Community Youth Choir Will Be Based In Ridgewood

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. -- Beginning this year, Bergen County will have a community youth chorus, for kids grades K-5. Auditions will begin in mid-May.

Ars Musica, the adult chorus group now in its fifth decade, is now forming a children's chorus.
Photo Credit: *Ars Musica Facebook*

Rachel Martin

04/30/2016 5:30 a.m.

Ars Musica Chorale is forming the New Jersey State Children's Chorus. The NJSCC will have two ensembles: the Apprentice Choir, for kids K-2, and the Intermediate Choir, for kids in grades 3-5. Each will have approximately 40 singers.

A third ensemble, for middle-school students, is planned for the future.

Artistic Director Dusty Francis, current music director of Ars Musica, will lead the NJSCC.

"Singing in a children's chorus is a transformational experience, and it's an opportunity Ars Musica believes every child should have," Francis said. "Bergen County is fortunate to have many wonderful activities for children, but there is no community children's chorus in the area. We saw the need and felt we were able to fill it with the formation of the New Jersey State Children's Chorus."

Any child interested in choral singing is welcome to audition.

"I truly believe every child can sing, so our auditions are primarily designed to give children an opportunity to let their personalities and unique musical gifts shine through," Francis explained. "We're looking for children with an interest in music and the maturity necessary to participate fully in a weekly choral rehearsal."

Auditions will take place at the First Presbyterian Church, 722 East Ridgewood Ave., in Ridgewood, on Tuesday, May 17, Thursday, May 19, Tuesday, May 24, Thursday, May 26, Monday, June 6, and Wednesday, June 8.

Submit audit requests here.

Weekly rehearsals will begin in September, and will be held at the First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday afternoons, September through June. The Apprentice Choir will rehearse from 4-5 p.m. The Intermediate Choir will rehearse from 5:30-6:45 p.m. Two performances are planned.

Tuition for the full season is $650 for the Apprentice Choir and $750 for the Intermediate Choir, for all vocal instruction, rehearsals, music, staff and applicable facility rental fees. A $50 non-refundable registration fee is due once a spot in the chorus is offered and accepted. Payment plans and financial assistance are available for those who qualify.

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