incredible music education (vocal training, music theory, sight reading, etc.), but she has also learned how to sing with a chorus and meld her voice with others. She has also learned valuable life lessons about the significance of team work, performance, discipline, and kindness and gained leadership skills through camps, retreats, and on tour. She always looks forward to weekly rehearsals and laughing and rehearsing with friends. At PGC, she has found a home and community where she is welcomed and music provides her with joy and comfort. Even during the COVID 19 pandemic, the she continues to enjoy the "remote" rehearsals and singing and connecting with others. The PGC and its mission are a gift to our community. read more

My daughter joined PGC 8 or 9 years ago and it has been a wonderful constant throughout middle school and high school. It provides a warm, nurturing environment for girls and is rigorous enough to develop the girl's voices and musical skills. The weekly rehearsal is a favorite part of any busy week and an escape from any school and homework stress. As a parent, the concerts are such joyful events - where we get to listen to the beautiful voices of all the groups within PGC. The chorus travels every 2 years. So far, my daughter's trips have been to the UK and to Oregon - both great experiences. The chorus participates in musical festivals and the girls the opportunity to meet and listen to other choruses from around the world. A highlight for me on the UK trip was hearing them sing in Canterbury Cathedral. This year they head to Australia for a final PGC adventure. They also sing at different holiday and sporting events and other places within the community. Listening to the chorus (and your daughter) sing the National Anthem at Giants games is such fun! If your daughter loves to sing - don't hesitate to have her audition for PGC. You and she will never regret it! read more

My daughter has been singing with the Peninsula Girl's Chorus for 5 years. This is one thing she looks forward to every week and often comes home humming the melodies hours after practice is over. PGC teaches my daughter the importance of perseverance, that success and perfection requires hardwork. Summer camps allow younger girls to interact with older ones, creating mentorship and leadership. Away summer camps foster independence and self advocacy. PGC also provides incredible experiences with fellow singers, such as singing the National Anthem at the Giant's game, performing at local senior centers, and last year, at the World Wide Women's Girl's Festival. PGC also provide domestic and international performance opportunites. Couple years ago, a group of older girls performed at the Sydney Australia Opera house. PGC empowers girls to speak up and be heard - it's truly a place "where girls find their voices". read more

My daughter has been with PGC for a couple of years now. She loves it. The teachers and staff are amazing and we travel all the way from East bay to Burlingame for this experience every week for my daughter. It gives her a sense of belonging and comes home after class every week happy. She is learning all kinds of music in different languages and is thoroughly enjoying this experience.. read more

My 9 year old started singing with the PGC last year and she says it's like a family. She says, "It's a place where you can just open your heart and sing!" My daughter loves how the teachers take time to work on one part of the music before moving on. She is learning so many skills and continues to build her confidence. While she plays instruments and dances, she says choir is one of her favorites and looks forward to the weekly lessons. It was a highlight to hear the girls sing the National Anthem at the Giants game as well as perform at the winter concert. read more

This is such a great choir program! I grew up being involved with the PGC and I've recently heard several of their groups and they all sound really amazing and polished. I had so much fun at their concert! read more

We have been with this school for two years. This place needs serious staff improvement! Extremely rude staff. They watch you like a hawk and God forbid you bring variety of snack during your volunteer days. They'll show you dissatisfaction and attitude that you'll never want to step in that place ever again. And God forbid you ask to take your child home slightly earlier after the annual concert. We notified the school in advance, showed up for the concert, performed with the class and asked to leave, so we could make her sister's birthday party. Get ready to be lectured ,humiliated and ignored in front of others. Considering we never interfered with their policies, never broke any rules, we never complained on anything. That's just who they are. They call it discipline, I call it senile behavior. Spiteful, over confident, spoiled by Burlingame parents Art Director Karyn Silva who after confrontation about the rudeness at the concert, asks her billing assistant Elisabeth to charge you concert fee. When asked Elisabeth where in the contract does it say about concert fee, she replies she ripped it and doesn't know. :) How absurd! And finally, after speaking to many parents, it sounds like they make children repeat classes (which is fine in certain cases), but it appears they take advantage of that for financial reasons. One positive person in the entire school is Mrs Cane. I'd recommend to avoid unnecessary stress and find another school! read more