MONROE - Auditions for a Summer Boy Choir will be open to boys with unchanged voices who are presently in fourth through eighth grades. Auditions will consist of singing either "My Country 'Tis of Thee" or "Silent Night," and vocalizing with the piano. An adult should accompany each boy. Auditions will be held from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. at all locations; Tuesday, June 1 at First United Methodist Church sanctuary in Forreston, Ill; Wednesday, June 2, First United Methodist Church sanctuary, corner of Lily Creek Road and West Galena, Freeport; and Friday, June 4, Monroe United Methodist Church, choir room, 2227 4th St., Monroe.
The choir will meet twice a week for an eight week period, beginning the week of June 13 and continuing through the first week of August. Illinois boys will rehearse at First United Methodist Church of Freeport.
If enough Wisconsin boys are chosen, one of their weekly rehearsals will be in Monroe.
The chorus will sing both sacred and secular songs from contemporary and traditional boy choir repertoire. Performances may be in either churches or secular venues.
Emphasis will be placed on traditional choral techniques and individual vocal development.
The director, Delmar Lohr of Forreston, was accompanist for the Schubert Boy Choir in St. Paul when they were directed by David Bevan from Westminster Cathedral in London. Lohr later became director of the Schubert Boys and also founded and directed the St. Croix Valley Boy Choir, just east of the Twin Cities. Lohr earned a masters degree from University of Illinois and also studied at the Universities of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado and Kent State.
He has taught in public and private schools in grades seven through college age, and is presently organist, pianist and vocal soloist at First United Methodist Church of Freeport.
Community members who would like to assist with organizing the Boy Choir may contact Lohr at (815) 938-2263.
The choir will meet twice a week for an eight week period, beginning the week of June 13 and continuing through the first week of August. Illinois boys will rehearse at First United Methodist Church of Freeport.
If enough Wisconsin boys are chosen, one of their weekly rehearsals will be in Monroe.
The chorus will sing both sacred and secular songs from contemporary and traditional boy choir repertoire. Performances may be in either churches or secular venues.
Emphasis will be placed on traditional choral techniques and individual vocal development.
The director, Delmar Lohr of Forreston, was accompanist for the Schubert Boy Choir in St. Paul when they were directed by David Bevan from Westminster Cathedral in London. Lohr later became director of the Schubert Boys and also founded and directed the St. Croix Valley Boy Choir, just east of the Twin Cities. Lohr earned a masters degree from University of Illinois and also studied at the Universities of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado and Kent State.
He has taught in public and private schools in grades seven through college age, and is presently organist, pianist and vocal soloist at First United Methodist Church of Freeport.
Community members who would like to assist with organizing the Boy Choir may contact Lohr at (815) 938-2263.
