USM Youth Ensembles Choral Auditions
The USM Youth Ensembles Children's Choir and Youth Chorale offer "rolling" auditions and admissions.
We invite interested singers (and parents) to observe a rehearsal and audition with the director afterward.
Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings
SMCC: 5:45-7 p.m., grades 4 through 8 (treble voices)
SMYC: 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., grades 7 through 12 (mixed voices)
Spring concert date: May 14, 7:30 p.m.
Join the singing! Join the fun!
To schedule an audition, contact Ms. Binney Brackett, (207) 780-5003, brackett@usm.maine.edu
The Southern Maine Youth Chorale
Shannon M. Chase, conductor
The SMYC is comprised of singers grades 7-12, selected through an audition and voice screening process. We are looking for students with variety of attributes such as talent, musicianship, vocal skill, singing experience, and a serious interest in singing choral music.
Dr. Shannon Chase has taught vocal and choral music in the public schools and at the collegiate level for over 20 years. She has studied conducting under the baton of such notable conductors as Sir David Wilcox, Elmer Eisler, Robert Shaw, Helmuth Rilling, Anton Armstrong, Peter Bagley, Donald Nuen, Weston Noble, André J. Thomas, Rodney Eichenberger, Dennis Cox and Robert Russell.
A seasoned conductor and music educator, Chase has served on the faculties of the University of Oregon, Bowdoin College, Colby College and most recently served on the faculty of Rutgers University in Mason Gross School of the Arts. Dr. Chase is the founding director of Vox Nova Chamber Choir, a semi-professional vocal ensemble specializing in modern and contemporary choral music. A mezzo-soprano, Shannon maintains a private voice studio and offers instruction to youth and adult singers.
The Southern Maine Children's Choir
Paul McGovern, conductor
Southern Maine Children’s Choir members, grades 4 and up with treble voices, should have an interest in and love of singing, and be able to focus in a rehearsal lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. They are expected to be able to sing on pitch with a pleasant tone quality, maintain their own part when singing in harmony, and have a well developed tonal memory. Previous experience singing in a choir is preferred. Prospective members do not have to know how to read music in order to join.
Paul McGovern has over 20 years experience teaching music from kindergarten to college. Currently, he teaches for the Portland Public Schools where he teaches classroom music at Ocean Avenue and Peaks Island Elementary Schools. Previously, he has taught music courses and directed choirs at Saint Joseph’s College, University of Maine-Farmington, SUNY-Potsdam, and Georgia Southern University.
Dr. McGovern received his Bachelor’s degree from Queens College/ CUNY and his Masters and Doctoral degrees in Choral Conducting from Indiana University. Before graduate school, he taught music in the public schools in the greater Philadelphia, PA area for six years. Throughout his career, he has conducted community choral ensembles of all types and ages.
For more information about the USM Youth Ensembles, visit
http://usm.maine.edu/music/usm-youth-ensembles-0
The USM Youth Ensembles are sponsored by Macy's.
Those needing special accommodations to participate fully in this program, contact Lori Arsenault, (207) 780-5142, larsenault@usm.maine.edu. Hearing impaired: call USM's telex / TDD number (207) 780-5646.
Press Contact: Erin Bartoletti, ebartoletti@usm.maine.edu, (207) 780-5256.
A co-production with the