Question 1

What kind of music does the choir sing?

Accepted Answer

The Toronto Children’s Chorus embraces diverse cultures and traditions and covers an extensive range of musical genres. Choristers learn music written in a number of languages throughout each season, including songs in French, English, Hebrew, Spanish, Malay, Cree, Ojibway, and more. Training Choirs focus on choral pieces that are accessible to young children and drawn from classical music, folk traditions, and children’s choral repertoire often written specifically for the Toronto Children’s Chorus by Canadian composers. Main Choir repertoire represents a wide diversity of world music, classical music, folk, spirituals, jazz, and iconic choral pieces from the Western classical canon.

Question 2

Do you offer a payment plan or financial help?

Accepted Answer

Tuition can be paid in three installments at the time of registration. We offer bursaries of up to half of tuition costs to applicants with demonstrated financial need. A bursary application form must be submitted in order for your child to be considered and will be made available to those who are offered a place in the choir.

Question 3

Are there auditions in the fall, if my child cannot attend in May?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The TCC typically holds auditions over the summer, and sometimes as late as early September, for children aged 6-12.

Unfortunately, we do not offer fall auditions to young people aged 13 to 16, since choristers in our Main Choir (the senior part of our core program) must attend a week-long choral camp in late August prior to the official start of the season. Depending on capacity, we may hold auditions in early August for Main Choir-aged singers, prior to the start of camp.

Question 4

How should my child prepare for their audition?

Accepted Answer

Each child is invited to sing ONE piece of their own choosing for the conductors. It could be a favourite song learned at school or a well-known piece such as the Canadian national anthem or ‘Happy Birthday’.  We recommend avoiding pop songs or copying interpretations by popular artists. Your child should select a piece that best displays the quality of their voice.
The audition may also include: singing back several intervals as played on the keyboard, reading a brief section from an age-appropriate book and other exercises.
We invite children to bring their instruments and play a short piece for the conductors as part of their audition. Bringing an instrument is totally optional. If the child wishes to play the piano, there will be one available in the audition room.

Question 5

How do I register for an audition?

Accepted Answer

Complete the online audition registration form during the specified times of the season. If it is not an active registration period, you can fill out an Interest Form to indicate your interest in auditioning, and get first access to audition slots. This form will be made available on our website a few weeks prior to our registration period.

Typically, spring registration opens in March, and fall registration opens in July/August. There may also be an additional audition period in January for choristers to join mid-season, if capacity allows. The TCC does not accept audition appointments over the phone or by email.

Question 6

Is there a discount if two or more children from the same family participate in the choir?

Accepted Answer

There are no discounts for siblings participating in the TCC. However, you can pay your fees in three installments at the time of registration.

Question 7

How much is tuition?

Accepted Answer

Program fees are comparable to competitive sports and dance programs, and differ from choir to choir (e.g. Since they have  more rehearsals and workshops, Main Choir tuition fees are higher than Training Choir fees). Accurate information regarding tuition fees is made available during the auditions process.

Question 8

How long is the season?

Accepted Answer

Our season runs from September to May for all Training Choirs. Main Choir typically runs from August to June, as they may have performance commitments in June as well as a summer touring schedule, and a mandatory camp in late August to prepare for the following season.

Question 9

How many concerts are performed each year?

Accepted Answer

The number of concert performances each year will depend on the season schedule for your child’s choir. Typically, there are about six season concerts. However, not all choirs perform at all season concerts. In addition, our choirs perform community concerts and special appearances with other arts organizations in Toronto.

Question 10

When and where are rehearsals held?

Accepted Answer

Rehearsals are held at Calvin Presbyterian Church (26 Delisle Avenue) and at Christ Church Deer Park (1570 Yonge Street) in the Yonge and St. Clair neighbourhood. The location and time of rehearsals depends on the choir your child is enrolled in. Regular rehearsal hours are scheduled after school.
Below is a breakdown of approximate weekly preparation and rehearsal time commitments for each choir. Please note that more rehearsal time may be booked to prepare for an upcoming performance; this will be communicated to choristers and parents well in advance.
Training Choirs (includes Preparatory Choir): 1-2 hours per week, once a week
Main Choir: 3-5 hours per week, twice a week

Question 11

How many children are in each choir?

Accepted Answer

Choirs average in size between 30-50 children.

Question 12

How old do children need to be to audition for the TCC?

Accepted Answer

Young people between the ages of six and 16 are invited to audition for TCC’s Training and Main choirs.

Frequently Asked Questions