LAKEPORT, Calif. – Numerous studies have revealed that children who participate in music programs show improved temporal skills, enhanced academic performance and better social skills.

A 1999 UCLA study showed that gains from music education were just as great, or greater for students of low socio-economic status as for privileged students.

A 2001 College entrance exam study showed that students who had experience in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal section of the SAT and 41 points higher on the math. What can we learn from all of these studies? Music is good for our kids.

By participating in community children’s choir kids can literally becoming smarter! The United Christian Parish (UCP) Kid’s Choir program is a wonderful opportunity to open up a venue of music education not available to our children elsewhere.

Three times a year UCP in Lakeport creates a children’s choir. This choir is open to all Lake County children in Kindergarten through 6th grades and is offered free of charge.

The next session of Kid’s Choir begins on Oct. 5 at 4 p.m., however children are welcome to come as early as 3 p.m. for Homework Hall, free play on the playground and snacks.

The rehearsal itself is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and parents are welcome, though not required, to attend.

We are often asked why UCP offers this program for kids in the community, since we neither require them to pay, nor to be affiliated with our church.

The answer is as simple as the bumper stickers we sometimes see around town: “It’s good for the kids.”

As former President Bill Clinton said, “Music is about communication, creativity and cooperation, and, by studying music … students have the opportunity to build on these skills, enrich their lives, and experience the world from a new perspective.”

Rehearsals will be on Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12 and 19, and Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30. The dress rehearsal will be Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and the final performance shall be Dec. 11 at 10 a.m.

The UCP Kid’s Choir is free but preregistration is required.

For more information on the next session of Kid’s Choir, please contact Pastor Shannon Kimbell-Auth before Sept. 30 at 707-263-4788 or by email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; be sure to put Kid’s Choir on the subject line.