F.A.Q.

6. What is the Choir’s vision?

Through song, children of many cultures and nations come together. They sing of friendship, peace, understanding, and caring for one another and the planet; they sing of hope. WCC's vision song, We Must Dream, expresses the vision perfectly.

We Must Dream

We must dream of a world safe for children,
We must dream ev’ry child can be free.
Free from fear and free from pain,
Free to run in the sun again.
Free to play, to dance and to sing,
Free to let their laughter ring.

Life has blessed us and life is good to us;
Now we must share, show others we care.
In love united, no more divided,
We find ways to give,
Helping others to live their dream.

We must care that a child can go hungry,
We must care that a child has no home;
That a child should suffer, lost or cold,
That a child should cry with no hand to hold.
For when we care, compassion can grow,
And open our hearts so we learn and know

That love unites us and love provides for us,
Leads us to care, to find ways to share.
For life has blessed us and life is good to us;
Now we must give,
Helping others to live their dream.

We will dream of a world safe for children,
We will dream ev’ry child can be free.
Free to sleep in peace at night,
Free to wake with joy in the light.
Free to play, to dance and to sing,
Free to let their laughter ring.

Life has blessed us and life is good to us;
Now we must share, show others we care;
For love unites us, and love will guide us
To find ways to give,
Helping others to live their dream.

Download We Must Dream

Listen to short excerpt

7. What is the mission of the choir?

The World Children's Choir serves as a voice for children worldwide — giving voice to the interests of all children, celebrating cultural diversity through music, promoting positive international relations, and asking people to work together to create a peaceful, healthy world for children. Through singing, WCC members explore musical content, and use music, art, and special activities to mediate cross-cultural differences and become peacemakers. The children learn how music and art expresses emotion, creates shared experiences, bridges differences, tells stories, produces beauty and enriches others.

The World Children’s Choir is concerned about the children of the world and the future they face. By pursuing our mission we believe that we contribute to building a world of peaceful respect, friendship, cooperation, and prosperity among nations. We believe that working together to produce beautiful music and other kinds of art enables the children to create friendships based on mutual understanding and respect. By bringing children from many cultures and nations together in song today, we can sow the seeds of a more peaceful world tomorrow.

The theme song of the choir, Together We Can Change the World, expresses the dream these children hold of “a bright and new day…a world that we cherish…a world of hope and promise.” And that dream is within reach, “for there is nothing we can’t do when side by side. The children invite all those who hear them singing to join in the song and the dream. We believe that “miracles will happen” - that it is possible to build a world where children are protected and provided with health care, nutritious food, education, and opportunities for artistic expression. The Choir’s angelic voices remind people of what is important. Adults are inspired to work together to build a better world.

8. What are the Choir’s beliefs?

The world hungers for messages of hope, peace, love and joy. People’s hearts and souls are opened and their lives enriched when listening to and singing with the Choir.
All children can learn to sing beautifully and can be inspired to creatively contribute to society throughout their lives.
All children deserve the joy of creative self-expression, regardless of their social or economic conditions.
Through the discipline of these musical experiences, children can gain self-discipline, respect compassion for others, and a concern for the environment.
Working together to produce beautiful music will enable the children to create friendships based on mutual understanding and respect.
By bringing these future leaders of nations together in song today, we can sow the seeds of a more peaceful world tomorrow.
People who see and hear children of the world united in song will be reminded of their need to support children’s causes, and will hear our message that all of us are responsible for making the world a better place.
World leaders whose hearts are touched by these children’s voices will pursue their important work with an even greater appreciation for what is possible when differences are set aside for a greater good.
Participation as a WCC singer, volunteer, or audience member helps transform individual and community attitudes, and expands capacities for friendship, love, compassion, tolerance, generosity, respect, and peaceful reconciliation.

9. What is the Choir's history?

The World Children’s Choir was founded in 1990 by Sondra Harnes, Artistic Director, Rosalind Patterson, Operations Coordinator, Judith Penniman, Treasurer. Ms. Harnes heard the Russian Red Army Chorus sing God Bless America at the Kennedy Center, shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Moved by the emotional audience response and the delighted smiles on the (previously stern) faces of the soldiers and their conductor, she was inspired to found the World Children’s Choir to celebrate international friendship and to contribute to world peace.

