experience the joy of ensemble singing

Providing equitable access to high-quality, inclusive vocal music opportunities that support enrichment and musical growth

across all genres in the Southern Tier of New York and beyond.

JOIN AN ENSEMBLE

No matter your age or musical ability,
there is a place for you to belong.

Fall 2025: Adult Pop-Up Chorus

January 2026: Children and Youth Ensembles

Your contributions make accessible vocal music in our community possible.

Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier serves children, youth, and young adults who wish to sing throughout the Twin Tier Regions of Central New York and Pennsylvania. We are nestled in the valley between Corning and Elmira, NY.

There’s a Place For You

  • Children's Choir

    AGES 8-11

  • Youth Choir

    AGES 12-15

  • YOUNG PERSON's

    AGES 16-22

  • SINGER/SONGWRITER

    AGES 14-18

  • POP-UP CHORUS

    AGES 23 + UP

FAQs

  • Everyone has a voice—and at VEST, every voice is welcome. Whether you’re a child just discovering music, a teen looking for creative expression, an adult returning to singing after years away, or someone who's never sung a note in public, you belong here.

    You don’t need to read music. You don’t need formal training. All you need is the desire to sing.

    We offer a wide range of ensembles for all ages and skill levels—including choirs for children, teenagers, and adults. Our goal is to meet you where you are and help you grow musically and personally in a supportive, joy-filled community.

  • Because music is a human right—not a privilege.

    At VEST, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to sing, grow, and connect through music, regardless of age, income, identity, or ability. Far too often, opportunities to participate in high-quality music are limited to the few who can afford private lessons or meet rigid audition standards.

    We’re changing that.

    We remove barriers—offering financial assistance, inclusive programs, and a welcoming space for all. When voices from different walks of life come together, the result is more than beautiful music. It’s a community where empathy, cooperation, and belonging thrive.

  • VEST isn’t just a choir—it’s a community.

    We don’t focus only on performance; we focus on people. We don’t just teach music; we cultivate growth, joy, and connection. We celebrate diversity in every sense—musical genres, cultural traditions, personal identities, and life experiences.

    Our programs are designed to uplift and empower, whether you’re singing pop, gospel, classical, or musical theatre. Our ensembles don’t just perform—they become family.

    With VEST, excellence and inclusion go hand-in-hand. We believe the most powerful performances come not from perfection, but from authenticity, shared experience, and the courage to be heard.

  • When you donate to VEST, you’re not just supporting a nonprofit—you’re opening a door. You’re helping a child find their confidence, a teen discover their voice, an adult rediscover joy, or a singer feel truly included for the first time.

    Your support funds scholarships, pays for inclusive programming, buys sheet music, trains skilled directors, and ensures our doors are open to all—regardless of means or ability.

    Every dollar helps someone be seen, be heard, and belong.

    Because when voices rise together, communities heal. And you make that possible.

VEST offers far more than music education—we build confidence, empathy, and belonging. Our ensembles bring together children, teens, adults, and seniors in joyful, inclusive music-making.

But this only happens with your help. Your support directly funds:

  • Scholarships for low-income families

  • Accessible programs for singers with disabilities

  • Innovative ensembles that reflect our diverse community

  • Performance opportunities that uplift and unite

Every contribution helps a voice be heard.