TRAINING CHOIR

The Training Choir is open to boys and girls in first through fifth grade who have a love of singing.  In weekly rehearsals, members learn fundamental music theory and vocal technique, but most importantly they have fun!  The Training Choir focuses on preparing young singers for more advanced work, and performs at least once each semester.  Unlike the other year-long choirs, the Training Choir is semester-based, with 12-week sessions in the fall and spring.

Classes are held weekly at the following locations:

• Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Avenue
  Tuesdays from 5:45-7:00 p.m.

• Palms Presbyterian Church, 3410 3rd Street S.
  Mondays from 4:00-5:15 p.m.

• First United Methodist Church, 225 E Duval Street
  Thursday evenings from 5:45 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

• Mandarin Presbyterian Church (West Campus), 12001 Mandarin Road
  Saturdays 10:00 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

Singers performing at an intermediate-level or advancing Training Choir members enter the Treble Choir.  Group instruction focuses on healthy vocal production and the development of music reading skills through unison, two-part, and even three-part literature.  Aural skills are strengthened through the use of eurhythmics, solfege, and sight-reading exercises.  The Treble Choir works with music chosen for singers of this age, which may contain challenges like a foreign language—it’s also fun!  There are several performances throughout the year, including the major seasonal concerts and other community performances.

Rehearsals are held weekly at the following locations:

• First United Methodist Church, 225 E Duval Street
  Tuesdays 5:45-7:15 p.m.
  

• Congregation Ahavath Chesed, 8727 San Jose Blvd
  Thursdays 5:45-7:15 p.m.
  

CONCERT CHOIR

Our most advanced choir, admission to the Concert Choir is given by invitation from the Director.  The repertoire is challenging, including four-part harmony and more foreign language singing.  Musicianship training continues to build strong vocal and sight-reading skills.  The members of the Concert Choir are generally very focused young adults who are adept music readers and capable of singing their own part independently.  Performances include seasonal concerts and concerts with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.  The choir may also represent the city at various community events, or travel to perform outside of Jacksonville.

Singers are expected to attend one (1) rehearsal weekly. Rehearsals are held weekly at the following locations:

• Orange Park United Methodist Church, 2051 Park Avenue - Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

• First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Duval Street - Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

YOUNG MEN'S CHORUS OF JACKSONVILLE

The program will serve boys between the ages of thirteen and eighteen who have entered the voice expansion phase and who desire to continue singing. Young men from all the counties served by this program are welcome to audition. Additionally, fathers and male guardians of the participating young men are welcome to participate in rehearsals.

The purpose of the program is to create opportunity for a previously underserved group in Northeast Florida—young males experiencing voice expansion. The goal is to assist young male singers in a smoother transition to adulthood during an awkward phase of growing up by participating in a chorus designed especially for them. Rehearsals will be held during the school year. The Chorus will be conducted by Darren Dailey. Tommy Shapard will serve as the Assistant Conductor.

Singers are expected to attend one (1) rehearsal weekly. Weekly rehearsals will be held in downtown Jacksonville:

• First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Duval Street - Thursdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m.