1. When do you take new members?
Cantabile holds auditions and placement evaluations in August, January and June. Membership is also open to new members during the first two weeks of each semester: at the beginning of September and January. The directors will place the singer by experience. For older singers who might qualify for Ensemble or Vocalise, our performance choirs, an audition must be scheduled. Auditions are non-competitive and the director will evaluate pitch matching, melodic memory, rhythmic ability and sight reading skills in order to place the student appropriately. Singers auditioning for Vocalise or Ensemble are asked to prepare a song (please bring music) and take a written theory test. To schedule an audition or evaluation please contact Karen Robinson at 650-424-1410 or karen@cantabile.org.
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2. Descriptions for Choirs
Preparatory Choir teaches young singers the fundamentals of singing in a group, including beginning note reading, vocal production, and performance. No previous experience is needed. Students are involved in age appropriate music and activities designed to challenge their singing and listening skills, and ignite their imaginations to explore how the elements of music can help them express themselves.

Intermediate Choir is for students ages 9-12, or roughly from 4th-6th grade. In this popular ensemble, singers will learn more advanced concepts about theory and sight reading, explore many different musical styles, and enjoy numerous performance opportunities. This is a high energy and exciting group to sing with.

Ensemble is for older students wishing to further their musical experiences by learning a fantastic variety of advanced literature. Ensemble is Cantabile’s elite touring group, representing the San Francisco Bay Area by performing at choral festivals, workshops and competitions around the world. In Ensemble, students receive a half hour of theory instruction per week in addition to the regular rehearsal.

Vocalise is Cantabile’s most advanced group. Singers in this smaller ensemble must possess exceptional sight reading skills, aural skills, and solid vocal technique. Students will find this group to be challenging, rewarding, and exciting to participate in! Singers will perform many different styles of music, including classical, multicultural, and jazz. During the holiday season, Vocalise students should be prepared to perform at a variety of locations around the SF Bay Area. Singers in Vocalise are also required to be part of Ensemble.

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3. Where do you rehearse?
Cantabile Children's Chorus rehearses weekly at:

Foothills Congregational Church
461 Orange Avenue, Los Altos.

From 280, take the El Monte exit east. Turn left on Foothill Expressway. Turn left at Main Street/Burke Road, then an immediate left onto University Avenue. Turn left again on Lincoln Avenue. Foothills Church is the second of three churches and is on the right side of the street. Park on Lincoln. The door to the rehearsal building says "Parish Hall".

5. Are you affiliated with the church?
We are not affiliated with the churches. We merely rent rehearsal space from them.

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6. How much does it cost?
Tuition covers rehearsals September through May, individual year-end assessments, and includes extra rehearsals, workshops, and performances. Each family will also receive 2 concert tickets (included in the cost of tuition) for each performance.
Tuition is refundable on a pro-rated basis for the first 4 weeks of class, there after, no refunds are offered. New Student Registration fee is non-refundable.

Preparatory $900 annually, $450 semester

Intermediate $900 annually, $450 semester

Ensemble $1100 annually, $550 semester

Vocalise $1100 annually, $550 semester

New Student Registration Fee $50 ($75 for multiple members)

Weekend Retreat $150-200 (Ensemble and Vocalise choirs only)

Foothill College Fee $150 (refundable upon completion of required forms)

Uniforms $70-$120

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7. What is the time commitment?
All choirs meet once a week and perform in our annual winter and spring concerts. There will be an additional dress rehearsal for each performance. In addition, Intermediate, Ensemble, and Vocalise will have extra rehearsals and workshops once or twice a month. (see question 4). Singers are asked to make a minimum commitment of 1 year to the chorus.

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8. What kind of music do you sing?
Repertoire consists of exemplary choral literature, from all periods appropriate for each choir's stage of development. Cantabile programs a wide variety of styles and cultures of music. To be sensitive to the many religious beliefs of our community Cantabile does balance repertoire with religious content, as much of music history is centered in religion. Additionally, Cantabile provides a curriculum of music that will educate, enlighten and build skill, appreciation and understanding.

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9. Can I come to rehearsal before making a commitment?
Children are invited to come to one rehearsal before making a commitment. Following the first rehearsal, continued attendance requires registration.

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10. Where and when do you perform?
Cantabile performs 2 self produced concerts each year in the winter and late spring. Concerts are usually held in a local church. In addition, individual choirs may have performances with other musical organizations throughout the community or in outreach locations.

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