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Main Choir

The Main Choir stands as the esteemed senior division of the Toronto Children's Chorus. Three base choirs make up the Main Choir: Cantare, Chorealis, and Chamber.

 

Chamber choir is our representative choir, composed of choristers with advanced musical and performance skills. Chamber uniquely runs from September to June. In addition to performing in the annual concert series, Chamber represents the TCC and Toronto both nationally and internationally, performs in guest appearances, and embarks on tours. Within Chamber is yet another subset group, the Choral Scholars, who are the pinnacle of musical ability in the choir structure, and demonstrate musical excellence and leadership. Choral Scholars are the first choristers considered for solos, high-profile engagements, and specialized performances.

 

While numerous choristers in the Main Choir have honed their talents in one or more of the Training Choirs, a select few are directly placed into the Main Choir following their initial audition. All Chorealis and Chamber choristers are expected to attend a five day overnight camp at the end of August ahead of the upcoming season. Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.

Main Choir Music Theory

All choristers are highly encouraged to work towards RCM Level 8. The TCC offers two RCM theory options: Guided Theory or Independent Theory. Theory instruction beyond what is provided during rehearsals is needed to master concepts and write a theory exam. Only those who are signed up for Guided Theory or Independent Theory will receive theory books, and have access to expert instruction and theory marking.

Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Theory Class: Levels 4-8

 

Preparing for an examination requires more instruction time than is possible during regular rehearsals. The TCC’s RCM Theory class is one way to help choristers prepare to master the concepts necessary to complete an RCM Theory examination.

The TCC’s RCM Theory Class includes:
• Eleven 2-hour group lessons (September to May on Saturday), taught by our Theory Coordinator
• Weekly homework to be completed
• Increased opportunity to master concepts and receive individual support
• Preparation for choristers to write an RCM Theory examination in May

• Classes held at the TCC offices

RCM GUIDED THEORY PROGRAM

Cantare

  • ​Rehearsals take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Choristers must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.

  • Cantare runs from September to May.

  • Choristers will:

    • Develop the skills needed to progress through the Main Choir: vocal technique, ear training, sight-singing and the RCM Theory Level 5/6.

    • Expected to continue to apply their knowledge of the International

    • Learn choreography and movement for select songs.

    • Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), while being introduced to new IPA phonemes.

    • Perform in three (3) TCC concerts, represent the TCC at the Ontario Youth Treble Festival, and take part in select run-out appearances and outreach events.

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual Sing Loo fundraiser.

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Chorealis

  • Rehearsals take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Choristers must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • All choristers are expected to attend a five day overnight camp at the end of August, ahead of the upcoming season.

  • Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.

  • Chorealis runs from September to May.

  • Choristers have opportunities for various leadership roles, including Apprentice Trainer and Chorealis Liaison to Chorus Council.

  • Choristers will:

    • Continue to develop the skills needed to progress through the Main Choir: vocal technique, ear training, sight-singing and the RCM Theory Level 7/8.

    • Begin to independently apply their knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to repertoire, while learning new IPA phonemes.

    • Learn choreography and movement for select songs.

    • Perform in three (3) TCC concerts, co-represent the TCC at the Ontario Youth Treble Festival, take part in select outreach events and perform with renowned organizations such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual Sing Loo fundraiser.

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Chamber

  • Rehearsals take place twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays from 5:00 to 7:30 PM. Choristers must arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of the rehearsal to complete sight-singing.

  • Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.

  • All choristers are expected to attend a five day overnight camp at the end of August, ahead of the upcoming season.

  • Chamber runs from September to June (not including tours held in the summer).

  • Choristers have opportunities for various leadership roles, including Apprentice Trainer, Section Leader, and Head Chorister.

  • Choristers will:

    • Refine and hone their vocal and musical skills and develop the overall quality of the choir’s sound. Choristers are expected to practice independently and learn choreography for select songs.

    • Represent the TCC on national and international tours.

    • Participate in the TCC’s annual SingLoo! fundraiser.

    • Perform in four (4) TCC concerts and take part in select media and outreach events.

    • Perform at various guest appearances, including with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Opera Atelier, Mendelssohn Choir, Tafelmusik, etc.

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Our next official audition period will be in September, 2024. Please fill out an Interest Form to be notified when audition registration has opened, and to get first access to audition slots.

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