The Ross Ragland Theater does more than just produce shows—it's helping raise the next generation of performers.
Open to students across the basin, the Ross Ragland's children's choirs bring music, stage experience, and confidence to young singers in the Klamath Falls community. Designed for kids who love to sing—whether they have prior vocal experience or not—this high-energy after-school program offers a place to explore different musical styles, build technical skills, and experience the joy of performing on the Ragland main stage.
The two younger choirs—"Tag-a-Longs" (Grades 1–3) and "Rag Tags" (Grades 4–6)—introduce choral fundamentals to kids in a fun, low-pressure environment. Students learn skills like dynamics, rhythm, and pitch matching through engaging, hands-on activities using egg shakers, rhythm sticks, ASL, and more.
"Young kids learn best when they're moving," says choir director Olivia Snow. "That's especially true for music. It's a full-body experience, and it's amazing how a little movement can help kids learn complicated lyrics and rhythms. Plus, it's way more fun that way."
Snow keeps rehearsals lively with creative review games—for example, students might roll dice to decide how they'll perform a song, from robot voice to interpretive dance to full-on opera style.
Last spring, Snow introduced a third choir to the Ragland's after-school lineup: a show choir—yes, just like Glee. Named "The Ragtime Players" (Grades 7–12), this group combines singing with choreography and focuses on Broadway favorites, helping students develop the skills needed for musical theater performance.
"I noticed there was something missing in performance education in town," Snow explains. "Students would go from standing and singing in a choir to auditioning for full-scale musicals—without ever bridging the gap between the two. It's a lot harder than it looks to sing, dance, and act at the same time."
When Snow took over the Rag Tag Choirs from previous director Dani Harmon, she knew she wanted to bring that missing piece into the program. "I did show choir in high school," she says. "It taught me more about musical theater than anything else."
Snow brings over 24 years of performance experience to the table—with 48 musicals under her belt, as well as seven years of choir. She's performed in children's theater, community theater, and professional repertory theater. "Musical theater and choir gave me life skills that I use in all sorts of different environments—on the stage, yes, but also in the classroom, my family, and in any social interaction I have, really."
Snow says the goal of these choirs goes beyond performance skills. In truth, the heart of the program runs far deeper. "At its core, this is about helping kids find their voices," says Snow. "Funding for the arts isn't always a priority, but the arts are a necessity. These choirs provide a safe, encouraging space where kids can express themselves and build confidence that carries far beyond the stage."
Rehearsals take place on Monday afternoons during the school year at the Ross Ragland Cultural Center. Tuition is $120 per semester, and scholarships are available upon request. Learn more or register at ragland.org.
