Printer-Friendly Version
NOW ENROLLING SINGERS
AGES 4-18!
From simple singing games to complex works of the masters, we educate. Quality repertoire. Comprehensive musicianship. Choral artistry. Fun. We are Milwaukee Children's Choir.
Do you know a child who loves to sing? Contact us now. Download a web version of our 2012-2013 brochure. Download a Registration Packet for grades 1-12. Download a Registration Packet for grades K4-K5.
Review the 2012-2013 Choir Handbook.
Milwaukee Children's Choir is now accepting singers for September enrollment. In addition to our choirs for children grades 1-12, we have a program called "Songbirds," especially created for children grades K4-K5. You can learn more about Songbirds in a Q&A with past MCC artistic director Carol Storck. You can download our Songbirds flyer to hand out to friends. You can learn more about all of our choirs in the text below.
REFERRALS: MCC families are our best recruiters. They know the value of our program and spread the word. If you are new to MCC but know a child in our program, please take advantage of our new referral program -- both the current and new families can get a $25 discount. Download the referral coupon for details.
OUR PROGRAM: The Milwaukee Children's Choir is a special learning environment designed to provide a rich and rewarding experience for each child. Repertoire is varied and drawn from the masters and from all cultures, including popular, folk and patriotic music. Words used by MCC families to describe the impact MCC has on its members include "discipline, creativity, teamwork, friendship." What word is used most by MCC members when they describe MCC's program? "FUN!"
MCC choir directors are Kodály trained, and several key Kodály concepts are integrated into MCC's teaching curriculum: singing as the basis for music education, folk music for beginning singers, use of solfege, performing highest quality music, developing the complete musician, and using sequenced curriculum. As staff prepare for rehearsals, careful attention is paid to each of these concepts. To learn more about Zoltan Kodály, his teaching philosophy and methodology, visit the Organization of American Kodály Educators' (OAKE) website.
Introducing our choir levels:
MCC is enrolling Songbirds (grades K4-K5)! Songbirds is MCC's early childhood music program. Music instruction at this level is non-performance based. Children participate in 30-minute weekly classes for twelve weeks per semester, where they are exposed to the fundamentals of music. Emphasis is placed on singing, but children do not yet sing in choral formation. Children sit in a circle with the teacher, while parents observe from the back of the class, so they may reinforce the learning at home. Music and neurological researchers agree that singing to a child during early childhood is not only an excellent means to bond with the child, it is also a necessary method to stimulate the child's brain development. MCC's early childhood music curriculum is based on the Kodály - inspired lesson plan format and the First Steps in Music Curriculum of Dr. John M. Feierabend, an internationally recognized leader in the field of early childhood education. Several MCC artistic staff members have had the privilege to study with him. With this program, children sing authentic folk songs and enjoy participating in singing and reciting finger plays, action songs, pitch exploration activities, movement exploration activities, circle games, and steady beat activities. Teaching aides such as puppets, scarves, parachutes, and rhythm instruments add to the fun of learning music, which is taught in a child-appropriate, playful manner. These fun, educational activities help children with language development, small and large motor skills, and social skills. They also pave the way for the literacy-based music instruction, vocal development, and performance experiences, which will be introduced at MCC's Prelude Choir level. Offered at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center (Tu. 5:00-5:30 PM with Annemarie Travia) and Mequon United Methodist Church (Th. 4:30-5:00 PM with Kristin Dillahunt.) Tuition: $160 per semester.
Prelude Choir (grades 1-4): The word "prelude" means an introductory composition that prepares one for the succeeding musical piece. It seems to perfectly reflect this choir level, which is a beginning choral experience where creative, child-centered, and age appropriate activities introduce young singers to vocal development and music reading. Repertoire for the Prelude Choir is based on the use of folksongs with emphasis on Kodály Methodology. Appropriate choral octavos are also used in preparation for performances. Unison singing is emphasized, but choir members also sing canons and partner songs. One hour classes are scheduled at three rehearsal sites around the city: Prelude North (Th. 5:15-6:15 PM with Kristin Dillahunt at Mequon United Methodist Church), Prelude East (Tu. 5:45-6:45 PM with Annemarie Travia at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center), and Prelude West (Wed. 4:45-5:45 PM with Marco Melendez at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church). Children attend the rehearsal site closest to them from September until the end of May. They also attend occasional combined rehearsals where singers from each of the individual Prelude rehearsal sites come together to sing as one larger choir. The Prelude Choir has four concerts per year; and Prelude singers are offered additional performance opportunities, which are optional. Potential choir members are encouraged to attend a Prelude Preview. Read about the Preview. Tuition: $420 a year.
Cantabile (Grades 4-8): The word "cantabile" (pronounced "cahn-tah-bee-lay") refers to singing in a melodious and graceful style, full of expression. At this level choir activities focus on singers' vocal range, tone quality, music literacy skills, and performance skills. Repertoire consists of folk songs, art songs, multicultural music, songs in foreign languages, as well as works by major composers. Unison and two-part singing are emphasized throughout the year, and 3-part treble harmony is introduced. Ninety-minute weekly rehearsals are offered at 4 rehearsal sites around the city: Cantabile North (Th. 5:30-7:00 PM with Lani Knutson at Mequon United Methodist Church), Cantabile West (Wed. 6:00-7:30 PM with Marco Melendez at Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church), Cantabile East (Tu. 5:45-7:15 PM with Marco Melendez at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center), and Cantabile Central (Th. 2:45-4:15 PM with Marco Melendez at Milwaukee Youth Arts Center). In addition, students attend combined rehearsals when the entire Cantabile Choir meets. The Cantabile Choir performs in four concerts per year, plus Cantabile singers are given additional performance experiences, which are optional. The choir season runs from September until May. Singers audition before joining Cantabile. Read about auditions. Tuition: $525 a year.
Jubilate (Grades 6-9): The word "jubilate" (pronounced "you-bee-lah-tay") means celebration and great joy. MCC's Jubilate showcases some of our most talented treble singers. Members of this choir level sing the most demanding MCC repertoire in 3- and 4-part treble harmony. All styles and genres are performed, as are master works with orchestra. Jubilate performs often, and sings at a professional level with organizations such as the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Present Music and Milwaukee Ballet. Members continue to develop music reading, vocal technique, and theory skills. They rehearse once per week for two hours (Tu. 7-9 PM at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center). Members of the Jubilate Choir will also have an opportunity to work with MCC's Vocal Coaches as well as Studio Artists from the Florentine Opera. They are given solo and chamber choir performance opportunities throughout the year. Jubilate tours every three to five years. Tours are optional, and are not included in the tuition price. MCC has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally. Singers audition before joining Jubilate. Read about auditions. Tuition: $525 a year.
Milwaukee Youth Chorale (Grades 10-12): The MYC, directed by Jason Clark is an experienced SATB choir. Members learn and perform outstanding advanced high school and college-level repertoire of all styles and genres, including works by master composers, multicultural music, gospel, vocal jazz, etc. Singers at this level work to develop a wider vocal range and a more mature tone. Younger males whose voices have developed in a lower range will be admitted into MYC early. MYC rehearses once per week for 2 hours (Su. 7-9 PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church), and performs often. Members of MYC will also have an opportunity to work with MCC's Vocal Coaches as well as Studio Artists from the Florentine Opera. They are given solo and chamber choir performance opportunities throughout the year. MYC tours every three to five years. Tours are optional, and are not included in the tuition price. MCC has toured regionally, nationally, and internationally. Singers audition before joining Youth Chorale. Read about auditions. Tuition: $525 a year.
About Auditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Join Us
Testimonials
