Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus

The Lenoir-Rhyne Youth Chorus (LRYC) is an educationally based choral ensemble program. Participants learn healthy vocal technique, sight-reading, and music theory while experiencing performance excellence. The learning environment is creative, explorative, and fun. Our students form lasting relationships with others and develop a lifelong appreciation of music.

Founded in 1997, the LR Youth Chorus has toured extensively in the United States and abroad. The chorus regularly performs for churches, civic organizations, and in concerts with the LR A Cappella Choir. It has also performed twice with the Western Piedmont Symphony. 

Auditions

Auditions for LRYC can be scheduled by emailing the Artistic Director, Cory Westby, at cory.westby@lr.edu or by calling the Lenoir-Rhyne Music Department office at 828.328.7147. Open auditions for singers are held in the fall and spring of each year. Auditions may also be scheduled throughout the season by special request.

Open Auditions
Open auditions for the 2024-2025 season will be held on Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18, in the Mauney Music building from 2-4 p.m.

Membership

Singers are invited to participate in LRYC based on the skills demonstrated in audition. Students in grades 3-12 are eligible and invited to audition. LRYC welcomes young people of all races, backgrounds and abilities to be part of the program. A limited amount of tuition assistance is available for those demonstrating financial need.

It is expected that members of LRYC understand the meaning of commitment and responsibility in a choral setting. Each child and parent should consider membership in the choir as an honor. Dedication to the program will enhance the singer and will foster a strong foundation of responsibility for the singer, as well as the family’s personal experience Membership in LRYC is for one full season, which runs August through May. Singers are expected to remain active and committed for the entire season.

Ensembles

Minnesingers

Minnesingers is a choir for young singers who have demonstrated the ability to match pitch. This choir provides a foundation for progress and development in vocal music. Attention span and quiet concentration are points of focus, as well as practice and development in vocal technique, basic note, reading, solfege, and unison to two-part music. 
Rehearsals are on Mondays from 5:15-6:30 p.m.

Meistersingers

Meistersingers is a choir comprised of treble singers who have demonstrated advanced vocal technique and music reading skills. The dedicated young artists of the ensemble present a season concert series in Hickory and the surrounding areas. This is also the primary touring choir of the organization. Emphasis is placed on more advanced vocal technique, music reading skills, performance, teamwork, and leadership. 
Rehearsals are on Mondays from 7-8:30 p.m.

Chamber Singers

Chamber Singers is a small ensemble designed to work with more mature treble voices that are self-motivators and independent singers. This group focuses on small group and advanced literature. Singers should have spent time developing healthy vocal skills as a Meistersingers before auditioning, but exceptions can be made for advanced students that are new to the ensemble. 
Rehearsals are on Mondays from 8:30-9 p.m.