The Quincy Area Youth Chorus will audition new singers on Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at Christ Lutheran Church, 333 S. 36th St. in Quincy. Girls, and boys with unchanged voices, are invited to audition.
Young singers in the QAYC discover the joy of musical expression while receiving high-quality education in a supportive environment. Beyond school and church choirs, participants gain focused training and the opportunity to perform exceptional treble chorus repertoire.
The Kinderchor includes singers in grades three through six and is conducted by Megan Masterman and accompanied by Denise Pearcy. The Chamber and Concert Choirs, singers in grades seven through 12, are conducted by Paul Shelor and accompanied by Mary Shelor.
Accepted singers will perform at a spring concert on March 22 and join the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and Chorus for a powerful performance of Leonard Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms on April 19.
“It’s a rare opportunity for a young singer to be part of such a large choir and to have a chance to perform with an orchestra,” said QAYC Conductor Paul Shelor. “It’s an amazing feeling singing with a live orchestra, especially one that size and I encourage every young singer to audition and be part of this incredible opportunity.”
Tuition for the spring semester is $40 and scholarships are available.
Auditioning children should prepare a song they enjoy singing. Call the Quincy Symphony office at 217-222-2856 or visit https://qsoa.org/youth/quincy-area-youth-chorus/ to sign up for an audition time.
The QAYC is supported by Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council and grants from the Illinois Arts Council, the Tracy Family Foundation, the Michelmann Foundation, the J.W. Gardner II Foundation, the Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund & the Mary Ridder Cherny Fund of the Community Foundation, and the Marion Gardner Jackson Charitable Trust. All concerts are supported by Season Sponsors Knapheide Manufacturing and Quincy Recycle.
Founded in 1995, QAYC is a performing and educational outreach program within the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association. Additional information is available at www.qsoa.org/youth.
