Auditions are now open for the New York City Children’s Chorus’ 2023-24 season. To sign up for an audition, please fill out and submit our audition form >. For general audition inquiries, please contact Helen Karloski >
Every child that auditions for the New York City Children’s Chorus will be heard individually by the Artistic Director, Mary Huff, in ten-minute slots. Children should be prepared to sing one piece of their choosing (see guidelines below).
In addition, Ms. Huff will evaluate each child’s ability to match pitch and vocalize in a variety of ways. Older children will be evaluated on their ability to read a simple melody. At the end of the audition, children will answer questions in an informal interview so Ms. Huff might get to know each child better.
Parents may or may not attend the audition depending on the comfort level of the child. To schedule an audition for your child or for general audition inquiries, please contact our Program Director, Helen Karloski >.
Young people auditioning for Concert Choir or In Harmony should be excellent singers with strong music reading abilities. They should prepare one or two pieces that properly showcase their voice such as a piece from the art song repertoire (examples: “Sebben crudele,” Samuel Barber’s “Sure on this shining night,” or “Caro mio ben”) from musical theatre (examples: The Sound of Music, West Side Story, My Fair Lady), or from the Western folk tradition (examples: “Shenandoah,” “Wayfarin’ Stranger”).
Young people auditioning for Concert Choir or In Harmony do not need to have their pieces memorized and may sing with an accompanist or a cappella. If they wish to audition with piano accompaniment, please have them provide their own sheet music. It is not necessary to memorize their music, though they are expected to prepare as if for a major performance.
Each child should be prepared to sing one piece of their choosing. Younger, elementary-aged choristers in Kindergarden through grade three may choose a simple song such as “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Children in grades three through five should prepare a longer piece such as “America the Beautiful,” “Do-Re-Mi” from The Sound of Music, or “Simple Gifts.”
Children auditioning do not need to have their pieces memorized. They can perform their songs a cappella or with piano accompaniment. If they wish to audition with piano accompaniment, please have them provide their own sheet music.