The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus was founded in 1986 to enrich the lives of musically
talented children in grades four through eight. In addition to its guest appearances with
the Chorale during each concert series, the Youth Chorus has appeared in concert with the
Des Moines Children’s Chorus, the Peoria Youth Symphony, the Irving School Choir,
the Opera Illinois’ production of Hansel & Gretel in the role of the children’s chorus,
and most recently as the Ragazzi in Carmina Burana with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra.
Introduction
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus is a not-for-profit organization sponsored
by the Peoria Area Civic Chorale. Founded in 1986, the Peoria Area Civic Chorale
Youth Chorus exists to provide interested singers with extra-ordinary choral music
experiences via outstanding music education and excellence in performance.
Through a curriculum that uses high quality repertoire from a wide variety of musical
styles this program strives to develop vocal and musicianship skills in the youngsters
who participate, providing them with opportunities to not only experience the joys of
singing but to lead them to be expressive artists.
Membership In The Youth Chorus
Those students exhibiting strong vocal and musical skills and potential are encouraged to
audition for membership into the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus. No musical
training or experience is necessary. Auditions are held each August and January. Also,
many opportunities also exist for parents and families to be involved in the success of the PACCYC.
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus cannot operate successfully without the assistance of
volunteers.
May 2010 Auditions Flyer
Tuition
A non-refundable Tuition is required for participation in the PACC Youth Chorus.
Checks should be made out to Peoria Area Civic Chorale, with the child's name listed on the check.
Semester tuition: $120 per student ($100 per additional student from same family)
Annual tuition - paid in full September 1st: $200 per student ($180 per additional student from same family)
The Tuition-plus program is a way for parents and students to extend the opportunity of singing in the PACC Youth Chorus to all talented children, not just those who can afford it. Please consider making a donation to this program.
Rehersals and Performances of the Youth Chorus
The Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus meets for rehearsals at First United Methodist Church,
116 NE Perry, downtown Peoria, on Tuesday afternoons, 4:30—6:00 p.m., from September to May.
In addition to various community events, the Youth Chorus presents two concert events a year in
December and May. They also join the Peoria Area Civic Chorale in concert twice a year.
Click on the
Calendar for this semester. Please place these dates on your calendar now to
prevent surprises. Please note that the schedule
is subject to change throughout the semester.
All rehearsals are required.
Performance Attire
Students will perform in uniform attire for all community, Youth Chorus and PACC Performances.
Boys will have the option of renting or purchasing black tux pants, white shirts and black
vests/bowties. Girls will wear Youth Chorus performance attire (black pants
and white blouses). Previously worn outfits may be available at a reduced price.
Rehearsal Treats and parent monitors
Treats are provided for the students each Tuesday afternoon before rehearsal.
Parents are asked to sign-up for a rehearsal to bring treats. We ask that treats are
available for the students by 4:15 in order to begin rehearsal in a timely manner.
Please be sure that the treats you choose possess nutritional value. Treats that are high
in sugar adversely affect the rehearsal atmosphere.
Also, one parent a week is needed to volunteer as rehearsal monitor. The rehearsal monitor
will help with crowd control before rehearsals, monitor student breaks and handle any non-music
concerns that may arise during the course of rehearsals.
Professional Staff
Music Director – Julie A. Clemens
Julie A. Clemens enjoys serving as the Music Director for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus.
After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree from Wheaton Conservatory of Music, Julie entered the Master’s
program in music education at Illinois State University. Since finishing the MM Ed, Julie has been
actively involved in many areas of music throughout Peoria and surrounding communities.
In addition to the Youth Chorus, Julie currently serves as Music Director for Mossville United Methodist
Church, Bradley University Department of Theatre, and the Knox College Women’s Chorale. She is an
active member of the ACDA American Choral Directors Association, maintains a private piano studio
and has appeared as guest vocalist with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.
Accompanist – Anna Price
This is Anna's first year with the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus.
She is delighted to be playing for the chorus and working with Julie.
Anna graduated summa cum laude in 2006 with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Bradley University where she studied under the direction of Dr. Edward Kaizer. In addition, Anna is a certified Suzuki and Kindermusik instructor.
Anna maintains a private piano studio and is also the piano instructor and accompanist for the Sun Foundation Suzuki School of Music. In addition, Anna enjoys accompanying for her church, Providence Church in Peoria and teaching Kindermusik through Trinity Lutheran Church.
Anna is an active member of the Peoria Area Music Teachers Association as well as the Suzuki Association of the Americas.
For further information, please
contact our business office.