As part of its mission, the Choir raises money for children’s causes, and performs in concerts and charity events benefiting such organizations as UNICEF, Childhelp USA, Save the Children, and the United Nations Refugee Educational Trust. The World Children’s Choir has been appointed to the Artists Roster of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Performances have been given for three US presidents (George Bush, William Clinton, George W. Bush), Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court, the United States Justice Department, Queen Noor of Jordan, Queen Sofia of Spain, Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Soviet Union, and Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, and in national and international radio and television broadcasts.

10. What are some memorable moments and events?

Singing with a Scottish rock band as the Million Mom March demonstrators arrived on the National Mall
Three White House Millennium performances in 14 hours
Opening the Pageant of Peace show in 17 degree weather with a song written by James Selway for the event (The Peace of Christmas), singing with the stars (all without a stage rehearsal due to icy conditions throughout the day), and Lighting of the National Christmas Tree on the White House Ellipse
Frank Foundation dinner at Embassy of Russia – WCC presented its Voices for Children Award to Mikhail Gorbachev
Performances at the International ChildArt Foundation’s World Children’s Festival; meeting and singing with children from 70 countries
Performances at the United Nations during the Youth for Tomorrow International Conference
Participating in a global internet concert — A Million Voices – One Peace: We Rise! as part of the 11 Days of Global Unity leading up to the on the United Nations Day of International Peace
Choral prelude sung for 2,000 people: Meeting Physical Force with Soul Force — An Interfaith Service in Promise of Peace and Soul Force — A Youth Celebration of Non-Violence; Martin Luther King Day, National Cathedral, Washington, DC
Performances in Romania, for a group of teens and young adults (mostly abandoned Roma children) who knew one of our songs and sang for us, then we sang together – Siyahamba, a Zulu freedom song from South Africa.. they sang in Romanian, we sang in English and Zulu; one girl asked if she could sing and play Kofi’s drum – she said she had only played on a board before….of course we said yes; one of the young men asked if he could speak: “Thank you for singing for us. We will never forget you." The director told us later the young man had mental disabilities and that he had never spoken in public before) — and at retirement home in Timisoara, Romania where the senior citizens wept, hugged the children, grasped everyone’s hand, had their pictures made with us, and begged us to return
Kofi Dennis (WCC parent of three singers, WCC drumming instructor, and Wolf Trap Performing Arts Master Teacher) singing and teaching the Ghanaian Welcome Song to WCC audiences (season concerts, retreat for 9/11 families, National Cathedral, room full of international families/diplomats at the Embassy of Venezuela), and getting complete strangers to sing and hug each other
Alberto Gonzales, U.S. Attorney General, whispering to WCC Bella Voce singers as he left the stage following the Candle Light Ceremony for families held during the Justice Department’s National Crime Victims’ Rights Week — "You are awesome singers.” Mr. Gonzales refusing to leave the stage at the public ceremony the next day until the entire choir finished singing Let Us Be United. His lovely hand written thank you note for WCC’s gift to him of it’s most recent CD: We Must Dream.
Singing in the National Missing Children’s Day Ceremony, held at the U. S. Department of Justice during National Missing and Exploited Children’s Week:

We must dream of a world safe for children. We must dream every child can be free. Free from fear and free from pain. Free to run
in the sun again. Free to play, to dance and to sing. Free to let their laughter ring. Life has blessed us and life is good to us. Now
we must give, helping other’s to live their dreams. Excerpt from We Must Dream by James Selway, WCC associate director.

11. What are the different performing divisions of the Choir? What do they do?

The World Children's Choir four professional vocal ensembles (Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce, Concert and Junior Choirs) give three season concerts in December, March, and May, and sing by invitation at special event performances. The exceptional training and performing experience of the Choir makes it possible for members to participate in performances of wonderful operettas by Gilbert and Sullivan, Humperdinck’s opera, Hansel and Gretel, and Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute. All students are trained in the Italian Bel Canto style of singing, which nurtures the development of a solo quality singing voice. Opera Ensemble and Bella Voce singers are required to take private lessons.

The WCC International Friends Chorus is a community chorus for students in grades three through nine (girls and boys with unchanged voices) who wish to sing and perform in the three season concerts, but whose schedules do not allow participation in special event performances. All students are trained in the Italian Bel Canto style of singing, which nurtures the development of a solo quality singing voice. Private lessons are not required. Parents and other adult friends of the choir are invited to rehearse and learn a few songs that are performed in the finale of WCC season concerts. IFC members may elect to register for African Drumming rehearsals.

