Main Choir
The Main Choir, for ages 12 and up, stands as the esteemed senior division of the TCC and encompasses three distinct choirs: Cantare, Chorealis, and Chamber. These talented singers continue their musical growth and learn more challenging music with choreography. They have the privilege of showcasing their talents at local music festivals, and opportunities to perform at prestigious venues and with world-famous musicians. The choirs perform throughout the year.​
Chamber Choir, composed of choristers with advanced musical and performance skills, represents TCC and Toronto both nationally and internationally, performing in additional guest appearances and embarking on tours. Singers who show outstanding musical ability and leadership skills become part of The Choral Scholars, a group within Chamber. These singers have additional opportunities for solos and to represent TCC at specialized performances.​
While numerous choristers in the Main Choir have honed their talents in one or more of the Training Choirs, a select few are directly placed into the Main Choir following their initial audition. Choirs rehearse twice a week from September through May (through June for Chamber Choir), and all choristers attend a week-long overnight music camp at the end of August to kick-start the coming season.​
We believe that music theory plays an integral role in the development of young musicians – through it they learn the language of music and become fluent. That is why music theory is part of all our choir programs, and in Main Choir we encourage our choristers to work towards their Royal Conservatory of Music Theory Level 8 exam. We offer two programs to assist choristers in achieving this level. See below for more info.
Cantare
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Two rehearsals a week: Tuesday and Friday for 2 hours each
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All choristers are expected to attend a five-day overnight music camp at the end of August, ahead of the upcoming season.
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Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season
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September to May.
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Choristers will:
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Develop the skills needed to progress through the Main Choir: vocal technique, ear training, sight-singing and the RCM Theory Level 5/6.
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Learn choreography and movement for select songs
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Continue their education in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) - the system that singers use to learn to pronounce words in languages that they do not speak.
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Perform in three TCC concerts, represent the TCC at the Ontario Youth Treble Festival, and take part in select run-out appearances and outreach events.
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Chorealis
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Two rehearsals a week: Tuesday and Friday for 2.5 hours each
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All choristers are expected to attend a five-day overnight music camp at the end of August, ahead of the upcoming season.
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Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.
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September to May.
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Choristers have opportunities for various leadership roles, including Apprentice Trainer and Chorealis Liaison to Chorus Council.
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Choristers will:
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Continue to develop the skills needed to progress through the Main Choir: vocal technique, ear training, sight-singing and the RCM Theory Level 7/8.
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Begin to independently apply their knowledge of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to repertoire, while learning new IPA phonemes.
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Learn choreography and movement for select songs.
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Perform in three TCC concerts, co-represent the TCC at the Ontario Youth Treble Festival, take part in select outreach events and perform with renowned organizations such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
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Chamber
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Two rehearsals a week: Tuesday and Friday for 2.5 hours each
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All choristers are expected to attend a five-day overnight music camp at the end of August, ahead of the upcoming season.
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Additional mandatory workshops and rehearsals are scheduled throughout the season.
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September to June, with the possibility of a tour in July.
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Choristers have opportunities for various leadership roles, including Apprentice Trainer, Section Leader, and Head Chorister.
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Choristers named to Choral Scholars have the opportunity to audition for solos and participate in specialized performances
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Choristers will:
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Refine and hone their vocal and musical skills and develop the overall quality of the choir’s sound. Choristers are expected to practice independently and learn choreography for select songs.
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Perform in four TCC concerts and take part in select media and outreach events.
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Represent the TCC on national and international tours.
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Perform at various guest appearances, including with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Opera Atelier, Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, Tafelmusik, and others
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Main Choir Music Theory
All choristers are highly encouraged to work towards RCM Level 8. The TCC offers two RCM theory options: Guided Theory or Independent Theory. Theory instruction beyond what is provided during rehearsals is needed to master concepts and write a theory exam. Only those who are signed up for Guided Theory or Independent Theory will receive theory books, and have access to expert instruction and theory marking.
Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) Theory Class: Levels 4-8
Preparing for an examination requires more instruction time than is possible during regular rehearsals. The TCC’s RCM Theory class is one way to help choristers prepare to master the concepts necessary to complete an RCM Theory examination.
The TCC’s RCM Theory Class includes:
• Eleven 2-hour group lessons (September to May on Saturday), taught by our Theory Coordinator
• Weekly homework to be completed
• Increased opportunity to master concepts and receive individual support
• Preparation for choristers to write an RCM Theory examination in May
• Classes held at the TCC offices
RCM GUIDED THEORY PROGRAM
Our next official audition period will be in September, 2024. Please fill out an Interest Form to be notified when audition registration has opened, and to get first access to audition slots.