Chorus
an advanced CHOIR FOR GRADES 8 – 12
An ambitious choir for young singers.
The Chorus is the pinnacle of our younger choirs. In addition to their performances in the VBCC annual Christmas Concert (Orpheum Theatre), Spring Concert (Pacific Spirit United Church) and Summer Concert (Chan Centre, UBC), the Chorus accepts invitations to perform at civic and corporate events throughout the year, as well as special performances with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.
Now singing in full harmony the Chorus studies music which is both vocally and musically challenging, in 5 languages, from all genres.
All new singers must audition before joining the Chorus. A long-time member who is moving up from the Chorales will not need to audition into Chorus. Certain Music Theory requirements will need to be met in order to join Chorus.
CONDUCTOR: Marisa Gaetanne
PIANIST: Kin Ming Wong
REHEARSALS
CHORUS REHEARSALS WILL BEGIN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2025
Tuesdays – 6:30 – 8:00pm
Pacific Spirit United Church (2195 W 45th Ave) in Kerrisdale
*Tenors and Basses have an additional weekly sectional from 5:30pm with Shane Raman
Regular rehearsals take place weekly on Tuesday evenings at Pacific Spirit United Church.
Please note: We plan to continue rehearsals in-person in the fall. If absolutely necessary, alternative options will be hybrid rehearsals (reduced numbers in person on a rotating basis, remainder of class joins from home) or fully online.
AUDITIONS
New applicants to Chorus should prepare two (2) songs, one in English and one in another language, from the classical, traditional folk, or classic musical theatre repertoire. Facility with solfege, intervals, scales, sight-singing, and vocal technique will be assessed. Singers will also be expected to complete a written Music Theory assessment. Auditions last approximately seven minutes.
CONCERT ATTIRE
CHORUS OPTION 1
- white blouse (provided by VBCC)
- long black skirt (provided by VBCC)
- black tights (sheer or opaque, full length, not patterned)
- black dress shoes
- any necessary hair clips/elastics should match hair
- hair should be neat and off of your face
- any jewelry should be subtle so as not to distract during performance
CHORUS OPTION 2
- black dress pants
- white button down shirt with long sleeves (collared or collarless is fine), tucked in
- black socks
- black dress shoes
- any necessary hair clips/elastics should match hair
- hair should be neat and off of your face
- any jewelry should be subtle so as not to distract during performance
Tuition for 2025-26
(For the 2025-2026 season, the tuition fees in the table below include the following fees: a $40 society membership fee, a $2 GST on membership fee, a $30 administration fee)
| Choir | Early Bird Tuition until June 30, 2025 | Regular Tuition after June 30, 2025 | Fundraising Commitment (donation/raffle) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piccolini | $582 | $602 | $50 |
| Piccolo | $616 | $636 | $50 |
| Toccata | $675 | $695 | $50 |
| Partita | $723 | $743 | $50 |
| Chorale | $723 | $743 | $50 |
| Chorus | $754 | $774 | $50 |
- Membership fee: $40.00
- Administration fee: $30.00
- Fundraising commitment: $50.00 (more details in the registration form)
- GST: $2.00
- Single payment by cheque, credit card, or e-transfer.
- Monthly payment by credit card instalments or post-dated cheques, due by Aug 15, 2025.
Financial Assistance
Financial assistance providing up to 90% of the tuition is available. Bursaries do not cover fundraising commitments, membership fees, and administration fees.
Late Fees:
Payments that are not set-up or paid by August 15 are subject to a $20 late charge per month.
It’s been such a pleasure, and great experience for my girls (ages 6 and 9) to be able to sing with the Vancouver Bach Children’s Chorus. It has built up confidence in their voices and given them opportunity to audition for roles that they would not have otherwise. A truly wonderful and encouraging environment for children to grow from.
C. Bowden
VBCC parent