The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus was founded in 1986 to enrich the lives of musically talented children in grades four through eight. In addition to its guest appearances with the Chorale during each concert series, the Youth Chorus has appeared in concert with the Des Moines Children’s Chorus, the Peoria Youth Symphony, the Irving School Choir, the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Heartland Festival Orchestra, the GospelFest Singers, the Opera Illinois’ production of Hansel & Gretel in the role of the children's chorus, and performed most recently in the Peoria Ballet production of the Nutcracker.


Introduction
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by the Peoria Area Civic Chorale.  Founded in 1986, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus exists to provide interested singers with extra-ordinary choral music experiences via outstanding music education and excellence in performance.  Through a curriculum that uses high quality repertoire from a wide variety of musical styles this program strives to develop vocal and musicianship skills in the youngsters who participate, providing them with opportunities to not only experience the joys of singing but to lead them to be expressive artists.

Click on the Information Sheet for complete details.


Membership In The Youth Chorus
Students in 4-8th grade (unchanged voice) exhibiting strong vocal and musical skills and potential are encouraged to audition for membership into the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus.  No musical training or experience is necessary.  Auditions are held each May, August and January. Also, many opportunities also exist for parents and families to be involved in the success of the PACCYC.  The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus cannot operate successfully without the assistance of volunteers.


Auditions

Auditions for new members for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus for the Fall 2013 semester will be held Tuesday, May 14th, 2013 from 4 to 6 p.m at First United Methodist Church. A second opportunity to audition will occur Tuesday, August 20th, 2013. Please contact the PACC office at 693-6725 or 360-6180 or email paccyouthchorus@gmail.com or pacchorale@gmail.com for audition times, questions or more details.

We are seeking students in Grades 4-8 with unchanged voices.

Please arrive with a song prepared to sing. This can be a song of the student's choice - a simple hymn, such as "Amazing Grace" -- just something that allows the director to hear the voice in a song the person knows well. Some time during the audition will also be used to sing some vocal exercises to check for range and voice quality.

Auditions are held at First United Methodist Church, Perry and Hamilton Streets, in downtown Peoria.

Please call the PACC office at 693-6725 to arrange an audition time and to ask any questions you might have.

First rehearsal: Tuesday, August 21st at 4:30 p.m.


Tuition
A non-refundable Tuition is required for participation in the PACC Youth Chorus.  Checks should be made out to Peoria Area Civic Chorale, with the child's name listed on the check.

Semester tuition: $120 per student ($100 per additional student from same family)

Annual tuition - paid in full September 1st: $200 per student ($180 per additional student from same family)

The Tuition-plus program is a way for parents and students to extend the opportunity of singing in the PACC Youth Chorus to all talented children, not just those who can afford it. Please consider making a donation to this program.


Rehearsals and Performances of the Youth Chorus
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus meets for rehearsals at First United Methodist Church, 116 NE Perry, downtown Peoria, on Tuesday afternoons, 4:30—6:00 p.m., from September to May.  In addition to various community events, the Youth Chorus presents two concert events a year in December and May.  They also join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in concert twice a year.

Click on the Calendar for this semester.  Please place these dates on your calendar now to prevent surprises.  Please note that the schedule is subject to change throughout the semester.
All rehearsals are required.


Performance Attire
Students will perform in uniform attire for all community, Youth Chorus and PACC Performances.  Boys will have the option of renting or purchasing black tux pants, white shirts and black vests/bowties.  Girls will wear Youth Chorus performance attire (black pants and white blouses).  Previously worn outfits may be available at a reduced price.


Rehearsal Treats and Parent Monitors
Treats are provided for the students each Tuesday afternoon before rehearsal.  Parents are asked to sign-up for a rehearsal to bring treats.  We ask that treats are available for the students by 4:15 in order to begin rehearsal in a timely manner.  Please be sure that the treats you choose possess nutritional value.  Treats that are high in sugar adversely affect the rehearsal atmosphere.  Also, one parent a week is needed to volunteer as rehearsal monitor.  The rehearsal monitor will help with crowd control before rehearsals, monitor student breaks and handle any non-music concerns that may arise during the course of rehearsals.


Professional Staff

Music Director – Courtney Vercler

Courtney is thrilled to be serving as Music Director for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus. After receiving her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Illinois State University, Courtney spent five years teaching in Washington Grade School District 52. There she taught general music to kindergarten to 5th grade students and directed 4 choirs of 6th through 8th grade students. In 2010, she completed her Masters of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music. In addition to her responsibilities directing PACCYC, Courtney is also a full-time mom and an adjunct music education faculty member at Eureka College and Illinois State University.

Accompanist – Anna Price

This is Anna's third year with the Peoria Area Civic Choral Youth Chorus. She is delighted to be playing for the chorus and working with Courtney. Anna graduated summa cum laude in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Bradley University where she studied under the direction of Edward Kaizer. In addition, Anna is a certified Suzuki and Kindermusik instructor. Anna maintains a private piano studio and is also the piano instructor and accompanist for the Sun Foundation Suzuki School of Music. In addition, Anna enjoys accompanying for her church, Providence Church in Peoria, and teaching Kindermusik through Trinity Lutheran Church. Anna is an active member of the Peoria Area Music Teachers Association as well as the Suzuki Association of the Americas.

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