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In a joyful and supportive environment, choristers in Northwest Girlchoir learn a lot and have fun! In 5 different choir levels, they develop healthy singing technique, build musicianship skills, grow as performers, and work as a team. They prepare for professional-calibre season concerts and community performances throughout the year and go on tours! Scroll down to read more about each choir level.
Rehearsals run September - June and take place at North Seattle Church at 2150 N 122nd St, Seattle, WA 98133.
How to AUDITION:
Northwest Girlchoir’s audition process is low pressure and fun! During the 10-minute audition, Artistic Director Karen Bruno will check each singer’s voice quality and listening skills by having them perform a simple song and echo a series of short patterns. She will be looking for your singer’s ability to focus and take direction, interest in learning new things, and kind/positive character.
Please prepare your choice of "Are You Sleeping,” “My Country 'Tis of Thee," or "Twinkle, Twinkle" to sing without accompaniment, using this https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WbV9HbDTQfM as a starting note. Ms. Bruno will sing with you the first time through!
For singers in 6th grade and above, we recommend some previous musical training (not necessarily vocal). Good examples of this would be playing an instrument (e.g. piano, violin), performing in a band or orchestra, or participating in a church or school choir.
Auditions are held throughout the spring and summer for fall enrollment and in December for January enrollment options.
An audition is required for 5th-12th graders.
Auditions are currently closed at this time.
Tuition & ScholarshipS:
Northwest Girlchoir offers several payment plans to accommodate families. Northwest Girlchoir also values accessibility and diversity, and has a long-standing, growing financial aid program. We encourage participation by any enthusiastic young singer regardless of ability to pay full tuition.
Choir LevelS, Grades 3-12
Fresca
Grades 3+
Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
Conductor Jura Litchfield leads the Fresca choir, which builds a foundation for enjoyment and success in Northwest Girlchoir. There is focus on developing concentration, attention span, and the skills to work together as a group. Our goals are to learn to sing with relaxed, healthy tone and beautiful vowels, follow a music score, read basic rhythms and pitch patterns, to sing unison and 2-part songs, and to have fun!
Vivace
Grades 7+
Mondays and Wednesdays, 4:30-6:00pm
Under the direction of Charity Rusmussen, the choristers in Vivace sing in 3 or more parts, experience more sophisticated repertoire, and often join with our Amore choristers on commissioned new works. They have expanded performing opportunities, both during mainstage concerts and throughout the community. Vivace singers receive instruction in developing their maturing singing voices and are choral leaders-in-training.
Ensemble
Grades 10-12
Amore rehearsals plus Thursdays, 6:15 - 7:15 pm with a 30 minute private voice lesson to follow
Ensemble is made up of a small group of auditioned Amore singers who want the experience and challenge of performing in a smaller group. Their repertoire includes more a cappella singing, chamber music, and pop and vocal jazz arrangements. Each Ensemble singer has one individual voice lesson during the fall. Ensemble is a featured performer at Spring Fling, Northwest Girlchoir's annual fundraising event.
Amabile
Grades 5+
Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday, 4:30-6:00pm
Led by Karen Bruno, this level offers choristers the opportunity to develop confidence in singing a wide variety of 2-part repertoire. Amabile singers develop more advanced ear training and music reading skills, as well as more accurate intonation and an expanded vocal range. With more rehearsal time, girls also start to build stronger friendships and a deep sense of responsibility for, and pride in, their choir community.
Amore
Grades 9-12
Tuesdays, 6:30-8:45pm, one Sunday per month,
5:30-8:30pm
Karen Bruno leads the Amore level, where choristers participate in sophisticated musicmaking, through the complexity and beauty of the repertoire, the independence and skills necessary to learn the music and texts, and the increasing demands for consistent, healthy, and brilliant vocal tone. Amore choristers share their talents and love of singing in performances throughout Puget Sound and participate in regional choral festivals and international tours.