Joining

Important Update

YSOC has made the decision to pause rehearsals, as we no longer have a rehearsal space.

Please check back in the new year for an update, as we continue the search for a new location!

Registration Payment

New and returning families who would like to pay the annual registration fee via PayPal can do so here:

Please note: families requesting a payment plan, sibling discount, or scholarship should email [email protected] before making a payment.

Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held once per week, for an hour and a half. Students learn vocal warmups, music theory, performance techniques, and new songs weekly.

Joining Mid-Semester
We ask that prospective members attend at least one weekly YSOC rehearsal before officially registering. Please let us know by filling out the form at the bottom of this page or by emailing [email protected] if you will be attending a rehearsal.

Below is some basic information about YSOC. But, If you would like any additional information please visit our "Contact Us" page and leave us a message!

Who will be teaching me?

Our full-time instructors are high school and college volunteers, trained by Samantha Smith or other music professionals. Through their years of training, they are able to teach new songs and prepare the choir for public performances. Our focus is always to stay young, vibrant, and relevant to our young singers.

How much does it cost to join?

The annual fee is $200. This covers the cost of T-shirts, binders, printing, and insurance. We do offer need-based scholarships or payments if you cannot afford the annual fee as well as a 50% sibling discount.

Will I get to perform in public?

YSOC aims to cultivate a strong sense of community service; we teach members the joy they can spread when singing through outreach performances and volunteering opportunities. These public performances often take place at community events, such as holiday celebrations and fundraisers, as well as at retirement homes. Additionally, YSOC periodically hosts in-house performances, which we encourage family & friends to attend. Check our "Events" pages for more information.

How old do I have to be to join YSOC?

YSOC is fashioned for children from age 5 to middle-school -- typically until about 14 years old; however, we don't exclude anyone who is still in school -- even high school. Aside from regular choir participation, we have a range of volunteer opportunities available for high schoolers.

When & where will rehearsals be held?

Rehearsals will no longer be held at the Costa Mesa Playhouse, as their lease with NMUSD has been terminated. We are currently searching for a new rehearsal space, and hope to have more information in the new year. Rehearsals last for an hour and a half, once per week. We run on a school calendar and break during the summer, usually from the end of May through the end of August.

What if I've never sung before?

YSOC does not require any prior singing experience, although a genuine interest is expected. Although members will be taught the fundamentals of singing & performing (breathing techniques, projecting, stage presence, etc...) and learn to develop and nurture these skills, Young Singers foremost interest is in creating a culture of inclusivity, where every child has the opportunity to excel in music, no matter their singing skill set.

What will we be singing?

YSOC sings mostly pop oriented and classic rock songs, often focusing on many classic or contemporary songs such as "L-O-V-E" by Nat King Cole and "Everybody" by Ingrid Michaelson. This is not exclusive, however, and can vary considerably depending on holiday performances and other events. To cater to our diverse membership, our arrangements are generally simple and focus on basic harmonies, with solos being appointed to members through auditions & arrangements growing in complexity as the group's skill set does.