High School Apprentice Program
Born of music director Bruce Tammen’s own formative experiences as a high school student in Minnesota, our Apprentice Program is designed to offer talented and conscientious young singers the opportunity to make music at the highest levels. For Bruce, the experience was the start of what would become his life’s passion, and we are eager to offer these singers the same type of transformative experience.
We are thrilled to build upon this program year after year, connecting with our community and helping make tangible impact in the lives of people who would otherwise not have access to this level of training. And our members have greatly enjoyed working with these young, energetic singers. They help us remember through the long hours of rehearsal what a privilege and joy it is to perform the works of Bach, Beethoven and Palestrina!
Our 2012-2013 season will mark our third installation of our High School Apprentice Program and will feature two concerts with Chorale, masterclass workshops, as well as professional-level recording sessions. Past seasons have also included performances at Chicago’s Symphony Center.
Please help us spread the word about auditions at your local high school, or consider making a donation to Chorale in support of this enriching program. Thank you for your support!
Thoughts from Past Apprentices
Maggie Blackburn writes: “I have not had the chance to be part of a choir like this before and it has helped me improve vocally so much. My voice developed quite a bit just from this… I loved every minute of it and always looked forward to rehearsal and the performance!”
Elijah Smith writes: “Working with the Chicago Chorale was simply amazing… Performing on the stage of Chicago’s Symphony Center is an experience I will never forget. The atmosphere of the building is just simply magical and when standing up there in the lights and the tuxedo, you are engulfed in the majestic reality of the event.”
Adrienne Bertsche writes: “Singing with this choir, I’ve learned not just how to sing, but how to cultivate the artistry needed to produce a sound that you can be proud of.”
Sasha Lilovich writes: “I discovered that Beethoven spared no one. As well, I’ve found that my sight reading has improved greatly… It opened me up to the idea that balancing a musical career and another profession is a possibility.”
To read more about our past apprentices, click here.
2012 Auditions: August 18th – 31st
Click Here to Download The 2012 Audition Flyer.
Chicago Chorale’s 2012 High School Apprentice Program will take place September 5-November 20, and will focus on the preparation and performance of The Sealed Angel: A Russian Liturgy, by composer Rodion Shchedrin (1932-).
What:
High School apprentices will participate in all aspects of Chicago Chorale’s preparation of this profoundly moving oratorio, one of the most important Russian choral works of the 20th century. Two months of weekly rehearsals will culminate in a weekend of concerts, followed by two nights of studio recording sessions. In addition, Chorale will offer Master Class opportunities and information sessions on such topics as college admissions and career planning.
Performances:
Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th, 2012.
Recording Sessions:
Monday and Tuesday evenings, November 19th and 20th, 2012.
Who:
Rising juniors and seniors in high school are eligible to audition. We will select four dedicated singers with a sincere desire to improve their skills and widen their artistic experiences.
Auditions:
Auditions are 30 minutes and consist of vocal range and quality testing, ear and pitch testing, music reading ability. Applicants should prepare two solo pieces to sing. Email Chorale’s managing director, Megan Balderston (info@chicagochorale.org) to set up an audition.
Audition Dates:
Auditions will take place in Hyde Park over the last two weeks of August (August 18th – 31st 2012).
How:
Email Artistic Director Bruce Tammen at bkt3y@hotmail.com to set up an audition before our deadline on Monday, May 14th, 2012.
Rehearsals:
You will be expected to join us beginning September 5th, 2012. We hold regular Wednesday rehearsals at Hyde Park Union Church (56th and Woodlawn). There will be two Saturday rehearsals, as well. We expect that you will attend all of the rehearsals, and allow at most two absences — we only rehearse once a week, and our music is challenging. You will be expected to work on your own to learn your notes outside of rehearsal time.
About:
Chicago Chorale is a 60-voice ensemble of dedicated and conscientious singers, who volunteer to be part of this unique ensemble. We have numerous recordings of rare and challenging works and have performed at significant venues such as Chicago’s Symphony Center, the Ravinia Festival, live on WFMT and Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. For more information: http://www.chicagochorale.org.
