Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different ensembles, and which one is right for my child?
PMYC welcomes singers from Kindergarten through high school. PMYC is five separate singing groups called ensembles, giving every singer a place, no matter their experience! Each ensemble is designed to offer rewarding and fun performance opportunities and enriching experiences for your child to develop artistically, vocally and personally. Our ensembles come together for most performances.
The ensembles are: Melody Makers (Kindergarten - 1st grade), Primo Coro (2nd & 3rd grade); Crescendo (4th grade); Canterini (5th & 6th grade), and Harmonia (6th through high school). We also have an advanced by-invitation ensemble called A Cappella.
Rehearsal times:
Melody Makers: 4:00 - 4:30 (K-1) Canterini: 5:40 - 6:35 (5-6)
Primo Coro: 3:55 - 4:40 (2-3) Harmonia: 6:40 - 7:55 (7-12)
Crescendo: 4:45 - 5:45 (4th)
Where are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals for all ensembles take place in the choir room at First United Church, 848 Lake Street, in Oak Park. Singers are asked to enter through the wooden door that can be accessed from the parking lot at the back of the church. There is a doorbell to ring if the door is locked.
How much is tuition?
2026-2027 Tuition Rates are:
Melody Makers: $50 deposit plus 3 x $177 payments ($580 for the entire season)
Primo Coro: $50 deposit plus 3 x $187 payments ($610 for the entire season)
Crescendo: $50 deposit plus 3 x $177 payments ($580 for the entire season)
Canterini: $75 deposit plus 3 x $203 payments ($705 for the entire season)
Harmonia: $100 deposit plus 3 x $295 payments ($985 for the entire season)
We offer a sibling discount.
We believe all singers should have the opportunity to join our Chorus, regardless of a family's financial status.
Financial aid is available and can be applied for during the registration process -- or just email pmyouthchorus@gmail.com to learn more.
What is the performance schedule for 2026-27?
All families receive an annual overview of events and concert, as well as regular newsletters with reminders. Key performances for our 2026-27 season are below. A few additional performance opportunities will come up during the year but will not be mandatory.
Our season runs from Sept. 1 through May 18, with an all-ensemble party on May 24. All rehearsals are on Tuesdays.
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Sept 17 - 18. Fall retreat
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Nov. 13 + 15 Fall Concert (no Melody Makers; final rehearsal is Nov. 13 at 4:30; concert Nov. 15, 4-6 pm)
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Dec. 6, 1 pm Pro Musica sings with The Joffrey's "The Nutcracker" (Harmonia and Canterini only)
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Dec. 11 - 13 Sing We Joyous (rehearsal Fri: 7:30 pm; show Sat: 6:00 pm; show Sun: 2:30 pm) (no MM)
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Feb. 14 Singing Valentines (fundraiser; all ensembles expected)
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Feb. 26 One Voice Showcase (Harmonia only)
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Mar. 8 + 14 Pro Musica Café (rehearsal: Mar. 8, 4-6 pm; show: Mar 14, 12-4 pm)
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May 21 + 23 Spring Concert; final rehearsal is May 21, 4:30; concert is May 23, 4-6 pm
When and where do auditions take place?
PMYC does not require auditions or previous experience. However, in order to ensure your child is placed in the ensemble that best fits their skill level conductors will do a Placement Assessment on Aug 24; this is simply an opportunity to 'get to know your voice', and there is no need to prepare anything -- just come with a great attitude and desire to sing. Sign up for a spot here.
What are the uniform/concert costumes?
There are two uniform looks that singers in Pro Musica wear—a formal and an informal uniform. Instructions for ordering the proper attire are provided during registration.
Where do the ensembles of PMYC perform?
The ensembles regularly perform locally at a variety of venues in the greater Oak Park area and Chicago.
In the past Pro Musica has had the opportunity to perform with Joffrey Ballet, Chicago Youth Symphony, the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, Tower Chorale, and with a number of professional vocal groups. Our performances reach a diverse audience and are in diverse settings have included the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Symphony Center, Wire, Fitzgerald’s Nightclubs and many community churches.
Where do I purchase concert performance tickets?
Tickets are sold the day of the show. We accept cash, checks, and Zelle.
