Paul McNeff

Executive Director at KidSingers

Paul McNeff received his B.A. degree in Choral/Vocal Music from Cal State Long Beach and his M.A. degree in Vocal Performance from Cal State Fullerton. Additionally, he has studied with many of the leading choral conducting pedagogues of our day, including Robert Shaw, Roger Wagner, and Paul Salamunovich. He has performed professionally with Opera Pacific, L.A. Master Chorale, Pacific Chorale, and the Robert Shaw Festival Singers. He has consistently led his choirs in performances that have inspired audiences throughout the world.

Stemming from a professional crisi in 1994, McNeff followed his dream by forming the Paul McNeff Singers. Concertizing throughout the Southland, McNeff soon saw a need to fill the gap of in-school music programs which were disappearing due to budget cuts. To meet that need, in 1997 he launched KidSingers after-school youth chorus. Comprised of under-resourced youth between the ages of 8 to 18, KidSingers has thrilled thousands of concertgoers with their uplifting and inspiring musical performances.

Along with learning advanced performing and singing skills, another hallmark of the KidSingers’ program is how it has also led youth to improve in the social skills of self-esteem and confidence, teamwork, community unity, conflict resolution, advancing community peace, and earning college scholarships. Sadly, as many after-school arts programs had to shutter their doors during COVID, KidSingers resiliently rebounded and continues to bring their “harmony for a better” to the Orange County community and beyond.