Our directors will deliver a live-stream presentation via Zoom on Saturday, October 25th to all registered applicants (a recording from the session will be available to watch if you are unable to tune in live, or if this date has already passed), introducing students and parents to the educational programs of the National Children’s Chorus. Following the video presentation, applicants will then select an appointment time that can be scheduled during the following weeks to meet with one of our conductors for a private video audition via Zoom. Following the audition, we will schedule a final parent phone call with a member of our team to go through details of the program and membership, answering any remaining questions you might have for entry into the program beginning January 2026!
In the Junior Division of the Chicago Chapter, students ages 5-9 with beginning or intermediate musical experience build their skills and gain confidence in encouraging and creative rehearsal environments and performances. Students will participate in an exciting array of performances, with weekly in-person rehearsals on Wednesdays in Evanston. The Junior Division of the Chicago National Children’s Chorus consists of the Prelude Level and Minuet Level.
NCC Junior Division:
Ages 5-9
Introductory & Intermediate Choirs
Engaging & Fun Music Curriculum to Build Skills
Individualized Music-Reading & Theory Instruction
Local Seasonal Performances
The audition will consist of the following elements:
1-on-1 Vocal Assessment with an NCC Conductor on Zoom
Vocal exercises (repeat short scales given by the conductor to evaluate vocal development and range)
Pitch matching (repeat pitches given by the conductor to evaluate intonation)
Separate parent phone call with a member of the NCC team to answer questions and review membership details
As a parent, I’m thrilled to have found a program of quality and vision that I feel nourishes our son, as he is exposed to the very best of an art form that is central to his being. The NCC is a very big part of his identity, and he treasures his place in the organization. Seeing him come to life on stage and witnessing his talent shine are wonderful gifts our family shares at each concert. The NCC is an organization of the highest caliber supporting children’s musical education in extraordinary ways.
Ros Warby
NCC Parent Since 2013
The NCC is unlike any other arts program, and shaped who I am today. The important creative and life skills that were nurtured during my time there have been invaluable, and continue to inspire me to succeed.
Joss Saltzman
NCC Alumnus
The NCC has made such a difference in my son's level of self-confidence, and maybe more importantly, it serves as a source of happiness for him. Over the last few months, he has dealt with the inevitable growing pains of being a nine-year-old boy. On days when I know that he is a bit sad or overwhelmed, he goes up to his room or out to the backyard and SINGS! It is clearly something that brings him comfort and joy, and as his mom, when I hear a sweet French lullaby, rather than angst or frustration, it’s more than music to my ears. It lets me know that no matter what he faces, this gift of music will be a resource for him throughout his life. After successfully performing twice on stage with NCC, he volunteered(!) for a lead role in his class play. His idea of what he can do has expanded because of his success at the NCC.
Lisa Cahill
NCC Parent Since 2013
Given our daughter’s Selective Mutism, what the NCC has meant for her (and us) has been nothing short of miraculous. At every concert, we watch her in awe as she sings with a wide smile on her face. The instructors’ dedication and expert tutelage have inspired, challenged, and motivated her at every step. I know this must be the case in general, but we know this to be true through our personal experience, that NCC is about children finding joy, power, and pride within their voices and their progress as students of musicianship.
NCC Parent
The intense work ethic has inspired me to be a strong leader and strive for excellence in everything I do.
Sophia Frohna
NCC Alumna
Our daughter has been a part of the NCC for many years, and it has been nothing short of a transformative experience for her. She has worked hard and has benefited enormously from the consistent professional guidance, unending support, and encouragement. The NCC experience has taught her discipline, voice control, and performance skills. It has made our daughter’s lifelong love of singing a wonderful growth experience and one that she treasures every single day. It has been a joy for our daughter and all of our family to be part of the NCC.
Virginia Ryan
NCC Parent Since 2011
I can’t say enough about the experiences I've had at the NCC. Now I’m looking at a career in music. I’m not yet sure what I want to do, but I know I have the skills to do it. I was recently accepted to both USC and UCLA for Vocal Performance. Honestly, it’s because of the training and musicianship skills that I've learned from my time at the NCC that’s made it all possible.
