Oberlin Choristers accepting new students to choirs

Oberlin Choristers is now accepting registrations and scheduling auditions for the 2008-09 season. Oberlin Choristers offers programs for children from 18 months through high school.

The preschool Kindermusik classes are for children from 18 months through five years old. The Kindermusik teacher, Cathy Nicholson, brings a wide range of experiences in theater and early childhood music.

Oberlin Choristers has five children's choirs that range in age from kindergarten through 12th grade. These choirs are for children who have a love of music, enjoy singing and wish to expand their experiences in addition to what they receive in their schools. All the Choristers choirs perform at least three major concerts a year. The organization is also uniquely positioned in Lorain and Cuyahoga County to offer their young singers some extraordinary opportunities with professional organizations such as Apollo's Fire, Opera Cleveland and Oberlin Opera Theatre.

Primary and Intermediate choirs build basic musical skills introducing children to the various aspects of performance and reading music. Positions are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Auditions are currently being held for Concert Choir, Touring Choir and Youth Chorale. Concert Choir is the first auditioned choir for children fifth through 10th grades. The choir begins their season with a day-long retreat and a performance of the national anthem at a Cleveland Indian's game in September.

The Touring Choir is an experienced treble choir where members commit to a more rigorous rehearsal schedule and a tour. The Touring Choir travels both internationally and nationally to sing in venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House.

The Youth Chorale is for high school aged musicians. The choir is termed an "SATB" choir where the young men's voices have changed and they sing bass, baritone and tenor parts. Members of Youth Chorale have joined international tours to Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and other destinations.

For those interested in joining Oberlin Choristers, call the Choristers office at 774-4079 to request registration materials or to schedule an audition.

Visit the Oberlin Choristers website for more information about their programs at www.ochoristers.org.