The African Drumming and Dancing ensemble performs in an annual season concert, and by invitation at special event performances. The West African Drumming and Dancing Ensemble rehearses twice a month on Saturdays during the school year. Additional rehearsals are held late-May through early June to prepare for a West African Culture Concert in June.

Admission to WCC's performing ensembles is by audition only. Rehearsals are held in northern Virginia. With current and past singers from over forty countries, the Choir is truly a microcosm of our global village.

12. Where does the Choir sing?

The World Children’s Choir has been appointed to the Artists Roster of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and has performed at benefit concerts and awards ceremonies for such organizations as UNICEF, the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, and the Children’s Defense Fund. The Choir has performed numerous times at the White House, Capitol Hill, the Kennedy Center, the World Bank, the IMF, as well as many area embassies. Concert tours have been made in New York City, Scotland, Canada, and Ireland. Season concerts and special event performances are given in the Washington, DC area.

13. How does the Choir carry out its mission?

Providing children of many cultures and nations with an exceptional level of musical training and performing opportunities builds self-confidence, appreciation for the arts, respect and appreciation for other cultures, and many other benefits.

Teaching singers to embrace and model social responsibility by using their voices to support various fund-raising activities, thereby also supporting the Choir’s scholarship program and children’s causes around the world; by performing benefit concerts; by performing for world leaders; and contributing part of the proceeds from recording sales to various children's charities.

Traveling nationally and internationally and hosting choirs from abroad promotes international friendship.

Through the Scholarship Program, we reach out to diverse communities in our richly multi-cultural metropolitan area to invite participation in the Choir by children who would otherwise not have the opportunity. We help our singers understand and celebrate the diversity of the many cultures represented in our schools and community. The ability to work with different people from different cultures will remain with them as they mature to adulthood.

Up to 25% of the Choir members receive needs-based scholarships, and no qualified child has ever been turned away for their inability to pay the tuition. Every new season, we endeavor to increase our reach and the percentage of children receiving financial aid. The choir members also support the scholarship fund by conducting several fund-raising activities each season.

WCC gives concerts and schedules fundraisers to raise funds for its scholarship program and special projects. WCC raised $5,500 for the children of Morolica, a village in Honduras which was destroyed by Hurricane Mitch; $3,700 for the Kgabo Mission Clinic which is dedicated to treating adults and children with blood diseases in the poorest region of South Africa. Over 1,200.00 Irish Punts for refugees was raised in Ireland during WCC's Ireland Concert Tour. A benefit concert held as part of the Concerts for a Cause, sponsored by the Old Presbyterian Meeting House in Alexandria, VA raised $1,800 for Kenyan AIDS orphans.

The Choir has also produced four CDs in support of national and international children’s causes: And the Angels Sang, which was broadcast throughout North America, Europe and Asia as part of a joint campaign with the CARE Foundation to raise funds for Bosnian relief; For the Beauty of the Earth, produced as part of a joint project with the United Nations Environment Programme and the Environmental Protection Agency to raise awareness of environmental issues among children; With One Dream, a CD single of a beautiful song written on September 13, 2001 in response to the tragedies of September 11, 2001; We Must Dream, $5/CD from retail sales will go to an International Children's Charity. Special concerts have been given to raise funds to build a blood testing clinic in South African, for Kenyan orphans who have AIDS, and to build three schools for underprivileged children in Rawanda.

14. What is unique and important about the Choir’s work? How is it different from other choirs?

The World Children’s Choir has been appointed to the Artists Roster of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Arts.

The Choir's Artistic Directors are professional performers. Operatically trained as soloists, they received their performance degrees from internationally renowned conservatories of music. They are artist master teachers who are also recognized for their brilliant work with and dedication to children.

The Choir assumes social responsibility for our world’s children, and we regularly raise money for children in need throughout the world.

Participation in Choir activities provides a rare opportunity for families to make music together while also working together to help make the world a better place for everyone.

The Choir provides professional vocal training that nurtures the development of a heart-warming solo quality vocal instrument. Its repertoire is of an exceptionally high level of technical and musical difficulty.

Statistical evidence by regional and national organizations continues to demonstrate how important music is for children, particularly in early childhood development and education. We begin working with children as early as age four.

