The South Bay Childrens Choir is based at El Camino College in the Los Angeles area of Southern California and is under the artistic direction of Diane Simons. Co-founded in 1996 by the late Dr. Jane Hardester and Diane Simons, the choir produced their first CD, 'In the Beginning - 1998 to 2005', featuring the Bel Canto singers, known for their impeccable intonation, blend, and expressiveness. The repertoire includes classical favorites such as 'Dome Epais' by Delibes and a riveting performance of Britten's 'This Little Babe', as well as many exciting folksong settings, including 'Sail Away' by Malcolm Dalgleish, performed a capella. The title song 'In the Beginning' by Imant Raminsh shows off the choir in its early years, and the 2005 premier performance of 'Platanos' by Edward Cansino demonstrates their later maturity as singers. There are three pieces, (Missa Brevis, It Was a Lover and His Lass and Till Morning) by composer-in-residence B. Wayne Bisbee.