Spivey Hall Children's Choir Audition Information for the 2025-2026 Season
Questions? Reach out to the SHCC Choir Manager, Mary Miller Email: spiveyhallchildrenschoir@clayton.edu; Phone (678) 466-5566
Open House - Monday, March 10 - 7:15 PM
Interested students are invited to attend our annual SHCC Open House. All 3 Spivey Choirs will perform, you'll get to meet our staff, prospective students will participate in a group mock audition, and parents will have the opportunity to chat with our SHCC Manager. Attendees will receive a coupon for a $5 off their audition registration fee. RSVP is not required, but preferred.
Auditions - Saturday, April 26
Auditions for the 2025-2026 season will be held on Saturday, April 26. No previous choral experience is required. Singers must be between the ages of 10 and 15 on September 1, 2025 in order to audition.
Membership into this treble choir program is contingent upon an audition and two teacher recommendations (not required for Spivey Hall Elementary Honor Choir or Summer Music Camp participants). Recommendation form links are below and also provided upon the completion of the registration form.
SHCC Staff will be present during the audition. Choir placement will be based on audition results. Most students are placed in the Young Artists Choir their first year. A $15 Audition Processing Fee is due with the audition request form. A link for online payment will be provided upon completion of the audition application.
Auditioning singers should watch this video: Auditions Don’t Have to be Scary! So that you'll know exactly what to expect at your upcoming audition.
Frequently Asked Questions:
• Music and repertoire:
o What type of music will we be singing? The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program (SHCCP) performs a variety of choral music styles ranging from traditional choral literature, contemporary settings of poetry, arrangements of American classics, and folk songs from around the world. Check out our recordings on Spotify or YouTube to get an idea of the types of music we sing.
o What is the difficulty level of the music for my child's age? Students are placed in one of three choirs based on ability and experience to ensure they are musically challenged without being overwhelmed. Also, within each choir we offer opportunities for students to learn at their own pace, offering challenges for more advanced students and support for those who need it.
o Do you incorporate songs from different cultures or languages? Absolutely! In addition to exploring songs from the American songbook, we explore traditions and cultures from around the world.
How are the three Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program choirs organized?
▪ The Spivey Hall Young Artists typically consists of 30-40 students, ages 10-13. Most first year choir members begin their journey in the Spivey Hall Young Artists. Rehearsal time is allocated in the following way: 50% learning repertoire, 20% improving vocal technique, 15% developing music literacy skills, 10% learning music theory, 5% improving choir skills.
▪ The Spivey Hall Children’s Choir generally has around 70 students, ages 11-18. Rehearsal time is allocated in the following way: 60% learning repertoire, 20% improving vocal technique, 15% improving music literacy and theory skills, 5% developing choir skills.
▪ The Spivey Hall Tour Choir usually consists of 35-40 members ranging in age from 12-18. All Spivey Hall Tour Choir Members are also part of the Spivey Hall Children’s Choir ensemble. Rehearsals are divided in the following way: 75% learning repertoire, 10% improving vocal technique, 10% music literacy and theory, 5% choir skills. The Spivey Hall Tour Choir performs frequently throughout the year and travels each June.
• Commitment and schedule:
o Where and how often are rehearsals? We rehearse Monday nights during the school year from 6:45-8:15 on the campus of Clayton State University.
o When and where are performances held? Performances are held in December and May in beautiful Spivey Hall on the campus of Clayton State University. In addition, our singers enjoy collaborations with other artists and performance opportunities in exceptional venues. Yearly, our tour choir enjoys regional, national, or international travel. For example, they regularly perform with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and have traveled nationally to Boston, New York, San Diego, San Antonio, and L0s Angeles and internationally to France, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and other countries.
o What happens if my child misses a rehearsal or performance? We have an attendance that allows for 3 absences per semester. Upon acceptance to the program, you will receive a calendar with rehearsal and performance dates for the entire year.
o We live far away, should we still audition? How long you are willing to commute is a personal choice. We have students that drive from Macon, Decatur, Marietta, Canton, and other parts of the greater Atlanta area to be a part of the program. Often, their parents find carpool partners to help with driving.
• Membership and expectations:
o Is there an audition process to join the choir? Yes. Check out our audition tutorial video to be prepared for your audition (see above).
o What is the age range for the choir? Choir members range in age from 10-18, but to audition students must be ages 10-15 on September 1, 2025.
o What are the expectations for practice at home? Most of the learning takes place during our weekly rehearsals. However, students are expected to spend 10-15 minutes per week outside of rehearsal completing assignments and preparing music.
• Leadership and environment:
o What is the director's experience working with children? Dr. Hurley has worked with young voices for over 25 years and has been with the SHCCP for almost 19 years. He specializes in helping students reach their full potential in a fun and encouraging environment. Read more about the SHCCP staff on our website (www.spiveyhallchildrenschoir.org).
o How does the choir foster a positive and inclusive environment? Fellow choir members are encouraging. Caring directors see the best in each student and seek to develop tomorrow’s leaders. We welcome and celebrate students of all ethnicities and backgrounds. We encourage our students to connect with one another and provide opportunities (i.e., picnics, social events, etc.) for students to form meaningful friendships with one another.
• Vocal development and learning:
o Will my child learn basic vocal techniques? Absolutely! Proper vocal technique (i.e., supported breath, developed head tone, proper vowels) is taught during every rehearsal and emphasized using our literature.
o Are there opportunities for my child to learn about music theory and sight-singing? Theory and sight-reading are woven into each week’s rehearsal. Opportunities are given to students to pass individual sight-reading levels to further encourage their musicianship skills.
• Cost and fees:
o What is the membership fee? Annual tuition is $489 per student. This fee covers high quality choral instruction for all rehearsals, accompanist fees, rehearsal space costs, sheet music, etc. We also offer payment plans and need-based scholarships.
o Are scholarships available to cover costs? Yes! Scholarships are available based on need. If you interested in a scholarship, please apply upon acceptance to the program.
o Are there any additional costs for uniforms or concert tickets? Students are asked to purchase a shirt based on their choir assignment. Students are expected to provide their own black pants and shoes. Members are offered discounted tickets to concerts.
• Parent involvement:
o What role do parents play in the choir experience? Parents are often seen helping with various rehearsal duties, fitting uniforms, supervising trips and concerts, and helping monitor special events. We value parent involvement and are grateful for our many volunteers.