WCC singers learn to sing with vibrato. Vibrato is a small, even fluctuation of pitch which is very pleasing to the ear and a quality of solo vocal technique which gives character, color, and excitement to the singing voice. It is the conveyor of emotion and beauty that goes right to the heart and soul of the listener. Most choirs teach children to sing in a choral style where everyone strives to blend, to produce the same kind of sound. Singers trained in this choral style usually are not taught to develop and use vibrato.

The number and venue of performances given.

The angelic and heartfelt voices of the Choir visibly moves the hearts of politicians, diplomats, dignitaries, and people from many nations.

The more we can do to bring music into the lives and hearts of our children, the more opportunities we provide them for learning and growth. The Choir’s repertoire includes songs of love and peace thus affirming and supporting the boundary-less world of the child. Our children, and the children they reach, are our future. It is our obligation to teach them, and to provide opportunities for them to lead by their own example.

15. Who are the Choir's Directors?

Sondra Harnes (WCC founder, president, and artistic director) and her husband, James Selway (WCC associate director) both studied at the Juilliard School in New York City and earned their Master of Music degrees from The Catholic University of America. For the past 25 years, they have maintained a private studio in Falls Church, Virginia where they teach voice and Suzuki piano. In addition, both have performed and led workshops extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Mr. Selway, a baritone and an accomplished pianist, also specializes in directing and producing musical theater productions involving young people. In addition to being the WCC associate director, Mr. Selway is also a composer having written and arranged instrumental and choral works as well as many choral pieces for the World Children's Choir. Ms. Harnes, a lyric soprano, has had an impressive career as a soloist and conductor. She oversees all aspects of World Children’s Choir operations, teaches private and group lessons, and conducts rehearsals, performances, and special events appearances.

Now her focus is on children: "My personal mission is to train children to sing beautifully and artistically, so they may open the hearts of people everywhere to what is possible if we come together as one family to make a better world. Jim and I firmly believe in the power of music and song to bring children and communities together, to celebrate diversity, and help us become better citizens. We truly believe the angelic voices of the children singing their beautiful songs of love and peace can help us break through our differences, and inspire all of us to work together to build a peaceful, healthy world for all children."

16. Is membership in the World Children’s Choir just for talented children?

We believe that, raised in the proper environment, talent can be developed in any child. Just as flowers in the garden grow, blossoming in their own time and season, so can children grow beautiful singing voices.

We believe that within every child lies the voice of an angel. Utilizing the Italian Bel Canto style of singing we work with the child to reveal a beautiful voice. During this process which takes place over a number of years, the child learns and practices breathing, posture, vocal, diction, and speaking exercises as well as performance skills which nurture and develop a solo quality voice. We also teach the children that we can all use our voices to help create a peaceful, healthy world.

17. How old does my child have to be to join?

The Choir offers rehearsals and performing opportunities for children age four through eighteen years

18. Who will enjoy singing in the Choir?

Children and young people who love to sing and perform, aspire to achieve a high level of vocal artistry, and who want to help make the world a better place by raising funds for children in need to help make the world a better place.

19. What are the benefits for my child?

High level of artistic expression and performance
Professional vocal training in the Bel Canto style which nurtures the development of a solo quality voice
Discipline, strong work ethic, and team spirit
Joyful self-expression and self-confidence
Friendship, fun, compassion and respect for others
Personal integrity
Awareness of children’s issues and basic human rights, and the importance of helping to make the world a better place
Opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the world’s children
Opportunities to sing for world leaders
Opportunities to travel

20. May parents attend rehearsals?

An advance appointment is needed to attend one of the weekly rehearsals. Final rehearsals for the season concerts are closed. All parents are invited and encouraged to sing in the International Friends Chorus.

21. What do parents say about the Choir?

WCC Parent Testimonials

My perspective on the World Children’s Choir is as a parent of an artistic child. In a society that appears to value the arts less and less, opportunities for such children are extremely limited. In schools where it would be unthinkable not to have sports or physical education, the elimination of music classes and extracurricular music and arts programs are accepted with little more than sighs of resignation. Like so many of the other families we have met, we found the World Children’s Choir and, as we hoped, it has given my daughter unparalleled musical education coupled with an outlet for her drive to perform and to make music. But it has given her so much more. She has gained an understanding and respect for other cultures. She has met and befriended children from many different and diverse backgrounds. Most importantly, she has become aware of the world that she lives in and she has learned that she can and should strive to make a difference in the lives of children in circumstances far different than her own. If she never sings another note, her feet have been set firmly on the path to becoming a citizen into whose stewardship the world will be well placed.
- Palma Collins, Mother of Emily Downey, Bella Voce

