Northern California Youth Chorus

As spring approaches, we begin preparing for placement auditions — an exciting time of growth and possibility for our singers! These auditions are different from the initial audition to join NCYC. Placement evaluations happen during regular rehearsals and are simply an opportunity for us to assess whether your singer is ready for the next step in their musical journey. Every child develops at their own pace. Advancement is never about pressure — it’s about readiness, confidence, and continued joy in singing.

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Primo Voce → Intermezzo
Moving from Primo Voce to Intermezzo is an exciting milestone.

To be considered for advancement from Primo Voce to Intermezzo, singers should:

• Be entering at least 4th grade in the fall

• Have completed one full year in Primo Voce

We look for singers who are:

• Matching pitch consistently

• Staying focused and engaged in rehearsals

• Demonstrating dependable attendance

• Showing readiness to begin singing two-part music

Ms. Van Hoy recommends singers who demonstrate these skills, and Mrs. Britts visits rehearsals to observe and confirm readiness. If your singer isn’t quite ready this year, that’s perfectly okay. Continued growth in Primo Voce builds confidence and strengthens foundational skills.

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Intermezzo → Bel Canto
The step from Intermezzo to Bel Canto represents significant musical and personal growth. Bel Canto singers take on more challenging music and a higher level of commitment.

To be considered for advancement from Intermezzo to Bel Canto, singers should:

• Complete at least one year in Intermezzo

• Finish the Level 1 Theory Book

• Demonstrate the ability to sing a three-part round independently

• Maintain excellent attendance

• Show strong rehearsal habits and a willingness to work hard

Families should also consider the added commitment:

• Tuesday rehearsals, 4:15–6:15 PM

• Monthly Saturday theory workshops, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

• Additional concerts throughout the year (such as collaborations with the Folsom Lake Symphony and other organizations)

• A weekend retreat the last weekend in September (included in tuition)

Evaluations will take place during rehearsals between Spring Break and our Spring Concert. Bel Canto is both challenging and deeply rewarding, and we work closely with families to ensure singers are ready for this next step.

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Bel Canto → Bella Voce
As singers enter high school, they may choose the ensemble that best fits their schedule and goals. Ninth graders are welcome to remain in Bel Canto if that works best for them. Bella Voce rehearses on Monday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM and offers a wonderful opportunity for high school singers to continue growing musically alongside their peers. We are honored to partner with you in your singer’s musical journey. If you have questions about advancement or readiness, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

 

You may contact Mrs. Britts at judy.britts@ncycsings.org. We’re excited to see each singer continue to grow in skill, confidence, and joy!