ENGLEWOOD — Have a school-aged kid who belts out show tunes at the dinner table? Auditions for the Chicago Children’s Choir are underway this month.
Tryouts for the Englewood Neighborhood Choir, one of 11 branches of the larger choir, start Monday at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 415 W. Englewood Ave.
Each neighborhood choir performs at several events in their community throughout the school year.
Students in third grade and up are invited to attend the choir’s New Singer Day at Antioch Missionary Baptist, which is near the intersection of 63rd Street and Stewart Avenue.
Check-in begins at 4:15 p.m. Monday, with the choir’s open rehearsal starting at 4:30 p.m. and auditions held after, from 5-5:30 p.m.
No experience is necessary, and those who audition do not need to prepare anything to perform, as the choir is looking for students who can match pitch and are enthusiastic about singing. Students must be willing to commit to twice-weekly rehearsals for the season and will have the opportunity to travel with the main choir.
Founded in 1956, the Chicago Children’s Choir serves over 5,000 students across the city, and is led by Josephine Lee, president and artistic director.
According to the organization, eighty percent of participants are from low-to-moderate income homes, with over 4,000 students annually participating completely free of charge. The program also boasts a 100 percent graduation and college acceptance rate for high school seniors.
Advance registration for auditions is recommended but not required; to reserve a spot or for more information, click here. For the full audition schedule in all neighborhoods, click here.
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