Adam has developed some wonderful friendships through song. His WCC comrades will undoubtedly be lifetime friends. His interest in music has grown and developed over the last few years since Adam joined the choir. He has been exposed to a variety of international music sung in many languages such as English, French, German, Arabic and Hebrew. Among the memorable places he has sung are the performances at the Kennedy Center, The White House and the National Mall. These experiences have enriched his life tremendously. The choir has been an asset to his confidence, disposition and quality of voice. Often he is asked to sing in front of an audience at a moment's notice. He always rises to the occasion and performs beautifully. We are very proud parents.
- Noha Nakib and Sakhr Faruqi, Parents of Adam Faruqi, Bella Voce

As a parent, it is my joy to my daughter sing in WCC. We chose WCC for my daughter because of its superior quality in the music and of its unique mission. WCC’s members are united beyond any boundary among the people, and their harmony symbolizes a peaceful unity of the world. It is wonderful that my child enjoys and appreciates music through WCC and can contribute herself to make the world a little happier place.
- Yuki Melvin, Parent of Jamie Melvin, Junior Choir

My daughter Robin was just seven years old when she joined the World Children’s Choir. Robin’s roots had begun in a worldly enough fashion She was born in the northern part of Russia – north of the Arctic Circle. I adopted her when she had just turned one year old.

By seven, she was pretty much an all-American kid. And, like other children in this area, her world had become largely focused on the metropolitan DC area. She also loved to sing, and for that reason she joined the World Children’s Choir. Little did we know at the time how much more the choir would become than just a place to sing.

The choir, we discovered, also became a place where many of Robin’s closest friendships were forged. Those included both boys and girls, of all ages, and from all over the metropolitan area. Indeed, many of the friendships have become family friendships, extending beyond Robin and her peers to family get-togethers.

The choir, we discovered, also has allowed Robin’s focus to move beyond Northern Virginia and out into the world. She became more aware of the world through the choir’s activities. Early on after joining, for example, the choir gave a concert to raise money for a mission in Africa. The choir sang at the German Embassy shortly thereafter. She traveled to Ireland with the choir, touring the country and singing in its great cathedrals and at is colorful, local art festivals. At 8, Robin was the youngest touring member. She loved every minute of it, and I noticed how the older children took her under their wing.

The next year, Robin had some real fun – singing before 10,000 people at the McDonald’s international convention in Las Vegas, where she and 6 other WCC singers were picked up at the airport in a stretch limousine and shared the stage with singers Josh Groban and Cher.

The doors of experience continued to open. The choir sang at the lighting of the national Christmas tree on the mall. The choir sang at the first-ever National Kids’ Day. And the choir sang for UN head Kofi Anan. After I explained to her what the United Nations does before that event, Robin stated, “You know, Mom, that’s what I love about the choir. There is always something exciting going on.”

There was one event that had special meaning for Robin. The choir was asked to sing at the Russian Embassy, when former President Gorbachev was visiting. Robin was asked to sing a solo, in Russian. I explained to Robin how President Gorbachev brought freedom (and therefore American adoptions) to Russia. Robin instantly understood the significance and asked Sondra if she could say a few words to Gorbachev.

After the choir’s musical performance concluded, President Gorbachev joined the choir on stage. Robin presented Gorbachev with the choir’s “Voices for Children” award, honoring him for his contribution to freedom and peace for the world’s children. But first she spoke (in Russian and then in English) the words she had chosen for the occasion: “I’m from Russia. Thank you for making America and Russia friends.” President Gorbachev beamed and kissed her on the head. As the choir filed off the stage, Robin gave a little wave to Gorbachev. He winked back at her. It was their own private moment in a very public event.

The Washington Post wrote a story about the event, focusing on Robin and the choir. Needless to say, Robin enjoyed the attention. And the press was good for the choir too. Part of her pleasure, I think, was that Robin was thrilled to have made a personal connection with this former Russian president who changed the world so dramatically. But I also think part of her pleasure was seeing that having a different background from her peers could be such a positive attribute.

Through all of this, Robin’s voice has grown tremendously, under the teaching of Sondra Harnes. I am awestruck every time I hear Robin sing. Honestly. I just never thought a child could sing with bravado – until I heard the members of the World Children’s choir sing.

