August 19, 2004

Southern Illinois Children's Choir plans auditions

by Paula M. Davenport

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Children who wish to try out for the Southern Illinois Children's Choir may sign up now for audition times between 6 and 8 p.m. on either Tuesday Aug. 24 or Aug. 31 in Altgeld Hall, on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

SIUC sponsors the area's renowned children's choral group.

Children entering grades three through nine are eligible for the group. Parents should schedule their audition times as soon as possible through the SIUC School of Music office at 618/536-8742. Office hours are weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The choir includes two auditioned treble ensembles. The apprentices sing with the training choir and the choristers make up the advanced singing group.

During auditions, the directors will listen for singers who:

  • Have clear voices that blend pleasantly with others.
  • Can carry tunes in unchanged voices.
  • Demonstrate good timing and rhythm.
  • Are attentive and self-disciplined.
  • Have positive attitudes.

Those selected will be expected to attend weekly rehearsals from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 7, at Altgeld Hall at SIUC.

Choir members also pay $150 tuition, which covers their participation for the entire upcoming academic school year. Payment plans are available. There will also be nominal fees for uniform rentals.

Families with more than one choir member receive discounts.

For more information, call choir director Amanda Sims-Groves at 618/559-2541 or send her e-mail at agroves1@yahoo.com.

Enhancing the arts is among the goals of Southern at 150: Building Excellence Through Commitment, the blueprint for the development of the University by the time it observes its 150th anniversary in 2019.