Midwest Young Artists’ Choral Program is for talented young voices who want the best vocal preparation possible for future college vocal training and who wish to be exposed to the finest choral literature. Each ensemble sings a wide variety of choral literature from classical to jazz and newly composed or arranged works by MYA composer-in-residence, Gary Fry. Students experience professional vocal training, spirited direction, and intensive choral instruction. Students may also participate in sight-singing and vocal musicianship classes. Voices Rising students perform alongside the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for their Welcome Yule! concerts in December and Chorale students join the MYA Symphony to perform major choral and symphonic literature. The MYA Choral Program includes Little Maestro Singers (1st–2nd grade), Mighty Maestro Singers (3rd–4th grade), Voices Rising (unchanged voices beginning in 5th grade) and Chorale (changed voices beginning in 9th grade).
Choral Program Offerings
Mighty Maestro Singers, Fred Koch, Director
Mighty Maestro Singers is MYA’s choral ensemble for 3rd and 4th graders. This new addition to MYA’s choral groups is designed to provide younger individuals with the opportunity to experience the pleasure and camaraderie of participating in a choral ensemble.
Mighty Maestro Website
Mighty Maestro Rehearsal Schedule
An audition is not required.
Mighty Maestro Rehearsals: Sunday, 4:30 to 5:30 PM
Register for Mighty Maestro Singers
Little Maestro Singers, Fred Koch, Director
MYA offers Little Maestro Singers for 1st and 2nd graders. This is a great way to introduce your young musician to performing in a choral ensemble.
Little Maestro Website
Little Maestro Rehearsal Schedule
An audition is not required.
Little Maestro Rehearsals: Sunday, 3:30 to 4:15 PM
Register for Little Maestro Singers
Voices Rising, Gary Fry, Director
The goals of Voices Rising are to develop healthy vocal habits, to nurture the love of singing and the joy of performance, and to build musicianship and vocal skills by continually seeking excellence in music of diverse styles. Vocal educators believe that the best guidance for children who love to sing, and may want to consider future study in music, is to join a quality chorus and to take piano lessons. We accept unchanged voices beginning in 5th grade.
Voices Rising Rehearsals: Sunday, 4:30 to 6:30 PM
We expect that our performances with the Chicago Symphony will be only those members who pass proficiency and attendance requirements.
Vocal Musicianship Classes: Offered on Sunday before and after Voices Rising rehearsals. (Pizza will be available for purchase from 6:30–7:00 PM)
Voices Rising Musicianship Classes: Sunday, 3:30 to 4:15 PM and 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Audition for Voices Rising
We now have a website that makes it easy to download mp3 files of our music so that you can practice (and memorize) on your own.
Chorale, Gordon Krauspe, Director
The focus of Chorale, MYA’s most advanced choral ensemble for students in grades 9 through 12, is on teaching singers how to develop musicianship skills while building healthy habits and attitudes. Students will have the opportunity to sing works by the most highly regarded composers today in all styles and genres.
Chorale Rehearsals: Sunday, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
Audition for Chorale
Please visit the MYA Member Page for Choral Program tuition information.
