Young singers urged to try out

Auditions for a new area choir group are under way, and teens looking to showcase their vocal abilities are urged to try out.

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The Augusta Youth Chorale is holding auditions from 4:30-5:30 p.m. today, and again on Aug. 9 at the Christ Church, Presbyterian, 4201 Southern Pines Drive, Evans.

"We can also arrange auditions on an individual basis," said Mark Nabholz, founding conductor of the youth chorale. "The audition only takes about five minutes per person, but if we need to, we can open up more time than that."

The program is available to residents throughout the area between the ages of 13 and 19, said Nabholz, who also serves as Christ Church's music director.

"There's no prerequisite other than surviving the brief audition, which I like to say is a whole lot less painful than having a tooth taken out," he said. "It's more like just having your teeth cleaned."

Nabholz said that he decided to form the choir program for those teens in the area who don't have the opportunity to sing in a group elsewhere.

The group will perform a variety of musical selections spanning from the 1600s to more contemporary songs and will sing at area churches and civic organizations.

"The total cost is about $125 a year, which is remarkably low, and I attribute that to the church (Christ Church) being willing to help," he said.

Scholarship funds are available for teens who cannot afford the participation costs, he said.

A fall retreat during Labor Day weekend for chorale members is being scheduled, but the location has not been finalized, said Nabholz, adding that a multi-day tour is planned for the spring.

"The goal would be primarily to give them an enjoyable and an outstanding experience in choral singing," he said. "I'd love to see us really having an impact locally to be a positive influence in the community."

Those interested in joining the Augusta Youth Chorale can schedule an audition by calling Nabholz at (706) 210-9090 or visiting www.augustayouthchorale.com.