Auditions

What to Expect at an SYC Audition

Since 2018, Strathmore Youth Chorus auditions have been non-traditional. We do not ask for solo performances or expect perfection. Instead, we host group-based sessions designed to feel like a mini-rehearsal, allowing students and families to see how we teach and connect with young musicians.

The Basics
Audition Sessions: Up to 10 students per group
Duration: 25 minutes
Age Range: Grades 2–12
Parents are invited to stay in the room on applicant preference.
What to Bring: Just yourself! No prepared solo or sheet music required.
Accessibility: Our audition spaces are ADA accessible. Please let us know if you need any accommodations in advance.

Our Approach
We believe an audition should be a two-way street. Students and families are auditioning us, too and getting a sense of how we teach, how we connect, and how we explore music together. We observe how students apply musical tools they know in unfamiliar settings—always with guidance, encouragement, and a little playfulness.

Our Philosophy
This audition model is inspired by a workshop-style process taught at ACDA Voices United and developed by Anima (formerly Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus) under Emily Ellsworth. It’s designed to be inviting, educational, and empowering. Most students and families leave the audition feeling energized and excited—many tell us it feels more like a fun class than a test. And that’s the goal.

Each session includes:

• Physical & Vocal Warm-ups: Adapted from our rehearsal routines
• Movement & Games: To encourage active listening and natural transitions between sitting, standing, and moving
• Group Music-Making
  
  
• Following a choral score:
  • Preparatory Chorus: unison melody
  • Apprentice Chorus: two-part with piano accompaniment
  • Treble Chorus: three-part with piano accompaniment
  • Concert and Tenor Bass Chorus: four-part SATB, SSAA or TTBB with accompaniment

• Singing scales using solfège (do, re, mi…)
  • Preparatory and Apprentice Chorus: Major scale to F5 or G5
  • Treble and Concert Chorus: Major and natural minor scales to G5 or A5
  • Tenor Bass Chorus: identify each chorister’s current singing range and sing major scales based on that range

• Rhythmic reading (note durations like eighth notes or ti-ti, quarter notes or ta)
  • Preparatory and Apprentice Chorus: Familiar songs like Twinkle Twinkle, Happy Birthday, or Row, Row, Row Your Boat—then applying them in new ways
  • Treble, Concert and Tenor Bass Chorus: Rhythmic reading as indicated below (Advanced Choruses)

For Advanced Choruses
Auditions for Concert Chorus (mostly high schoolers) include:

• Additional melodic and rhythmic sight-reading
• An approach modeled after Maryland Junior All-State Auditions, with a nurturing but focused atmosphere
• Materials developed through nearly two decades of adjudication experience

2025–26 Full-Year tuition information:

• Preparatory and Apprentice Chorus: $825

• Treble/Concert and Tenor Bass: $875

• Chamber Ensemble: $950

There is at $50 discount for siblings. 

There is a $40 processing fee for all registration forms. Returning students pay $25.

If written notification of intention to drop the program is received during the first week of rehearsals, a full refund will be given, less a $100 non-refundable deposit and $40 registration fee. No refunds will be provided after the first week of rehearsals.

SYC encourages you to apply for financial aid if you need financial assistance.

When applying you will be asked to provide a description of your household membership, explanation of financial need, and an estimate of annual income. Families will need to provide evidence of receiving social services benefits or tax returns and pay stubs as part of the application process. You do not need to be receiving social services benefits to qualify for financial aid.

Financial aid applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but we are unable to award financial aid until the financial aid application is complete. Incomplete applications will delay your financial aid award.

For more information on SYC financial aid, please email SCCmanagers@Strathmore.org.

We’re here to help make your audition experience as smooth and supportive as possible. Please email SCCmanagers@Strathmore.org.

Accessibility and accommodations available upon request