QUINCY, IL – The Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association (QSOA) invites both adult and student singers who love to sing to audition for its community choirs’ spring session. The QSOA’s vocal ensembles—the Quincy Symphony Chorus (QSC) and the Quincy Area Youth Chorus (QAYC)—offer singers of all ages the chance to develop their skills, perform outstanding music, and connect with others who share their passion for singing.
ADULT CHORUS: Quincy Symphony Chorus
The Quincy Symphony Chorus (QSC) welcomes adults who enjoy singing and want to join a friendly, talented group of music enthusiasts. The chorus accepts experienced choral singers in all voice ranges who are eager to share in the joy of making music together.
Auditions for new members will be held Tuesday, November 19, from 4:30–6:00 p.m. at Salem Church, 9th & State Streets. To reserve an audition time, call 217-222-2856 ext. 11.
“If you’ve sung in a high school or college chorus, church choir, or other vocal group, you likely already have the experience you need,” said QSC Conductor Dr. Phyllis Robertson. “Singing in a choir is not only fun but also beneficial for your health and well-being. It can improve your mood, memory, and social skills — and you’ll meet new friends who share your love of music.”
The QSC performs a variety of musical styles, including classical, sacred, pop, and patriotic works. Each performance features fresh and engaging repertoire that challenges and delights both singers and audiences.
The Spring 2026 season includes a lively Pops Concert on March 14 and a collaborative performance with the Quincy Symphony Orchestra and local choirs on April 19. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings beginning in January, and singers may participate in fall, winter, and/or spring sessions based on their availability.
Prospective members should prepare a song they enjoy singing—such as a Christmas carol, hymn, or folk song—and bring their music to the audition. Hymnals will be available at the church. Dr. Robertson will guide singers through scales to check vocal range and explain chorus expectations. Auditioners should enter through the red double doors on the State Street side of the church near the digital sign.
Founded in 1972, the Quincy Symphony Chorus is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of its members and the community through music. There is no fee to join, though a concert uniform is required. Learn more at www.qsoa.org
YOUTH CHORUS: Quincy Area Youth Chorus
The Quincy Area Youth Chorus (QAYC) will audition new singers on Saturday, December 13, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at Christ Lutheran Church, 333 S. 36th Street 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 vocal education in a supportive and encouraging environment. In addition to school and church choir experience, participants receive focused training and the opportunity to perform exceptional treble chorus repertoire.
The Kinderchor includes singers in grades 3–6 and is conducted by Megan Masterman with accompanist Denise Pearcy. The Chamber and Concert Choirs, featuring singers in grades 7–12, are conducted by Paul Shelor with accompanist Mary Shelor.
Accepted singers will perform at a Spring Concert on Monday, March 23 and will 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 perform with an orchestra,” said QAYC Conductor Paul Shelor. “It’s an amazing feeling singing with a live orchestra of that size, and I encourage every young singer to audition and be part of this incredible experience.”
Tuition for the spring semester is $40, and scholarships are available. Auditioning students should prepare a song they enjoy singing. To sign up for an audition, call the Quincy Symphony office at 217-222-2856 or visit qsoa.org/youth/quincy-area-youth-chorus
The QAYC, founded in 1995, is a performing and educational outreach program of the Quincy Symphony Orchestra Association. The program is supported by Encore! Symphony Volunteer Council and generous grants from the Illinois Arts Council, Tracy Family Foundation, Michelmann Foundation, J.W. Gardner II Foundation, Samantha Otte Youth Opportunity Fund, 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.
For additional information, visit www.qsoa.org/youth