And, it is not just Robin who can sing like this. I’ll never forget when we were on tour in Ireland. I was standing outside the chapel at Trinity College. Our concert was about to start and a professor was asking me what was going on. I explained to her that the World Children’s Choir from America was about to sing. The choir started to sing – that beautiful sound that only the choir can make, in this case augmented by the wonderful acoustics of the Trinity Chapel. The professor gasped and exclaimed, “But that cannot possibly be the sound of children’s voices, can it?”

It can.

It is.

It is the World Children’s Choir.

- Diane Hinson

22. When are the rehearsals?

International Friends Chorus: Grades 3 -9
Wednesday evening: 7:15 - 8:30 PM
Junior Choir: Age four through first grade
Tuesday, 4:30 - 5:15 or 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Concert Choir: Age 8 through 18
Tuesday, 5:15 PM - 7:15 PM
Bella Voce: Grades 4 - 12
Tuesday, 6:00 – 8:15 PM
Opera Ensemble: HS students Age 14-18
Tuesday, 8:15 - 9:45 PM

All singers rehearse together once a month on Saturday morning from 8:15 to noon.

The Junior Choir is dismissed at 10:45 AM. The International Friends Chorus dismissal time will vary.Singers also attend Tuesday and Thursday evening rehearsals the week of each of the season concerts in December, March, and May.

ALL SINGERS

Children not yet matching pitches or singing in tune with others will be required to take private lessons before re-auditioning for the Choir.

23. Does the Choir travel?

WCC singers enjoy visiting, hosting, rehearsing, and giving concerts with other choirs. WCC has hosted five choirs: a high school choir from Amherst, Massachusetts; the Brooklyn Children’s Ensemble; the Children’s Choir of Northern Jutland, Denmark; the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus; and the Tucson Girls Chorus.

Concert Tours

Brooklyn — week-end with the Brooklyn Children’s Chorus (benefit concert for UNICEF)
Scotland — for eight days ( five concerts)
New York City — for four days (performance at Carnegie Hall and Benefit Concert for UNICEF)
Montreal and Quebec City, Canada — for seven days (five concerts)
Ireland — for ten days (ten concerts) Dublin, Carlow, Waterford, Cork, Cobh, Ennis, Galway, Kylemore Abbey
New York City — for five days (five performances) Ground Zero, St. Peter's Church, South Street Seaport, and United Nations
Romania — for ten days: International Arts/Peace Camp (cultural exchange with 15 Romanian dancers, five performances)
New York City - Benefit Concert raised funds to build three schools for underprivileged children in Rawanda

24. What kind of music do you sing?

Opera Ensemble: The focus is on opera; other repertoire includes operetta, oratorio, madrigals, and chamber music.

Bella Voce, Concert and Junior Choirs and International Friends Chorus: Repertoire appropriate to the vocal and musical level of each Choir is selected from artistic arrangements of international folk songs (seventeen different countries at last count); art songs (Italian, German Lied, French Mélodie); opera (Hansel and Gretel by Humperdinck and The Magic Flute by Mozart), oratorio (Bach and Handel); operetta selections (Gilbert and Sullivan); choral music, inspirational songs of peace, environmental songs; choreographed Broadway show tunes

Repertoire tapes or CDs are provided to aid in home practice.

In December, the Choir sings traditional Western holiday music. All singers are expected to sing all music.

25. What style of singing is taught in rehearsals?

The Italian Bel Canto style of singing is taught. In this style of singing, the student will develop a beautiful, heartfelt sound…singing with vibrato, even scale, pure vowels, legato, and expression. Breathing exercises are be taught. In addition to vocal technique and rhythm studies, singers are coached on their appearance, artistic presentation, facial expression, and diction in English, Italian, French, German, and Spanish. The healthy, well trained voice has a range of 1 1/2 to 2 octaves.

To develop sight reading skills, all singers are encouraged to take piano lessons and sight singing classes. The recommended instrument for singers who play in band or orchestra is flute.

26. Where are the rehearsals and concerts held?

International Friends Chorus:	Charles Wesley United Methodist Church 6817 Dean Dr Mc Lean, VA 22101
Junior Choir, weekly rehearsals:	Christ Crossman United Methodist Church 384 N Washington St Falls Church, VA 22046
Concert Choir, weekly rehearsals:	Christ Crossman United Methodist Church 384 N Washington St Falls Church, VA 22046
Bella Voce, weekly rehearsals:	Christ Crossman United Methodist Church 384 N Washington St Falls Church, VA 22046
Opera Ensemble, weekly rehearsals:	Christ Crossman United Methodist Church 384 N Washington St Falls Church, VA 22046
Monthly full choir rehearsal (Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce, Concert & Junior Choirs, and Drumming Ensemble):	McLean Baptist Church 1367 Chain Bridge Road McLean, VA 22101 The monthly rehearsal location may change occasionally. If you would like to visit the Saturday rehearsals, please send a message to confirm the location.

