May Festival Youth Chorus

Jason Alexander Holmes, Director
David Kirkendall, Assistant Director & Accompanist

Join the chorus today—100% COST-FREE!

Through choral music, the May Festival Youth Chorus connects, inspires, and educates young people in grades 8-12. Since its founding in 1987, the Youth Chorus has appeared annually at the May Festival, performing with the May Festival Chorus, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and internationally renowned conductors and soloists including Damon Gupton, Norm Lewis, Cody Fry, Renée Fleming and Julia Bullock.

The Youth Chorus performs a stand-alone concert series in collaboration with cultural institutions and organizations throughout greater Cincinnati.

REGISTER FOR YOUTH AUDITIONS

Know a student not quite ready to audition but who loves to sing?

Students who love to sing but may not feel quite ready for an advanced choral program are encouraged to join the May Festival Youth Chorus Training Program!

The Training Program provides students with opportunities to strengthen their musicianship, build vocal skills, and develop confidence in a supportive learning environment. Participation in the Training Program does not require an audition. However, students who wish to perform with the May Festival Youth Chorus must complete the formal audition process.

Rehearsals for the May Festival Youth Chorus Training program take place at Music Hall on Sundays from 3:30-4:30 PM.

Register for Youth Chorus Training Program

Opportunities of a Lifetime

The May Festival Youth Chorus appears frequently with the Cincinnati Symphony and Pops Orchestras at Music Hall, Riverbend Music Center and other prominent Cincinnati venues. The Youth Chorus has been featured on recordings with the Cincinnati Pops and was featured on NPR’s From the Top, the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians.

Alumni of the Chorus can be found singing on stages around the world and here at home in our very own May Festival Chorus.

Revealing the Voice

Singers in the mixed-voice Youth Chorus focus on developing their vocal technique and musicianship, and on their language and performance skills. This education and training helps singers learn and perform vocal works ranging from the Medieval era to world-premiere contemporary commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Young musicians in grades 8-12 who love music, have an interest in singing, and desire to grow as musicians in our collaborative, high-level ensemble environment.

Annual auditions are held in January and August of each year for singers in grades 8-12, including those with changing voices. Acceptance is based solely on ability, and there is no fee for membership.

The Youth Chorus rehearses every Sunday, 1:00-3:30pm, from September-May at historic Music Hall. All rehearsals and performances are required, so singers should plan their schedules carefully to ensure they can commit to the Youth Chorus calendar.

There are so many perks! The May Festival provides members with all the materials necessary for successful chorus participation at no charge:

music scores
folders
learning materials
parking passes
meals during extended rehearsal periods
private voice lessons
ticket discounts and vouchers to May Festival, CSO and Pops concerts!

Uniform shirts are also provided free of charge. Members are asked to furnish their own black pants/skirt, shoes, and socks, and funding is always available to cover these costs if needed.

The May Festival awards cash prizes at the end of each season. The John Hauck Foundation Scholarship is awarded to a graduating Youth Chorus member or members who will study music at the university level. The James Bagwell Award, named for longtime Youth Chorus conductor Dr. James Bagwell, is given to a returning Youth Chorus member in recognition of their musical curiosity, academic achievement, and commitment to the Youth Chorus.

And, the Youth Chorus Enrichment Program provides a $250 cash prize to those members who successfully enroll in and complete the requirements of the program, which includes strong attendance, enrollment in voice lessons, solo auditions, concert attendance and enrichment event attendance.

The May Festival Youth Chorus is 100% cost-free.

Do you know a young singer who would benefit from membership in the May Festival Youth Chorus? We want to hear from you! For information about membership and auditions, please email the chorus manager or click here to sign up online.