Auditions will take place at the Paramount Center for the Arts in May. Each audition takes about 10 minutes. We know auditions can be nerve wracking, but our friendly staff works hard to create a supportive and encouraging environment. There's no need to prepare anything ahead of time!
For high school singers, the audition will include:
For elementary and middle singers, the audition will include:
Looking for more information?
Complete the Audition Registration Form and click the link at the end to schedule your auditions!
The two high school ensembles (Cantanti and Con Brio), rehearse two hours each week on the campus of St. John’s University. Rehearsals run from 6:00-8:10 on Sunday evenings. An additional small ensemble, Chamber Singers, is open to returning YCCM singers and meets before the main rehearsal periodically throughout the year.
The two middle school and elementary choirs in the Cantabile Program (Choristers and Cantabile Singers) rehearse on Monday evenings at Apollo High School. Choristers rehearse from 6:00-7:15 and Cantabile Singers rehearse from 6:00-8:00.
The season for all choirs runs from September until May.
An audition is required for entry into the YCCM program. Singers at all levels are encouraged to take advantage of their school's choral programs. Because of the caliber of music performed at the high school level, singers entering grades 9-12 are required to participate in their high school choral program. YCCM's high school ensembles rehearse for only two hours per week, therefore the rigor and pacing of rehearsals and performance rely on the regular vocal music education received through local high school programs. Rare exceptions include students who cannot logistically be enrolled in their local high school because of pursuits like homeschool and Post-Secondary Option (PSEO). Any questions about this policy can be discussed with YCCM staff.
Each choir performs between 5 and 8 times per year. Performances range from formal concerts to casual school tour performances.
The Youth Chorale performs a diverse range of choral music from masterworks to gospel to pop, and commissions new music every year.
At YCCM, we believe every singer should be able to participate in our program without financial barriers. That's why we use a Fair Share Pledge Program instead of traditional tuition. Families are shown the actual dcost of the program (about $1400 for Choristers and $1900 for middle and high school singers) and are invited to pledge an amount that aligns with their budget. For the 2025-26 season, the minimum pledge is $475 for Choristers and $675 for middle and high school singers. Families are welcome to give more or less based on their means. Flexible payment plans are available to support family budgtes and no singer is ever turned away because of finances.
The best place to hear YCCM is in concert! Search our Events Page during our regular season. You can also hear the Youth Chorale on our YouTube Channel, on Facebook, or many music streaming service.
Sign up for auditions! Find a time that works for you and register. The process takes less than 3 minutes.