Auditions for the Children’s Choir of Lancaster (for students entering 3rd-12th grade in the Fall of 2013) are held by appointment only and nothing special needs to be prepared. We keep the auditions positive and low-stress. Relax!

Please contact us to schedule your audition.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What can my child expect during an audition?

• Singers will demonstrate vocal range through warm-up exercises
• Echo sing to demonstrate pitch skills and tonal memory
• Sing “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” in round to indicate part independence
• Perform a scale on solfege (if known).  If not, the singer can sing a scale on numbers, or on a neutral vowel.
• Sight-reading, if comfortable reading music (not required for acceptance)
• Pitch identification to convey ability to hear highest, middle, and lowest notes when three are played simultaneously

*Ability to read music is NOT required to audition for CCL.  Singers will be taught music reading skills during choir rehearsals.

Does my child need to have previous choir experience?
No, it is not necessary that your child have choral singing experience.  He/she should genuinely love to sing, match pitch, and work cooperatively with others, contributing to a positive learning environment.

How long will the auditions last? 
Prelude Choir auditions are 10-15 minutes, and may include one to four singers at a time. Lyric Choir auditions are individual, and last approximately 10 minutes. Auditions are done by appointment only.

Who is in the audition room?
Many singers are more comfortable without their parents watching an audition. Since the Prelude audition is in small groups of children at a time, the other children can be sensitive to having other singers’ parents listening to them sing individually during the audition. Many teenagers prefer to sing individually without a parent in the room. In certain special circumstances, parents may make arrangements to be in the room during the audition. Usually, parents wait outside the door, and greet their child as they exit the audition. Once accepted into CCL, parents are invited to watch choir rehearsals after the third rehearsal of each school year to give singers a chance to adjust to the routines, get comfortable with their new friends, and develop focus on the conductor.

How many children are accepted into the choir?
All singers who successfully pass their audition will be invited to join either Prelude or Lyric Choir.  You can help us grow by recommending the Children’s Choir of Lancaster to other families with kids who love to sing!

How will I find out the results of the auditions?
We will make every effort to notify you of the decision as soon as possible via email.

What does tuition cover?
Tuition covers choral instruction once per week (75 minutes for Prelude Choir and 90 minutes for Lyric Choir), which includes music theory, musicianship skills, and performance training. It is the responsibility of the singer’s family to acquire the concert uniform, specified by each group, and is not included in the tuition cost. Partial financial assistance is available, and applications are available upon acceptance.

How often do the choirs perform?
Performances include annual events and special opportunities that will be given on the calendar at the beginning of the year, along with short notice events at which we are invited to sing. Every effort is made to notify parents (via email and Facebook post) as soon as dates are confirmed. When we are invited to participate in an event with short notice, we will ask parents to confirm availability before confirming that we can perform.