Location of Season Concert Week Rehearsals and Season Concerts for all
singers held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings vary. A detailed season
calendar is provided to all registered singers.

27. How much are tuition and fees for the 2009/10 season?

Scholarships are available for families whose gross annual income is $45,000 per year or less.

Tuition is based on the family's net income as reported on its annual federal tax return (or international equivalent).

Proof of income is required to qualify for free or reduced tuition level. Members of the scholarship committee that are community volunteers, not WCC parents, will review the following documents:
• Scholarship and Reduced Tuition Request Form |
• First page of the family's most recent federal tax return, form 1040
• If the family was not required to file a 1040, pay stubs may be provided.

All annual tuition rates included in the charts above are per singer.

Sibling discounts for families enrolling more than one singer:
Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce, Concert Choir: $100/singer
Junior Choir, International Friends Chorus: $50/singer

Families that have special circumstances (examples: high medical bills not covered by insurance, supporting a grandparent, other) may apply to qualify for a lower tuition rate.

Families may pay in full or elect a three or five-month payment plan.

Trial Period Fee

Bella Voce and Concert Choir Trial Period (four consecutive rehearsals): $100
Junior Choir and International Friends Chorus Trial Period (four consecutive rehearsals): $50

Trial period payment is applied to annual tuition after successful completion of the Trial Period.

All Singers:

Tuition and fees are waived for students from families who are financially qualified

OTHER FEES -- Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce, Concert Choir, Junior Choir

Annual Audition: $30
Trial Period:
Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce and Concert Choir: $100 (applicable to annual tuition)
Junior Choir: $50 (applicable to annual tuition)
After Trial Period (new singers), one time Registration Fee: $25
African Drumming Tuition: $150
Music and Materials Fee: $100
New Singers: Four WCC CDs: $60
WCC Tee-Shirt/Sweatshirt: $50
Girls Concert Gown: $180 (subject to change)
Boys Designated Suit: varies, approximately same price as the concert gown
Rehearsal Uniform (designated slacks and shorts) from Lands End
Concert Tickets: $150 per family
(five tickets to each December, March and May Season Concert)

OTHER FEES — International Friends Chorus

Annual Audition: $30
Trial Period (new singers): $50 (applicable to annual tuition)
After Trial Period (new singers), one time Registration Fee: $25
Music and Materials Fee: $100
Four WCC CDs (one set per new family): $60
WCC Tee-Shirt/Sweatshirt: $50
Concert Tickets: may purchase up to five discounted tickets per season concert
(five tickets to each December, March and May Season Concert)

Optional: African Drumming I Tuition: $150

Singers Awarded a Tuition Scholarship

Parents are asked to make a contribution of any size to help pay for items listed under "Other Fees."

28. Do you offer discounts for families with more than one child?

Yes.

Opera Ensemble, Bella Voce, Concert Choir: $100/sibling
Junior Choir, International Friends Chorus: $50/sibling

29. Do you offer scholarships?

The Voices for Children Scholarship Program provides scholarships and concert attire for singers from families who qualify. Families with special circumstances may apply to qualify at higher income levels.

Opera Ensemble
Bella Voce
Concert Choir
Junior Choir
International Friends Chorus

Request information about applying for a scholarship

30. How do we join?

1) Observe rehearsal and/or attend a season concert

2) Schedule an Audition

3) Upon recommendation from artistic director, enroll singer for one month trial period

4) After successful completion of trail period, submit registration materials and payment or scholarship application

31. What happens at the audition?

The audition is held as part of a small group voice lesson that may include two to three singers.

The artistic director will vocalize your child in the group and individually. Other activities include matching pitches, clapping rhythms, and learning a new melody or song. Experienced singers may sing a song of their choice. Parents attend the audition and have an opportunity to ask questions.

You will be notified about the result of your audition within one week.

32. How do we register?

After successful completion of trial period, complete, sign and return all registration materials and your payment:

World Children's Choir
4022 Hummer Road, Suite 109
Annandale, Virginia 22003