The Children's Chorus of Washington invites all interested children who love to sing, ages 9-16, to audition for its music education program.
Our Mission :
Our organizational mission is to foster both the artistic and personal development of a diverse and dedicated community of young musicians in the greater Washington, D.C. area by providing them with an opportunity to study and perform the highest quality choral literature. The Children's Chorus of Washington (CCW) strives to be recognized as the model of excellence for children's choruses, teaching life skills through its music education program - the value of hard work, personal accountability, a commitment to others, and the benefits that derive from collective achievement.
«Auditions are easy!
- New members are selected at annual auditions, held by appointment in the spring, and sometimes mid-year auditions are held in January. Children meet with and are heard individually by Artistic Director Joan Gregoryk. No preparation or experience is necessary to audition - just a love of singing! Children accepted into the Chorus are placed in either the Treble Chorus or Concert Chorus based on demonstrated experience, musical skill and ability.
«Membership
- CCW choristers represent over 100 public, private and home schools and come from many different communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
«Performing Ensembles
- Treble Chorus is the beginning level choral ensemble for children approximately 9-13. Singers at this level have demonstrated an ability to match pitch and maintain their part in singing a two-part round. Through this level, they will improve their unison singing skills and begin to sing two-part and three-part songs. Note reading, basic score reading, and basic vocal technique will be developed at this level. Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 4:45-6 p.m. and the children perform approximately four concerts a year.
- Bel Canto Chorus (new ensemble!) from the Italian for "beautiful singing" or "beautiful voices," is an intermediate ensemble to meet the music education needs of students who have had some singing experience and are ready continue their musical development by experiencing more challenging repertoire, more advanced sight-singing and music reading materials and additional performance opportunities. Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. and this ensemble performs at least four to six concerts a year.
- Concert Chorus is the advanced level choral ensemble made up of singers who have established good vocal technique, are excellent sight-readers, and can sing independently in parts. Basic music theory, history and appreciation will be developed at this level. Rehearsals are held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:15-7:45 p.m. and this ensemble performs at least four to six concerts a year. This ensemble performs frequently with the National Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore Symphony, National Philharmonic and the many adult choral organizations in the area and participates in national and international tours every two to 3 years.
«Tuition
- Tuition covers over 175 hours of high caliber musical instruction and vocal training, choristers' music, supplies and activities, conductor's and accompanist's fees, and other chorus expenses. It does not cover uniforms, transportation or certain social activities.
- Tuition Rate: Tuition for the 2008-09 season is:
TREBLE Chorus - $975
BEL CANTO Chorus - $1,025
- Discounts are granted when more than one child in the same family is in the Chorus.
- Scholarships: A limited number of tuition waivers will be awarded based on demonstrated financial needs. Call the Chorus Office for application.
«Other Expenses and Responsibilities
- Concert Uniforms: Choristers are responsible for buying their own concert uniforms as specified on the uniform information sheet handed out at the audition. This includes a formal concert uniform, rehearsal polo shirt and any other required uniform items necessary in each concert season. Choristers are also responsible for buying all tour uniform items.
- Concert Tickets: It is expected that each chorus family will attend our own Holiday Concert and Spring Concert each season, and families are encouraged to sell additional tickets to family, friends and others interested in the art of children's singing.
- Annual Giving Fund: Tuition covers only about one-third of our program expenses. Every fall, parents are asked to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Chorus.
- Major Chorus Benefit Event: Each year, the Chorus holds a major fundraising event. Chorus families are asked to support this event. For the 2005-05 season, the event was the 10th Anniversary Gala on March 4, 2006.
- Volunteering: Parents are expected to participate in some volunteer activities as described in the parent volunteer information provided at registration.
- Other Expenses: Tours are charged separately from other expenses.
«What Do Choristers Do?
- Learn: In an environment that is child-centered, nourishes personal and artistic growth and provides exciting performance opportunities, children learn about great music by singing it, while mastering the musicianship skills that allow them to experience the joy of singing with artistry and develop the self-discipline and confidence that will enhance many areas of their lives.
- Rehearse: Twice a week, each ensemble meets to rehearse.
- Perform: All choristers sing in at least four concerts a year, with the Concert Chorus performing more often. Our own self-produced concerts include our Holiday and Spring Concerts, as well as other local concerts. Special appearances have included singing at the Kennedy Center , on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and the Library of Congress.
- Have Fun: Throughout the year, the Chorus has special events which let the choristers be together just to have fun, such as the retreats, pizza parties, and visiting choir events.
- Tours : The Concert Chorus has participated in several national and international tours over the years and the Treble Chorus has participated in local tours.
«What Do Parents Do?
- All parents are invited and urged to be a part of their child's Chorus experience by attending concerts and other Chorus events throughout the year. Volunteer support from parents is essential to the successful operation of the Chorus. A volunteer sign-up sheet is provided to all chorus families at registration, indicating whether help is needed on a one-time basis or more frequently. In addition, each chorus family is expected to take a turn at late pick-up duty, staying after one or two rehearsals a year to see that all choristers have been picked up.
«What kids have to say about the Chorus
- "I like being a member of CCW because I like being able to take music seriously but still have fun. I always feel welcome at CCW."
- "My favorite concert of the year is the Holiday Concert. I really like the sense of community I get from singing the carols with the audience."
- "It is the most wonderful experience being able to sing with devoted, talented and sweet people. We work together as a team and support one another as if we were brothers and sisters. I have never been part of something so special."
- "CCW imparted to me a great sense of discipline, and taught me the fundamental art in taking pride in what you do."
- "We performed professionally. We all thought of ourselves as normal students. It wasn't until the almost deafening applause that we realized we were different. Most of us were meant to sing and our wish to sing was fulfilled."
- "I love CCW because it gives me the chance to let go and to be free. It gives me a chance to express myself in a positive way."
- "Singing together makes for the closest of friendships, and I love being a part of that."
- "The feeling I get when I'm singing is joyful and it makes me feel good about myself."
- "This is one of those things that you will always remember. When I'm applying to colleges, I'm going to mention this; when I'm 80, I'll be able to say that I sang at Carnegie Hall."
