AUDITIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tacoma Youth Chorus?
TYC is a choral educational program for musically talented girls and boys, second grade through high school. Choir members receive an outstanding choral music education, have opportunities to perform in exciting places and make lifelong friends with other musically gifted young people.

What is involved in an audition?
The audition is designed to be a learning experience. The directors want to learn about the singer and for the singer to learn new skills. During an audition, the singer will be asked to match pitches, sing melodic phrases, broken triads, and scales. Although these concepts will be explained and taught during the audition, it may be helpful for a student to ask his or her music teacher to spend some time practicing these skills. Advanced applicants are asked to bring a solo and are taught a new song during the audition. We are looking for young musicians who match pitch, are highly motivated, and demonstrate a willingness to work with others and the director.

What is the teaching and performing season?
First rehearsals begin in September and end mid-June. Rehearsals are held at Charles Wright Academy in University Place . We present a variety of concerts each season throughout the Puget Sound area. Two major concert events are sponsored by TYC, held in December and early June. Our most advanced choirs may have the option to participate in a tour or festival during the summer as well.

Should a parent plan to attend the audition?
Parents are expected to attend the audition—to learn how we work with young musicians and to appreciate the work of their child.

What criteria will be checked for admission to TYC?
Matching pitch is absolutely essential. Appropriate behavior, positive attitude, willingness to take coaching and focused attention are necessary to have a successful experience in TYC. Families make a tremendous effort to provide this opportunity for their children and it is important that rehearsals and performaces are a worthwhile experience for everyone.

What kind of musical training is required for admission?
There is no specified requirement, however, training through school or church choir programs is very valuable. Lesson experience on an instrument is very helpful but not required.

When will families be notified regarding acceptance?
All audition singers will be notified of their acceptance or wait-list status by June 30th. If a child has difficulty during the audition the identified concerns will be addressed immediately and a plan will be discussed with the parent.

What is the procedure for the waiting list?
Each choir has a maximum level for optimum effectiveness of instruction. We are concerned with a balance of gender, ages and voice range. If your child is placed on the wait-list, we recommend that you call the director during the third week of September. Schedules have solidified and there maybe openings available.

What should I do if my child is not accepted?
We recognize that it can be difficult to sing for a person you have just met; if a child is especially nervous it may affect their performance. If so, a follow-up audition may be scheduled. When specific skills are in need of improvement, it is expected that the child will practice these skills before re-auditioning.

What kind of music is taught?
Literature of the “classical” tradition is used to support proper vocal teaching and appropriate to the age and ability level. This may include folk song arrangements, foreign language texts, seasonal and sacred literature.

Do members of the choirs wear uniforms?
Yes! We wear traditional black and white uniforms, including a black vest. Our goal for a concert uniform is to have a clothing combination that is reasonably priced. It also needs to fit the variety of sizes inherent in a group of young people aged 8 to 18 years, and to make an attractive group presentation. The formal concert uniform is as follows: black dresses for Young Women's Choir; for all other choir members, black pants, oxford style white long-sleeved shirt with a black vest, black belt optional, black socks and shoes. To ensure that all choir members wear the same fabric, color, and styling, all TYC members are required to purchase black pants and white collared Oxford dress shirt from Land’s End, a catalog center. Families receive uniform information upon enrollment. The informal uniform is a TYC polo shirt, worn with black pants. The informal uniform is used for casual family programs and for special rehearsals.

We hope we have answered your questions! We provide a member handbook for all members which outlines our policies, expectations, and services. If you would like to review our handbook, please ask to see a copy at your audition!