Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MCC Season?
The regular season starts with weekly rehearsals after Labor Day and concludes with the final concert in May. Our performance season includes 3 concerts where all MCC choirs participate. There are additional concerts and performance opportunities throughout the season. Please visit the season schedule and special performances pages to learn more.
How does the registration process work?
The registration process is a little different depending the student’s grade level.
If your chorister is entering grades 1-3, there is no audition necessary. Complete the MCC Interest Request form here, and MCC staff will email the forms necessary to complete registration.
If your chorister is entering grades 4-12, it is necessary to schedule an audition. You can also fill out the MCC Interest Request form here, and MCC staff will be in contact to schedule your audition and work with you through the registration process.
What is a rehearsal like?
Rehearsals are different for each level, and vary slightly throughout the year. All rehearsals are based on cognitive learning theories that help everyone learn at their optimum. Sequential vocal warm-up exercises are designed for each age and skill level. Each rehearsal encompasses:
- Welcome
- Sequential Choral Training including sight-singing and aural training exercises
- Singing
- Rehearsing pieces for performances
- Music theory
- Encouragement
- Fun and Social Interaction
What kinds of music will I sing in MCC?
All kinds! We learn and perform music representing many genres from the Renaissance to present day, and from all around the globe. One of the goals of MCC is to expose children to all genres of music. As choristers advance through the program, they will be exposed to countless styles of music preparing them to be leaders in their own school programs and for a future in music.
Can I still sing in my school choir after joining MCC?
Absolutely! The more you sing, the better. MCC does not want to take kids away from school choirs. In fact, we encourage MCC choristers to be leaders in their school choirs.
Does MCC have anything for K4-K5 kids who love to sing?
Yes! Check out the Music Explorers page. If you are interested, please fill out our Express Interest Form located in the second question above, and we will send you additional information on how to register!
Is there a cost to sing with MCC?
Yes. The high quality choral experiences that are afforded to MCC choristers require a talented and educated staff that teach and direct as well as plan and organize concerts and other performance opportunities. There is financial aid available through the Emily Crocker Scholarship Fund to help families in need. Click here for more info on tuition & fees.
What are the attendance expectations?
It is important for choristers to be at each rehearsal and performance. However, the MCC staff understands that it is sometimes necessary to miss a rehearsal or a performance. MCC choristers are excused for school-required performances. The key is to have open communication with the Rehearsal Assistant and Director. If a chorister has missed too many rehearsals leading up to a concert, the director may ask the chorister to schedule a time to show the director he/she/they is properly prepared for the performance.
What can parents expect communication to look like?
- Regular communication will be sent via email on a weekly basis. The weekly newsletter will include any future date changes/additions to the calendar, announcements, and links to concert ticket sales. Volunteer requests and updates will also be in the weekly email.
- A calendar will be managed online through the website, which can be linked to a personal calendar app.
- Remind App will be used to share last-minute info, such as which door to enter, or a last-minute change in pick up time.
- Singup.com is used to manage signups for activities and multiple performances that utilize a portion of the choir.
What is a collaborative performance?
In addition to regular season concerts that MCC hosts, MCC choirs are invited to sing with other performing arts groups in the area. These collaborative performances include singing in the Milwaukee Ballet’s annual production of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, as well as various other performances with the Ballet, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, Chant Clarie, UW-M Men’s Chorus, and other area arts organizations. Information about these performances can be found on the Special Performances page under the Performances heading.