Vocal Ensembles
Prelude Choir
DePaul Prelude Choir performs "The Big Chill" at their December concert.
Prelude Choir is a beginning choir experience for children in first and second grade who enjoy singing and participating in a group setting. Class activities will focus on correct breath and tone production, performance skills and beginning music reading. Musical selections include a variety of excellent folk songs, rounds and choral literature particularly suited to young voices. New students wishing to join the Prelude Choir should make an appointment for an informal placement interview. Call the CMD office to schedule an interview 773/325-7262.
Linden Christ, Instructor
60-minute weekly sessions
Saturdays 1:00-2:00pm
Tuition $120 | 10 sessions
The Chicago Children’s Choir at DePaul
Lincoln Park Neighborhood Choir
Founded in January 1989, the DePaul Children’s Choir was the first of seven neighborhood choirs of The Chicago Children’s Choir. Open to students in third through ninth grades, the choir program offers a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes training in vocal production, performance skills and music theory. Repertoire includes a wide variety of excellent choral literature particularly suited to young voices. Students are placed in an appropriate choir group according to their level of maturity and vocal ability. Performance opportunities include the Magnificent Mile Light Festival, Zoo Lights, Service at Rockefeller Chapel, The Chicago Children’s Choir Neighborhood Songs of the Season Concert and Spring Gala. Choir members also participate in Caroling for the Armitage Avenue Merchants Association and an annual tour. Past tours have included trips to St. Louis, Atlanta, Seattle, Disney World and an international tour in 2005 to Aichi, Japan for the In-Harmony Choral Festival. Based on evaluations held in May, choir members may be invited to audition for the Chicago Children’s Concert Choir. New students wishing to join the choir should make an appointment for an informal placement interview. Call the CMD office to schedule an interview 773/325-7262.
Whitney Covalle, Conductor
Allegro Choir Wednesdays 4:00-5:00pm
Saturdays 11:00-12:00pm
Vivace Choir Wednesdays 5:00-6:30pm
Saturdays 9:30-11:00am
New students wishing to join the choir should make an appointment for an informal placement interview by calling 312.849.8300, ext 10.
Tuition is based on a sliding scale. Please call Vivian Rainey, Business Manager for the Chicago Children’s Choir, at 312-849-8300 ext 17 for more information.
Instrumental Ensembles
String Orchestra Program
Now in its 11th year, the String Orchestra Program is open to students of violin, viola, cello and bass, ages seven years and up. Emphasizing high quality performances and the development of ensemble techniques, the orchestra program complements the private lesson experience and acquaints students with a wide range of repertoire for string orchestra. Weekly rehearsals culminate in performances at the end of each quarter.
String Reading Orchestra
For beginning students with at least two years of study, this small group is an ideal first ensemble experience. Rehearsals concentrate on basic ensemble playing, orchestral conduct, and the development of strong reading and listening skills.
DePaul Youth String Orchestra
For intermediate and advanced players, the Youth Orchestra performs quality string literature from a variety of eras and styles. Emphasis is placed on refining ensemble techniques and developing a student’s musicality through orchestral performance.
Advanced Chamber Ensemble
By invitation only, this group is selected from members of the DePaul Youth Orchestra who have demonstrated a high level of technical and musical proficiency on their instruments. The group performs more difficult repertoire for string ensemble.
Students do not have to be enrolled in the CMD but must be currently taking private lessons with an instrumental instructor. New and returning students must schedule a placement audition.
Audition requirements:
1. Two octave scale of choice2. One repertoire piece memorization not required
3. Short sight reading example
Please call the CMD office to schedule an appointment 773/325-7262.
Mina Zikri and Deborah Peot, Conductors
Saturday afternoons
Tuition $100 | 8 sessions
$90 for CMD students in individual instruction
Flute Choir
Open to intermediate through advanced players, the DePaul Flute Choir Program offers flute students the opportunity to expand their musical experiences and improve technical and interpretive skills in an enjoyable group setting. Repertoire, ranging from duets to full flute choir, includes a wide variety of eras and styles, and is suited to the proficiency and level of the participants. Emphasis is on the highest quality of performance and the development of ensemble technique. Group sessions focus on intonation, blend and balance. Performance opportunities are offered at the end of each quarter.
Jared Rekken, Instructor
60-minute weekly sessions
Mondays 6:30-7:30pm
Tuition $96 | 8 sessions
Chamber Music Ensembles
These small groups provide a rewarding musical experience for intermediate and advanced players who are interested in exploring the repertoire and techniques of chamber music literature. Open to string, woodwind, brass and piano students, these groups are determined by age, ability, experience and instrumentation. Members are placed by audition to ensure skill-level compatibility. All chamber ensembles perform in recitals at the end of each quarter. Formation of groups is dependent on student interest and availability. Ensembles meet once a week for eight weeks and are coached by a CMD faculty member. Call the CMD office to schedule a placement interview 773/325-7262.
Erica Lessie, Rolando Freitag, Carol Setapen, Mina Zikri, David Yandl, Instructors60-minute weekly sessions
Tuition $180 | 8 sessions
(Duos: $192 | 8 45-minute sessions)
