Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child need to be to audition? Each year we audition children entering second through fifth grades in the fall. Where are auditions held? Colorado Children’s Chorale offices: 2420 West 26th Avenue, Suite 350-D Denver, CO 80211 How many children are in the Colorado Children’s Chorale? Over 500. We have two training choirs (Prep Choir and Apprentice Choir); two performing choirs (Concert Choir and Tour Choir); and four non-auditioned community choirs. How many children are accepted into the Chorale each year? More than 100 new members join us each year in Prep Choir or Apprentice Choir. Generally speaking, second through fourth graders are placed in Prep Choir and fifth graders in Apprentice Choir. Do Chorale members have to audition every year once they are accepted? Once a child is accepted into the Chorale he or she will not need to repeat the audition process. Children are assigned to a choir based on their abilities and the openings in our performing choirs. Does my child need to have previous choir experience or training? No. He or she must love to sing, be outgoing and have the appropriate vocal range – in other words, be a little “ham” who can sing high! If my child is not accepted, can he or she audition again? Yes, children are welcome to audition again the following year. When and where are rehearsals held? Prep Choir Mondays from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Ave. (Hampden & Monaco) OR Tuesdays from 4:30-5:30 at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1390 Brentwood Street Apprentice Choir Wednesdays from 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Lakewood United Methodist Church, 1390 Brentwood Street OR Thursdays 4:30-5:45 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 6500 E. Girard Ave. (Hampden & Monaco) Prep and Apprentice Choirs rehearse once per week at the location of their choice. In order to benefit your child’s musical and performance progress, we have a 100% rehearsal attendance policy. Regular rehearsal attendance is important so the Chorale can produce the well-trained singers and the high quality performances for which it is known. Please keep both rehearsal days for your choir free of regular obligations, so that you are able to make up any absences. At least once a month, we will come together for a “Super” double rehearsal, with both choirs (i.e. Monday AND Tuesday Prep) in attendance. The Super rehearsals will alternate between the two rehearsal locations.
When will rehearsals begin? The Chorale’s season generally runs from September through May. Are parents allowed to watch rehearsals? In order to utilize our limited rehearsal time in the best way, visitors cannot be accommodated at rehearsal. Visiting backstage during or after a dress rehearsal or performance is also not allowed. Special open rehearsals may be announced during the season in which guests are invited to observe. How many concerts do the training choirs perform each year? Prep and Apprentice Choirs perform in two performances at Christmas and one performance in the spring in which all the choirs perform. We also have a concert in the spring in which only the Prep and Apprentice Choirs perform. In addition, each choir will perform public and private performances (many of which will be in elementary schools performing for their peers) across the metropolitan area. Prep Choir participates in 1-3 additional performances. Apprentice Choir participates in 2-4 additional performances. Is there a cost for participation? There is an annual tuition, that varies by the choir, and it includes most touring and camp fees. We are always open to work with each family’s situation and financial assistance is available to families who demonstrate need. Do many families receive financial assistance? The Chorale expects to award financial assistance to 25% of our families in the upcoming year. The Chorale is fully committed to ensuring that all Chorale programs are accessible to any qualified child who is accepted for membership. What does tuition go towards? Tuition pays for a portion of the educational elements necessary to perform at a high level. The Chorale makes every effort to keep costs at a minimum for our families.