The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus
Interested in Choral Training for young singers? Click here for details about our Preparatory Chorus.
Fill out the PACCYC Audition form & Prep Choir interest form here.
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 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.
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.
Membership In The Youth Chorus
Youth 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 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
Click here to fill out our audition interest form.
We are seeking students in grades 4-8 with unchanged voices. Auditions for fall 2024 may be scheduled through Ms. Alison Meuth, Music Director, at alisonmeuth@yahoo.com.
For the audition, 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.
Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and will begin on August 27, 2024.
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.
Family Discount Fees
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.
Rehearsals and Performances of the Youth Chorus
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus meets for rehearsals at United Presbyterian Church, 2400 W. Northmoor Rd, 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 20 and a spring concert will be held on March 16 at 3 p.m. at United Presbyterian Church at 2400 W. Northmoor Rd. in Peoria. They will also join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in concert for An American Family Christmas December 13-15, 2024 and May 2 & 3, 2025 for Sing On! at Five Points Washington.
All rehearsals are required.
P
erformance 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).
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 when she decided to go into full time church ministry. Alison is the Worship and Arts Director at United Presbyterian Church of Peoria. 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.