309.693.6725
Join PACC
Interested in joining the Peoria Area Civic Chorale?
Audition applications are accepted year-round, with the official audition process taking place for each concert season in August or January. Please complete the online application found here if you are interested in joining the Peoria Area Civic Chorale.
Applications for An American Family Christmas (December 2025) are closed; however, interested individuals may apply at any time for the How Can I Keep from Singing? (May 2026) concert season and beyond.
Eligibility
Experienced choral singers from high school age (Junior or Senior standing) through adult
In-Person Audition Process
- Complete and submit the online application. Once submitted, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Business Office will connect with you to coordinate an audition time.
2. Prepare two songs that you feel best represent your abilities and skill. (Selections can be of any style – hymn tunes, operatic arias, folk melodies, musical theater, etc.)
a. You may not be asked to sing both selections in their entirety, but please be prepared to do so. Although memorization is not required, please select pieces that best demonstrate your musical abilities.
b. Please provide two physical copies of each selection: one for the Artistic Director and one for the Accompanist that will be provided for you.
3. Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your audition to allow time to check in. Auditions typically last between 10-15 minutes. Candidates will be asked to review and sign an agreement document, which will be provided at check in.
4. You may be asked to demonstrate music reading skills (rhythmic and tonal) and tonal memory during your audition. These will be used to gain a sense of pitch, rhythm, and overall musicianship.
5. Following your audition, results will be shared via email. Typically, these are available within 24-48 hours following auditions.
Please see our FAQ’s below for more information on the audition process, concert season, and general expectations.
Virtual auditions may be provided on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to the PACC Business Office for more information.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale is open to those of all abilities. To request accommodations, please contact our Business Office at (309) 693-6725 or office@peoriacivicchorale.org at least 1 week prior to the audition.
Returning PACC Singers
Any Peoria Area Civic Chorale singer who has taken a hiatus of one or more concert seasons, but desires a return to active singing membership, will be required to re-apply for active membership. Singers must email the Artistic Director at least one month prior to the start of the concert season rehearsals in which they wish to return.
Re-applications will be handled on a case-by-case basis and determined primarily by the current musical needs of the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. The need to re-audition is left to the discretion of the Artistic Director.
Peoria Area Civic Chorale Auditions - Frequently Asked Questions
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale (PACC) is an auditioned, community-based vocal ensemble of professional and dedicated avocational musicians from throughout the greater Central Illinois area. This organization is passionately committed to bringing a diverse program of choral literature to life and was created in 1982. The PACC has developed the reputation for being an ensemble recognized throughout the region for its dedication to music education and the highest standards of musical performance in all styles and genres. In addition, throughout its history, the PACC has consistently remained a strong advocate for collaborative efforts with many other Central Illinois performance organizations including the Peoria Symphony Orchestra, the Central Illinois Jazz Orchestra, the Heartland Festival Orchestra, Opera Illinois, Peoria Ballet, the Air National Guard Band of the Midwest, and WTVP television.
Please contact the business office at office@peoriacivicchorale.org for any questions.
Generally, the auditions are conducted by the Artistic Director and Associate Music Director, and are accompanied by the Chorale’s accompanist. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Civic Chorale representative who will guide you to the waiting area or warm-up room, answer questions you might have, and alert you when it is time for your audition.
Generally, auditions are held a week prior to the beginning of a rehearsal season. Results will be shared with you via email shortly after your audition. If you are offered membership, we ask that you reply within 24 hours by return email. Failure to respond may cause your place to be offered to another singer.
Absolutely! If you auditioned and were not offered membership, you may re-apply after one performance season of the Chorale (i.e., either fall or spring). For instance, if you initially auditioned in August, you may re-audition in January.
The new member financial commitment for participating in the Peoria Area Civic Chorale includes a tax-deductible $50 assessment per season (both fall & spring). Sopranos and altos must purchase a matching dress and jewelry, which is typically around $125. Tenors and basses are responsible for a tuxedo (a one-time purchase of approximately $300 if the new member does not already own one), as well as matching accent pieces, which are typically around $50.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at First Christian Church on 6400 North University. Rehearsals begin in mid-August for the December concert season and mid-January for the May concert season.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale’s annual An American Family Christmas is presented in December while an annual spring concert is presented late April or early May and are held at Five Points Washington's Caterpillar Performing Arts Center (360 N. Wilmor Rd. Washington, IL). On occasion, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale also collaborates with area symphonies in the production of major, choral/orchestral masterworks, as well as other optional performance opportunities throughout the year.
Traditionally, “PACC Week” is considered the final, full week of rehearsals followed by performances. During the week, rehearsals are mandatory and occur every night leading up to the performances. Below is a description of the typical rehearsal schedule: Monday: Last rehearsal at our regular location to solidify music memorization Tuesday: Tech night (lights & sound) and the ensemble’s first night in the performance venue Wednesday: Second tech night in the performance venue Thursday: Dress rehearsal (concert dress is required for pictures and a full run through) Friday-Sunday: Friday night opening performance with three total performances in December (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) and two performances in the spring (Friday and Saturday only)
Yes, since its debut in 1982, Peoria Area Civic Chorale singers have proudly memorized all music for both the winter and spring concert series. A memory calendar is distributed to the ensemble at the first rehearsal to assist with pace. Memorization of major choral/orchestral collaborations or additional performances is not required.
The thought of memorizing music can be daunting for many potential ensemble members, yet memorization determines the singer’s ability to be responsive to the conductor, to sing more freely, and to be more communicative with the audience. Due to repetition within the rehearsal environment, music memorization has always been an easily achievable goal. Audio files, such as individually played vocal lines, are also created to assist with memorization.