Youth Chorus

History

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. High-quality repertoire, from a wide variety of musical styles, allows students to develop vocal and musicianship skills and be expressive artists. 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 Milwaukee Children’s Choir, the Central Illinois 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 in the Peoria Ballet production of the Nutcracker.

Membership

Youth in 4-8th grade exhibiting strong vocal and musical skills are encouraged to join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus. No musical training or experience is necessary, and Vocal Placements are held each May, August and January. Many opportunities 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.

Vocal Placement

Click here to fill out our audition interest form.

Vocal Placement for Spring 2026 will be held from 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, August 13^th at First Christian Church (6400 N University St, Peoria) and may be scheduled through Ms. Alison Meuth, Music Director at youthchorus@peoriacivicchorale.org.

For the placement, 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 placement will also be used for vocal exercises to check range and voice quality.

Rehearsals and Performances

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus meets for rehearsals at First Christian Church, 6400 N. University St., Peoria, on Tuesday afternoons, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. In addition to various community events, the Youth Chorus presents two concert events a year. A fall concert will be held October 26^th, 2025 and a spring concert will be held on March 15^th, 2026 at 3 p.m. at First Christian Church. They will also join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in concert for An American Family Christmas December 19^th -21^st, 2025 and How Can I Keep from Singing? on May 1^st – 2^nd, 2026 at Five Points Washington.

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/bow ties. Girls will wear Youth Chorus performance attire (black dress).

Tuition

A non-refundable Tuition payment is required for participation in the PACC Youth Chorus. Please make checks out to Peoria Area Civic Chorale, with the child’s name listed in the notes section on the check.

Single Student Fees

Youth Chorus tuition is $100 per student/per semester or $150 per year if the full year’s tuition is paid in September.

Family Discount Fees

For each additional child participating in one of our youth ensembles, the price for a semester or year is reduced by 10%. For example:
1st (oldest) child – 100%
2nd child – 90%
3rd child – 80%

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.

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.

The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus is open to those of all abilities. To request accommodations, please contact our business office at 309-693-6725 or pacchorale@gmail.com at least 1 week prior to the event.

Professional Staff

Music Director – Ms. Alison Meuth

Alison Meuth is a voice teacher, musical director, conductor and singer currently residing in Peoria, IL. Alison spent the past 12 years teaching voice, vocal pedagogy and opera at the college level. She taught at both Knox College and Monmouth College until 2020. She is now an Instructor in Residence of Voice at Bradley University. Alison has been the conductor of several area youth choruses and currently coaches the Peoria Area Performing Arts School’s competitive show choir team. She spent many years as a professional opera singer. She toured the United States and sang multiple leading roles as well as oratorio, chamber music and musical theater. Alison is an accomplished singer, but her passion is teaching music to the next generation of performers, artists and musicians. She can’t wait to bring her energy and expertise to the podium.

Accompanist – Sue Hulin

Susan Hulin is thrilled to be accompanying the Civic Chorale Youth Chorus. She has a Bachelor of Music Education from Northwestern University and a nursing degree. She retired from OSF St Francis after 37 years as an RN. She has been on staff at United Presbyterian Church in Peoria as pianist/organist since 2005. Susan lives in rural Wyoming, IL with her husband, Gary.