FAQ

1. HOW MANY CHORUSES ARE THERE IN THE CCOC AND WHEN DO THEY REHEARSE?

There are five choruses that make up the CCOC. (Please note that ages are approximate).

The choruses are:

Principal Chorus (ages 10 – 16)
Rehearsals Monday and Thursday, 4:30 – 6:30 (Plus Occasional Saturdays)
First Unitarian Congregation
175 St. Clair West

Youth Chorus (girls ages 16 – 19 and boys with changed voices)
Rehearsals Monday 7:00 – 9:00
First Unitarian Congregation
175 St. Clair West

Intermediate Chorus (ages 9 – 10)
Rehearsals Tuesday 5:00 – 6:30
Blythwood Road Baptist Church 80 Blythwood Road

Apprentice Chorus (ages 7 – 8)
Rehearsals Tuesday 5:30 – 6:40
Blythwood Road Baptist Church 80 Blythwood Road

Ruby Chorus (ages 5 – 6)
Rehearsals Tuesday 4:30 – 5:20
Blythwood Road Baptist Church 80 Blythwood Road


2. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO JOIN?

Amounts depend on the chorus – there are some discounts available for early payment and for families with more than one chorister. Bursaries are also available based on financial need.

Principal Chorus
$1250

Camp (Principal Chorus only)
$325

Youth Chorus
$650

Intermediate Chorus
$1000

Apprentice Chorus
$950

Ruby Chorus
$850


3. ARE THERE ADDITIONAL COSTS FOR UNIFORMS AND OTHER MATERIALS

Yes. The Principal Chorus, Apprentice Chorus and the Intermediate Chorus require a music bag and white dress shirt.

Principal Chorus members need to purchase a garment bag. Principal and Intermediate Chorus members require a sight-singing workbook and Apprentice Chorus members must purchase a theory workbook.

All Choruses are required to purchase a CCOC T-shirt as part of the informal uniform.


4. DOES THE CCOC OFFER ANY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE?

Yes. The CCOC has a Bursary Fund to which families may apply for financial assistance. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need. Applications are assessed by the Bursary Committee which meets in August, prior to the beginning of each season.


5. WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DO THE CHILDREN HAVE TO PERFORM?

The CCOC provides extensive opportunities for the choristers to perform. In the 09-10 season, all of the choruses will participate in both Winter Celebrations Across the Ages, a holiday pageant on Nov. 28, and in the world premiere of our newest opera, The Secret World of Og, May 5-9, 2010. In addition, the Junior Divisions have both Spring and Winter concerts, the Youth Opera Chorus will present its annual staged production in the spring, and various divisions will participate in numerous engagements both large and small.

Selected members of the Principal Chorus will appear in two Canadian Opera Company productions in the 09-10 season, Bizet’s Carmen and Verdi’s Otello.

Additional performance and/or recording opportunities with such noted organizations and artists as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Canadian Tenors, and the Hannaford Street Silver Band may also arise.


6. WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO THEY SING?

The CCOC choruses do sing operatic selections, but that is only a part of the overall musical repertoire that also includes contemporary and classical selections, folk, and operetta. A number of works are by Canadian composers.


7. WHEN ARE AUDITIONS?

Auditions are held in the spring for the upcoming season, as well as a date in late August for anyone unable to attend the spring auditions. Auditions are held by appointment at other times of the year.To apply for admission and to arrange an audition, download the application and fax the completed form to the CCOC office (416) 366-9204.