Children's Chorus of Maryland and School of Music is one of the most respected programs for choral music education and performance in the United States. Founded in 1976 by well-known artistic director, composer and teacher Betty Bertaux, CCM offers a variety of programs that teach children ages 5 1/2 to 17 years of age to read, write and sing music while taking classes in music history, theory, and vocal performance. Under the direction of Artistic Director Susan Bialek, the program offers highly qualified teachers, small classes and in-depth vocal enrichment to provide children with a complete musical education and choral experience. Choirs perform locally during the academic year at well-known regional and national venues, and have earned spots in a variety of children's choral festivals in the US and abroad. Children's Chorus of Maryland empowers musical children by providing music literacy for vocal musicians. We achieve our mission in a music education and performance program dedicated to excellence, aesthetic sensitivity, play-based learning, respect, and diversity. To truly and fully enjoy making music with others, singers want to be fluent in the language of music, as well as in vocal training. Choral music education, especially for children, should always lead to music literacy (the ability to read and write music). We believe that music literacy is a basic tool of self-expression and enjoyment that everyone can take part in.