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.
August 2008 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: | $90 per child |
| Annual tuition: | $160 per child |
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 Clemens has been a freelance conductor, church musician and educator in the Central Illinois
area for six years and enjoys serving as the Music Director for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth
Chorus.
After receiving her Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from Wheaton Conservatory of
Music, Julie entered the Masters program in music education at Illinois State University.
Since finishing the MMEd, Julie has been actively involved in many areas of music throughout Peoria
and surrounding communities. She currently serves as Music Ministries Director at the
Mossville United Methodist Church.
Julie maintains a private piano studio and serves on the board of the Peoria Area Music Teachers
Association. She is also an active member of the ACDA - American Choral Directors
Association. In addition, Julie volunteers as soprano section leader in the Peoria Area
Civic Chorale.
Accompanist – Tara Gebbink
Tara Gebbink is the piano instructor and school coordinator for the Sun Foundation Suzuki
School of Music. She enjoys accompanying for the Peoria Area Civic Chorale Youth Chorus.
Tara recently graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance from
Illinois Wesleyan University where she studied under the direction of Dr. Lawrence Campbell.
Tara is an active accompanist, chamber musician, and private instructor. She has maintained
a private studio for the past seven years and is a certified Suzuki Instructor.
Tara is a member of the Music Teachers National Association as well as the Suzuki Association of
the Americas. In addition, Tara performs and accompanies for many area churches and
community organizations.
For further information, please
contact our business office.
