SFA to hold auditions for children's choir

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - On Thursday, Oct. 1, the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will hold auditions for a children's chorus that will be incorporated into SFA's presentation of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Hodie" on December 11.

Auditions will begin at 4 p.m. in Room 125 of the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building on the SFA campus. Parents can call (936) 468-4602 to schedule an audition time.

"We're looking for third through eighth graders (boys must have unchanged voices) who have an advanced ear and a range from f to high g," said Tim King, SFA director of choral activities. "The children must also be able to learn music quickly as they will have only 10 rehearsals in which to learn the six children's choir solo portions within the Christmas cantata."

"This will be a wonderful opportunity for the selected children," King continued. "They will be singing with the combined choirs from SFA and Nacogdoches and Lufkin High Schools, all supported by SFA's orchestral students."

Monica Hamilton, SFA graduate vocal student and former head choir director at Rusk High School, will direct the choir, which will rehearse every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 6. Dress rehearsals will be held Dec. 7, 8 and 10.

The choir will be administered through the SFA School of Music's Music Preparatory Division.

"To help defray the costs of purchasing music and give Monica a very small honorarium, we are asking for a $50 registration fee for those who are selected for the choir," King said.