Headquartered in the Germantown section of Philadelphia, Commonwealth Youthchoirs (CY) is a nonprofit choral music education program whose mission is to transform young lives through the power of making music together …one song at a time.  Founded in 2001, CY is a thriving music community of three programs, Keystone State Boychoir (KSB) , Pennsylvania Girlchoir (PG), and Find Your Instrument (FYI) that empowers more than 600 young people from across Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia region to find their voice – to express themselves boldly, and to strive for excellence – in rehearsal, on the stage and as a member of the community. Every week since its founding in 2001, young people between the ages of 7-18, spanning 123 schools and 95 zip codes, come together to make music and share life experiences with highly skilled and experienced music educators. More than half of our singers would not have had the opportunity for a music education in their significantly under-resourced public schools and we are proud of a 100% graduation rate for all those who have stayed in CY through their 12th grade year. CY has sung for Popes, Presidents, and Nobel Prize winners, both at home and across the globe, having performed on all seven continents!

Our Core Values

We believe that the deep and caring connection between our Choral Directors and our young Singers is as essential to musical achievement as is musical knowledge. Our choral learning communities promote self-discipline, commitment, camaraderie and leadership in our Singers. We value diversity in repertoire, in the cultural experiences we provide our young singers through touring, and especially in the backgrounds of our members and our audience.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is that of Leonard Bernstein’s: Music making should be fun all the time – especially rehearsals, since we spend most of our time in rehearsals. Still, we believe in hard work. If it’s not hard, it’s not special. Membership in Commonwealth Youthchoirs requires great commitment, but the rewards are equally great. A child joins FYI!, GSG, KSB, NJB, and PG as a singer, but leaves as a Singer-Musician. For participating children, the skills they learn, the music they make, the places they go, and the people they meet are deeply transformative experiences that will serve them and stay with them all their lives.

Our Programs

Commonwealth Youthchoirs offers three programs, which combined serve nearly 600 young people.

Find Your Instrument (FYI!) brings choral music to children who otherwise would have no music in their lives, helping them discover their singing voices and the profound joy of singing. Visit the FYI! website…

Keystone State Boychoir (KSB) channels the energy of boys, ages 8-18, into transformative, music-making experiences for the singers and their audiences. KSB is the only choir in history to sing in Antarctica. Visit the KSB website…

Pennsylvania Girlchoir (PG) is made up of extraordinary girls, ages 8-18, who make extraordinary music. PG audiences include everyone from children in underserved schools to Nobel Peace Prize winners. Visit the PG website…