Do I have to live in Kirkwood to be in KCC?
No, KCC is open to singers from all over the Metropolitan area. We currently have members from over 50 schools.

What do I do for the audition?
The audition process is simple. You will sing with 2 music teachers who will ask you to sing some pitches, echo clap and sing "Happy Birthday" and "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".

How do I know if I made it in the Chorale?
You will receive a letter a few days after your audition, which will tell you if you have been accepted as a member.

How often do we practice?
All choirs rehearse weekly on Tuesdays, at Kirkwood United Methodist Church, 201 W. Adams. Concert Choir meets from 4:15-6pm, the Carolers from 4:30-5:30 pm, and Cambiata, Choristers and Choraliers from 4:30-5:45. We practice from September to mid-March.

How do I register?
Registration is $50 for all new members and should be paid upon receipt of your acceptance letter.

What are my tuition costs?
Tuition is based on which of the 5 KCC choirs of you are in. The costs are: Concert Choir, $580, Carolers, $380, Cambiata, Choraliers and Choristers, $420 for the year.

What am I receiving for this tuition?
Over 60 hours of high caliber vocal and choral instruction (including ear training, training in music reading, blending in a group, breathing, tone quality, posture, enunciation, music interpretation, singing in harmony, and performance skills). You will also have the opportunity to perform with well-known guest conductors, soloists, and instrumentalists and to perform in venues such as the Old Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and the Sheldon. You will receive training in music theory, music literature and languages. In addition, you may be able to tour with KCC; we have made 5 successful tours to Europe and several within the United States. Interested members may audition for regional and national honor choirs.

What does my tuition cover?
The tuition helps pay for staff, rent for practice facilities as well as concert venues, purchasing music, hiring instrumentalists and administrative costs like paper, copying, postage.

Is there any tuition assistance?
There is a 10% discount for member families that have multiple children in the Chorale. KCC offers partial scholarships to qualifying members.

Are there additional expenses?
Families purchase their children's KCC uniforms, which consists of black pants, black socks, black shoes, a white oxford and a red polo shirt. The cost is around $70; we do host a used uniform sale annually. Touring expenses are the responsibility of the family. There is fund raising assistance.

How many performances are there?
Each choir performs at 3 concerts open to the public and 2 outreach concerts (at nursing homes, hospitals, churches, etc.) Cambiata performs at yearly Cardinal games and Concert Choir has a performing schedule with additional commitments and an annual concert tour.

What are parents expected to do?
Parents are responsible to get their child to every rehearsal and performance on time, in proper uniform, and to help their child take care of their voice. We have a Parent Board that is instrumental in helping KCC excel! Since we are a volunteer driven program there are plenty of chances to assist in fund raising and supporting KCC.

What do the parents say?

• My child's self esteem and confidence have improved since joining KCC.
• This is one of the most worthwhile activities any of my kids has ever participated in.
• My child has benefited from KCC's disciplined, professional environment.

What do educators say?

• You are truly a world-class group of musicians. How can you get such musical beauty out of the kids?
• I am impressed with the difficulty of your music and how professional your singers are.
• Your choir is what we all strive for in music education.

What do the KCC children say?

• Thank you for giving me the gift of music and the gift of self-esteem. KCC gave me something to work toward and be proud of. It also helped me get through my middle school years.
• I felt like I belonged to a big family in KCC. It was a place to go where people accepted me and appreciated my talents. I got to be with other singers who understood my love of music and who were willing to work as hard as I was.
• I am overwhelmed with emotion as I think of all I have learned in KCC. I will never forget all the trips and concerts and I will never forget that I am capable of achieving far more than I ever imagined.