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2026-27 Audition FAQs

Children's Chorus (Grades 6-8)

 

Why should my child audition?

If your child is passionate about singing and expanding their music education, then they should definitely consider 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 into adulthood. Reminder that an audition is required for membership in the Children's Chorus. 

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My child has never taken any instrumental or vocal lessons. Should they still audition?

Yes! We encourage any student who loves to sing and is eager to enhance their knowledge of music to audition for the Children's Chorus. Private music lessons are not required to participate in any of the Cleveland Orchestra Choruses, and most choristers do not have any professional musical training.

 

When and where will auditions be held?

Auditions will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church, Tuesday, May 19 at Cleveland Institute of Music, and Monday, August 24 at Disciples Christian Church. Interested singers should complete the ONLINE AUDITION APPLICATION.

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How long will the audition last?

The audition takes about 10 minutes to complete. 

 

What will my child be expected to do during their audition?

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. 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. Students can start practicing for their audition by doing some vocal exercises, sight reading, and singing via the AUDITION GUIDELINES page. These are tools to help your child practice they do not have to memorize any of the songs or exercises for auditions.  

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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 for your child. If your child does not have a song to share, directors will have them sing a familiar song and sing some vocal exercises to get a better understanding of their voice. 

• Sight read a simple melodic line and rhythmic exercise

• Short exercises to assess a variety of vocal production skills

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When will my child know the results of their audition?

Students will receive audition results within a week of the last Spring or Fall audition date(s). You can anticipate receiving audition results by Tuesday, May 26th for those auditioning in April/May 2026 and Monday, August 31st for those auditioning in August 2026

 

How can my child prepare for their audition?

Preparing for an audition is easy! Simply go to our AUDITION GUIDELINES web page 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. 

 

Don't worry if the sight-reading passages seem confusing to you or your child. The directors will explain what to do during the audition, and they recognize that many auditionees do not have any sight-reading experience. Performance on the sight-reading component does not affect acceptance and only helps us place students in the ensemble where they can achieve the most success.

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How do I schedule an audition for my child?

The best place to start is by visiting the AUDITION GUIDELINES web page, accessible at the top of this page. There you will find simple step-by-step instructions to complete the audition process from start to finish.

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My child is in 6th grade. Which chorus should they join? 

Both the Preparatory Chorus and Children's Chorus accept singers in 6th grade.

 

The Preparatory Chorus focuses on establishing a solid foundation in vocal production technique and musicianship. Its members perform in 3-4 community concerts each year and rehearse for an hour and half each week.  

• For singers that may not have significant singing experience, may be nervous to audition for the Children's Chorus, or may want a slower adjustment to the Children's Choruses, registering for the Preparatory Chorus is great way to start their musical journey with our choruses and grow with other choristers.

• Eligible singers that demonstrate maturity and growth in the Fall semester may be invited to audition for the Children's Chorus in the Winter if they are interested and schedule allows. 

 

The Children's Chorus builds and further develops the skills learned in the Preparatory Chorus and has a more extensive rehearsal and performance schedule. For example, the 2024-2025 Season included three community concerts, three performances of Mahler's 3rd Symphony with The Cleveland Orchestra, and four performances of the Holiday Concerts with The Cleveland Orchestra.

 

• If your singer has experience in solo or choral singing, can manage the schedule of the children's chorus, and feels that they are comfortable with auditioning, we recommend that they audition for the Children's Chorus. 

• For those that choose to audition for the Children's Chorus, the Directors will determine the best placement for each singer. Accepted students will be placed in the appropriate ensemble – Children’s Chorus or Preparatory Chorus – at the directors’ discretion.

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I want to learn more about the Children's Choruses. Where can I find additional information?

Our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS page is a great place to learn more about the Children's Choruses.

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I still have more questions. Who should I contact?

Contact Angel Tyler, Children's Chorus Manager, at atyler@clevelandorchestra.com. She'll be happy to assist you.