Why should my child register or audition for The Cleveland Orchestra Children's Choruses?

If your child is passionate about singing and expanding their music education, then they should definitely consider registering for the Preparatory Chorus or auditioning for the Children's Chorus. Our singers come from different schools and diverse backgrounds, and enjoy being in a supportive environment with peers who share their love for music. The Children's Choruses are part of the greater Cleveland Orchestra Chorus family, and are encouraged to continue their musical journey through high school and even into adulthood. Reminder that an audition is required for membership in the Children's Chorus. Choristers that would like to join the Preparatory Chorus do not need to audition but should register on our website and attend a meet and greet session.

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How long is one season?

Each year, choristers commit to attending rehearsals and performances for one season, which typically runs from September through May. During the summer, the Children's Chorus may also be asked to perform with The Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Center if the repertoire calls for children's voices. Such summer performances are highly encouraged but are not usually mandatory.

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Who is eligible for the Children's Choruses?

The Preparatory Chorus is open to students in grades 4 through 6. The Children's Chorus is open to students entering grades 6 through 8. 

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What kind of time commitment is required?

Rehearsals occur on Tuesday evenings throughout the school year. The Preparatory Chorus rehearses from 6:00  to 7:30 pm. The Children’s Chorus rehearses from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Families should anticipate additional rehearsal time during concert weeks. 

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The Children's Choruses now rehearse in University Circle at University Circle United Methodist Church (1919 E. 107th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106). 

 

What will the 2025-26 season look like?

We cannot share the schedule or repertoire for next season just yet! ​​​​You can view the 2024-2025 season schedule for the Preparatory Chorus HERE  and the Children's Chorus HERE to understand what the season commitment may look like. 

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So, there are two groups?

Yes. Many of our students spend at least one year in the Preparatory Chorus, where they work on solidifying their foundation in musical literacy and vocal technique. Students can then audition to move up to the Children’s Chorus, where they’ll work on more technically complex music while committing to a more robust concert schedule, including performances alongside The Cleveland Orchestra each year. 

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There are no auditions required for the Prep Chorus. For choristers that do not have significant audition experience or may be nervous to audition for the Children's Chorus, this is a way to start their musical journey with our choruses and learn and grow with other choristers. 

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My child's voice has started changing.  Would they still be eligible to sing with Choruses? 

The Children's Choruses are treble ensembles; all singers must have unchanged voices in order to participate. However, choristers whose voices have begun changing are invited to audition for The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus, an SATB ensemble affiliated with The Cleveland Orchestra. Click HERE to learn more.

 

Is there a cost to participate?

There is no tuition cost to participate in our choruses! 

Families are responsible for purchasing their child’s concert attire which can be worn year after year and is the same for both groups. Those cost of the attire is approximately $60 + shipping. However, families are never turned away due to financial hardship, and attire scholarships are readily available through a simple application.

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What is an audition like?

Auditionees should try to relax and not get too nervous. Our directors are welcoming and will do their best to make your child feel comfortable. Also, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a "perfect audition." Making some mistakes will not automatically exclude your child from being accepted into the program. 

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If your child has a favorite song, they are encouraged to share their song at auditions. Our directors would love to hear your child sing something that is familiar and enjoyable. If your child does not have a song to share, directors will have them sing a familiar song and go through some simple vocal exercises to get a better understanding for their voice. 

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Accepted students will be placed in the appropriate ensemble – Children’s Chorus or Preparatory Chorus – at the directors’ discretion.

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When will my child know the results of their audition?

Students are typically informed the result of their audition via email within one week of the audition date. 

 

How can my child prepare for their audition?

Preparing for an audition is easy! Simply go to our PREPARE FOR YOUR AUDITION webpage to access a variety of audition study materials that our directors have put together for you to use. Resources include sheet music downloads and accompaniment tracks of the audition pieces listed above, as well as rhythmic and melodic sight-reading examples. This page is meant to be used as a tool to help prepare vocally for an audition. The materials on this page do not need to be memorized for the audition. 

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How do I schedule an audition for my child?

Visit our AUDITIONS web page. There you will find simple step-by-step instructions to complete the audition process from start to finish.

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How do the Meet & Greet sessions work? 

Our meet and greet sessions are a brief and informal way for prospective Preparatory Chorus members to meet other new members, families, and our Directors before the new season begins. We meet with five singers and their families as a group at each session. 

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During the meet and greet, we will have singers go through basic vocal exercises together to better understand their range and where singers are in their musical journey. This helps us select the music they will sing next season.  

 

In addition, we'll provide time for families to ask our Directors and staff questions and get to know each other. We find that it is nice to go into a new season with a buddy and a few familiar faces.

 

Singers are only accepted into the Preparatory Chorus after registering and attending a meet and greet session. Singers only need to attend one 30 minute session. You can book a time to meet us HERE.
 

I have more questions!

Contact our Chorus Manager, Angel Tyler, at atyler@clevelandorchestra.com. Angel will be happy to assist you!

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