New children's chorus announces auditions

The Chesapeake Children’s Chorus (CCC) is looking for students entering grades 2-8 to join the newly formed vocal ensemble. Interested students should prepare to audition on Thursday, August 13 from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m at Hollywood United Methodist Church.

In the short vocal audition, singers can expect to meet directors Laurel Dietz and Lori Beth Sink, sing a familiar song of their choice (such as “Happy Birthday” or “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”) and vocalize several director led warm-ups. Dietz and Sink are hoping to select a group of 50 singers from the tri-county Southern Maryland region.

Singers who are available for a fun summer preparatory event should plan to join the directors for the free August “Summer Sing!” workshop. Students who participated in last month’s “Summer Sing” enjoyed a free evening with ice-breaker style games, new warm-ups and music, as well as a lesson on the audition process. August attendees can do the same on Thursday, August 6 at Hollywood United Methodist Church from 6:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.

CCC’s musical directors, Dietz and Sink, have past experience working, singing and performing together. The two met when Sink moved to the area as part of a military family. They taught music together at Evergreen Elementary School before Dietz went on to become the Supervisor of Instruction for Fine Arts for St. Mary’s County Public Schools.

Sink went on to teach music at Lettie Marshall Dent Elementary School and now stays at home with first son Beau. Dietz and Sink also sang together in the Southern Maryland women’s acapella group Patuxent Voices. The two directors wish to share their love of music and performance with younger musicians, hence the start-up of the Chesapeake Children’s Chorus.

CCC will prepare two concert seasons from August-December and January-May with rehearsals on Thursday evenings at Hollywood United Methodist Church. Students will gain experience performing a wide variety of music from classical to pop, from American to world music, and from unison to harmony.

The group will be looking to take their music to community stages and events throughout the year. CCC is already booked to perform at the Leonardtown Christmas tree lighting and at a joint spring concert with St. Maries Musica. The chorus will have a minimal tuition fee to cover the cost of music, insurance and facilities.

Both directors are volunteering their time and expertise. For more information about the Chesapeake Children’s Chorus or to schedule an audition, visit the ensemble’s Facebook page or email chesapeakechildrenschorus@gmail.com.