What is LowCountry Children’s Chorus and who may participate?
LowCountry Children’s Chorus is a tuition-based community treble ensemble for boys and girls with treble voices in grades 4-and upwards for the coming school year. An audition is required for acceptance based on a 10-minute interview to check vocal range, pitch-matching skills, and tonal memory of each prospective young singer. Those with music reading skills are surely encouraged to audition, but those skills are not an absolute requirement for auditioning. If accepted we are encouraging a year’s long commitment to the ensemble. Our season runs from September to May with two major seasonal concerts and other “run-outs” and performance opportunities as they arise.
What does it cost to participate?
LCCC is a tuition-based community ensemble requiring a fee of $110 per semester ($220/year) for each child’s participation and would be due at our first rehearsal. Tuition requirements cover music and equipment purchases, administrative cost, personnel salaries, etc…we are a non-profit organization with a very active board for raising money for scholarship opportunities for talented children who are unable to afford the tuition. If you have any interests in being part of FRIENDS OF LCCC or serving on its board please let us know. Some scholarship monies have already become available to us on a limited basis at present. (NO tuition refunds after the second week of rehearsals.)
When and how often do we meet?
Rehearsals will begin on the first Tuesday after Labor Day, at The Baptist Church of Beaufort. Our 15-week semester would entail a weekly rehearsal every Tuesday from 4:30 -6:00p.m with sectional rehearsals taking place on the third Thursday evening of each month. A rehearsal and performance calendar will be provided along with a singer’s handbook for more information. We ask that you clear your schedules for these times if you intend to be part of the ensemble…since we only meet once a week. Your attendance at rehearsal is mandatory and must become a priority in your scheduling.
Is there a uniform requirement?
Our current informal uniform is a red polo with the LCCC logo and dark slacks and skirts. Our formal attire consist of long back gowns for the girls and Tuxedo shirts, red ties, and black slacks for the guys.
What are our goals for the future and what kind of music will we be singing?
As we grow and develop into a performance ensemble we hope to become a vital choral presence in our community and state and region. Depending on how hard we are willing to work, performances and touring opportunities abound if we are willing to pursue them. Excellence in musical performance is our goal, therefore, children will be taught the skills which enable them to become independent musicians: sound vocal techniques, theory and sight-singing skills, musical standards, performance etiquette and discipline, and the value of working together for a common goal. We will be singing in all genres of choral music ranging from Renaissance to the contemporary in many different languages and ethnic styles offering a variety pack for our audiences. It is our hope to partner with other children’s choirs, adult choirs, and instrumental ensembles for future presentations as we mature and opportunities arise.
Where have we already performed?
Some of our performance sites have included:
Assisted Living Communities
Homes for the Holidays at Habersham and Newpoint
Franciscan Center ’s Valentine Brunch
St. Phillips Cathedral, Charleston Children’s Chorus
Beaufort Harbormasters Spring Concert
South Carolina Cooperative Baptist Fellowship State Convention
WJWJ pre-auction preview at the Beaufort Arsenal
Singing with the American Boychoir and with the Charlotte Children’s Choir
Spring tour to Carowinds…earned a SUPERIOR rating
Beaufort Arts Council Garden Walk Reception
Opening Water Festival Talent Show, July 2004
Beaufort Orchestra Holiday Concert, December 2004
Heritage Music Festival, Orlando, FL, April 2005- Earned a Superior Rating
Hilton Head Orchestra's "Home for the Holidays" Concerts (December 2005)
Carnegie Hall, 2006, featured choir for Field Studies Choral Festival
Heritage Music Festival, 2007, Myrtle Beach
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Fall 2007, The Baptist Church of Beaufort
Children In Harmony Choral Festival, Disney World, Orlando, 2008
