Chorus as social and cultural environment for educating children

The paper defines the concepts ‘collective’, ‘educational collective’, ‘chorus’. The principles and methods of management of children’s collective were outlined, the main functions of choral collective were determined. The historical and pedagogic overview of the development of choral art in Russia and abroad was given. The peculiarities of choral art in ancient times, classical antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance era were distinguished. The achievements, specific characteristics, and trends of these periods were analyzed in terms of music of XVI - XVIII, XIX, XX centuries. Choral culture in Russia was the focus of the research (folklore of peasant tradition and Russian epos), with festivals, creativity competitions, popular scientific events underlining the importance and significance of choral culture and choral creativity. The results show the folklore authenticity of the Russian nation; the inextricable connection of choral chants and divine worship; the reflection of historical events and public sentiments in choral creativity; the significance of choral culture in spiritual and aesthetic upbringing of a personality.