The Millikin Children/Youth Choir Program

KinderChoir

Early childhood Music and Movement classes, although not required, are ideal preparation for this group. Children may enter at age five. Although this group does not require audition for membership, the Director meets with all children and parents prior to program admission. We listen to them, establishing the first steps in building trust between directors, singers, and parents. The curriculum is based on choral readiness. Children are taught, primarily through play-party game songs and simple unison songs, to love singing and to use their voices with freedom. Emphasis is also placed on the difference between speaking and singing voices, and comparative musical concepts such as high/low, fast/slow, and loud/soft.

Apprentice Singers (Choir I)

Singers have demonstrated through either participation in KinderChoir or by simple audition, choral readiness. The ability to match pitch, keep a steady beat, clap simple rhythms, and readiness to label and identify the musical concepts will be assessed during audition. Ability to sustain early choral rehearsal procedures is also a prerequisite to participation at this level.

Singers Choir (Choir II)

Singers have demonstrated through participation and/or the audition process developing musical knowledge and skills. Tonal and rhythmic competency will be assessed as well as rehearsal attentiveness and potential for choral leadership. Rhythmic and interval sight-reading skills will also be assessed at the audition and progressing skills will need evidence for membership at this level.

Concert Youth Chorale (Choir III)

Membership in the top ensemble is reserved for the singer ready for the most challenging repertoire, increased rehearsal intensity and performance requirements. Multiple languages, solos, and small ensemble performance can be expected at this level.