get involved
Do you have children in your life who are passionate about music, performing, and storytelling? The CCOC is the place for them.
The CCOC empowers the voices of young people through intensive vocal and dramatic instruction and professional performance opportunities in Toronto and beyond. Through opera, music, and storytelling, we learn about the world and the power of what we can achieve when we work as a team. Give your child the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves.
HOW TO CONNECT WITH THE CCOC
1. Let us know you’re interested in joining the CCOC by completing the Audition Application form and we’ll reach out with more information about the CCOC program that would be the best fit for your child (including information on the current season’s schedule and fees).
2. Confirm your interest and schedule your audition with the CCOC (children entering Butterfly Chorus do not require an audition, they will move onto the registration process).
3. Once your child has been officially placed in a CCOC Chorus, we’ll reach out and provide you with everything you need to get started in our registration package.
4. Complete and submit your registration package and payment, and we’ll see you at rehearsals!
Auditions – What to Expect
An audition is a chance for us to get to know your child and for our artistic team to see how they learn. It’s a relaxed process, so that your child feels as comfortable as possible, so they can feel confident in their performance.
We’ll hear them sing, recite a short poem or monologue, do some basic music exercises, and talk to them about their interests. That way, we can offer your child a place in an appropriate chorus to make sure they get the best start possible.
Auditions are in-person, free, 10 – 15 minutes long, and there is no obligation to join.
Children starting JK or SK in September are invited to join our Butterfly Chorus, and do not require an audition. Simply complete the Audition Application form and we’ll connect to get your child registered!
Audition Requirements
CHILDREN IN GRADES 1 – 5
- Sing one musical selection: A folk song or classical piece is preferred if you have experience, or a common song like O Canada, Happy Birthday, etc. is perfectly appropriate!
- Recite one short spoken dramatic selection. For example, four lines of a poem or nursery rhyme. You may also be asked to read a few lines of new material.
- Basic music exercises: matching pitches, singing back melodies, and repeating clapping patterns.
CHILDREN IN GRADES 6 AND UP
- Sing two musical selections: one of which should be a folk song or classical piece, and the other can be a piece that you’re excited to perform;
- Recite one short spoken dramatic selection. For example, four lines of a poem, speech or monologue
- Basic music exercises: matching pitches, singing back melodies, and repeating clapping patterns.
THE CCOC OFFERS Financial Assistance/Bursaries
Could fees be a barrier to your child’s particiption with the CCOC?
We believe in the accessibility of music education for all young people and we’re working towards breaking down many barriers to participation, including financial ones. We are proud to be able to offer assistance to families through a bursary program. Bursaries are awarded based on a combination of financial need, artistic ability, expressed interest, and ability to commit to the CCOC’s activities.
To learn more about our bursary opportunities email bursary@canadianchildrensopera.com or call (416) 366-0467.