Elevate Classroom Grant 2025-26 Awards
The Elevate Classroom Grant grows out of a simple truth at the heart of Kantorei: many of our singers first found their voices in middle and high school choir rooms. We believe that strong, inclusive classroom choral programs are essential to nurturing the next generation of artists, leaders, and music-lovers, and they are a vital part of our mission to elevate the human experience through choral excellence. We also recognize that differences in school funding and access to resources can shape what is possible for students and teachers alike. Through the Kantorei Elevate Classroom Grant, we are proud to invest in Colorado choral programs that are building opportunity, artistry, and belonging for young singers across our state.
We are delighted to share that this year’s Elevate Classroom Grants have been awarded to two outstanding school choral programs. Each of these schools is cultivating joyful, meaningful choral experiences for their students, and we’re honored to support their continued growth.
Vineland Middle School’s Choral Program
Vineland Middle School’s choral program is in an exciting period of growth, guided by the school’s first full-time music educator and supported by a community that values creative learning. In just one year, the program has expanded from two music classes to multiple levels of choir and band, along with a thriving guitar class, now reaching nearly half of the student body.
As the program continues to take shape, access to musical materials and shared learning experiences plays a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. The Elevate Classroom Grant will provide essential resources to support students’ musical development, including new choral repertoire, organizational supplies, and support for a spring trip where singers will work with a guest clinician and perform together as an ensemble.
This award helps strengthen a growing program that is opening doors for students to build skills, confidence, and community through choral music — ensuring that every singer has the tools they need to participate fully and artistically.
Montbello High School Choral Program
Montbello High School’s choral program has been steadily building a vibrant culture of music-making in a school that re-opened only a few years ago. What began as an entirely introductory program has grown into multiple choir levels, including an honors ensemble now performing three- and four-part repertoire. Students participate in citywide festivals, collaborate with neighboring schools, and create performances that strengthen school culture, from formal concerts to joyful traditions like Singing Valentines.
As interest and artistic ambition continue to rise, the program’s ability to keep pace is increasingly shaped by access to flexible, timely resources. With limited and unpredictable funds for choral materials and experiences, it has become difficult to respond to students’ musical curiosity and to support opportunities beyond the classroom.
The Elevate Classroom Grant will help Montbello’s singers continue their musical journey by providing funds for new repertoire chosen in collaboration with students, a guest clinician to work with the choirs, and support for participation in festivals and performance opportunities. This investment affirms the creativity, commitment, and leadership already present in the Montbello choir — giving students the tools to keep building excellence, community, and pride through choral music.
