Choir

Established in the Fall of 2022, the Durham Charter Arts Program including our newest offering, our Choir program, endeavors to provide students with an exceptional, intensive, and fun musical program that benefits their learning and leads to new opportunities for growth.

Collaborating with community partners and families, we enrich and enhance the quality of life in Durham by offering exceptional musical experiences for performers and audience members alike.

The Durham Charter Arts Program is funded in part thanks to a generous donation from The Kenan Family Foundation. Our Choir program is supported by additional philanthropic giving and from the Choral Society of Durham.

METHODOLOGY

Students are trained in technique, sight reading, performance, and professionalism with an emphasis on technique. Our schedule is uniquely crafted to allow for daily practice in grades 6-8 and High School.

Performance opportunities include:

Recitals and school events
Field Trips
Academic Advantage: Studies show students in structured music programs like choir have higher GPAs and better memory skills. In fact, 90% of parents say their children who sing in choruses are highly creative.

Lauren Benoit Ataei, Teacher, Director, and Assistant Director of Arts

Lauren Ataei is a passionate music educator and choral director who has spent over a decade inspiring singers from early childhood through high school. She has taught choir, general music, musical theater, and Orff classes, creating welcoming and engaging learning environments where students of all ages and skill levels thrive.

Lauren earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in K-12 Choral Music Education from Centenary College of Louisiana. She went on to serve as Director of Choirs and Performing Arts Department Chair at Ursuline Academy of New Orleans. There, she revitalized the school’s choral program following the pandemic, dramatically increasing enrollment and leading her choirs to earn Superior ratings in both stage performance and sight reading at Louisiana Music Educators Association festivals. Click here to hear her choirs.

Lauren’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that music belongs to everyone. She has brought learning to life by inviting Cajun musicians into her classroom, organizing student trips to the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and preparing young singers for interactive concerts with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra—helping students experience the joy of music beyond the classroom walls. Click here to read testimonials about Lauren's teaching and impact.

In addition to teaching, Lauren is an active performer. She sings with the Choral Society of Durham, its Chamber Choir, and the Vocal Arts Ensemble of Durham. She also plays piano and guitar, and regularly performs in church and folk music settings. Click here to hear her recent solo in Duke Chapel.