ABOUT THE
CHILDREN'S CHORUS
The Children’s Chorus is open to students who will be entering grades 6 through 8 for the 2021-22
school year.
Students who identify as male singers, must have unchanged treble voices.
Choristers are selected through auditions.
The Children's Chorus traditionally performs at Severance Hall with The Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Orchestra Chorus as well as other community events.
The ensemble rehearses on Monday evenings between September and May - each season varies slightly to accommodate the performance schedule.
The Children's Chorus is committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion.
ABOUT THE
PREPARATORY CHORUS
The Preparatory Chorus is open to students who will be entering grades 5 through 8 for the 2021-22 school year.
Students who identify as male singers must have unchanged treble voices.
Choristers are selected through auditions.
The Preparatory Chorus focuses on establishing
a foundation of vocal technique, musical literacy,
and musicianship through quality children's
choir literature.
The ensemble traditionally performs with the
Children's Chorus at community events.
The ensemble rehearses on Monday evenings between September and May - each season varies slightly to accommodate the performance schedule.
The Preparatory Chorus is committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion.
MEET OUR DIRECTORS
Alexander Looney
Director of Children's Choruses
Alexander Looney prepares the Children’s Chorus for their appearances as part of the annual Christmas concerts, community concerts, and in the Orchestra’s performances of operas and symphonic works that call for children’s voices.
Mr. Looney holds a bachelor of music in music education from The University of Akron and is currently pursuing a master of music in music education at Capital University.
Jelani Watkins
Director of Children's Preparatory Chorus
Assistant Director of Children's Chorus
Jelani Watkins prepares the Children's Preparatory Chorus for their appearances at annual community concerts and events, and assists the director of Children's Choruses to ensure that the Children's Choruses' program offers a high quality choral experience to its members.
Mr. Watkins received his master of music in choral conducting at Georgia State University under the direction of Dr. Deanna Joseph and his bachelor of arts in music from Morehouse College under the direction of Dr. David Morrow.
AUDITIONS
The Children's Chorus is open to students entering grades 6 through 8 in the fall of 2021, while
the Preparatory Chorus is open to students in
grades 5 through 8.
Boys must have unchanged treble voices.
Students will be asked to complete the following during their audition:
-
Sing the first verse of "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" ("America") in the key of F major with provided piano accompaniment (sing from memory or with the copy of music provided on our website)
-
Sing the first verse of "America the Beautiful" ('Oh beautiful, for spacious skies') in the key of D major, a cappella - no accompaniment (sing from memory or with the copy of music provided on our website)
-
Sight read a simple melodic line and rhythmic exercise
-
Short exercises to assess a variety of vocal production skills
Photos by Colleen Albrecht
PERFORMANCES
The Children's Chorus regularly performs with The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall as well as other community events. Many of these events are free to the public.
Follow the link below to discover when you can hear the Children's Chorus in concert.