Auditions

The Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus has four choral levels:

• Tyros or "beginning learners": (Preparatory chorus, Level 1) Tyros means “beginning learners.” This new KSCC ensemble is for our youngest singers in grades K-2. Tyros rehearse and perform on a modified schedule from September through April.

• Ensemble (Level II): Boys and girls entering grades 3-5 may audition for participation. Exceptions may be made to include younger children who demonstrate advanced music reading skills.

• Chorus (Level III): Girls and boys (with unchanged voices) who are entering grade 6-8 may audition for participation in this level. Those who have had previous experience in the Ensemble and/or who demonstrate the skill levels necessary for participation in Chorus may be invited into this level at the Director’s discretion. Boys with changing or changed voices will be considered for membership in the Youth Chorale.

• Youth Chorale (Level IV): This ensembles is designed for Choristers entering 9th-12th grades. Eighth grade students who exhibit comprehensive musical skills and maturity may be invited to sing at this level.

Three components of the KSCC, the Tyros, the Ensemble, and the Chorus, are comprised of treble (unchanged) voices. The fourth component, the Youth Chorale, accepts male singers whose voices have changed or are in change from treble to baritone, as well as high school females.

Auditions for Tyros, Ensemble, and Chorus will be in the form of a typical 75-minute rehearsal with other singers. Students will not need to bring a prepared piece. Assessment criteria will include the ability to: match pitch, echo sing/clap pitch and rhythmic motives, blend voices with other singers, maintain good singing posture, follow directions, focus energies appropriately, and remain attentive for the duration of the rehearsal.

Singers entering Kindergarten through Grade 12 for the 2010-2011 school year are welcome to audition.

All ensembles within the KSCC rehearse on Tuesday evenings beginning in the fall. In addition to our December and May concerts, the concert schedule for 2010-2011 will include performances with the Kennett Symphony of Chester County, the Jonathan Beech Memorial Concert, and the Children’s Music Festival at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Lancaster. Additional performances are being scheduled.

Next Audition

Auditions for the 2010-2011 Season of the Kennett Symphony Children's chorus will be held in May, 2010 at the Swope Music Building on the campus of West Chester Universty, 817 S. High St., West Chester, PA 19383.

To place your name on the waiting list to receive information about these auditions, call Candyce Thornton, WCU School of Music Receptionist, at 610-436-2739.