Senior Division - Education
In the Senior Division, students ages 10-17 with prior musical experience refine their skills to the highest standards and perform in their own state-of-the-art concert series at prestigious venues around the United States and internationally.
The Senior Division of the National Children’s Chorus consists of the Debut Ensemble, Premier Ensembles and Scholars (SATB college-prep). Students participate in an exciting array of performances, presenting world premieres and collaborating with an exceptional roster of professional artists. Past performance venues have included Walt Disney Concert Hall, Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and more. The Senior Division also travels abroad in an international tour each summer, and has the opportunity to take part in the annual National Youth Opera Academy in August. Explore below for additional details on these ensembles.
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Debut Ensemble

Ages 10-14, much experience to most experience
Members of the Debut Ensemble begin the refined vocal training required to perform at the Senior Division level. Students will learn sophisticated repertoire in various languages and musical styles, featuring 2 and occasionally 3-part harmony. Prestigious collaborations and performances are regularly included as part of the regimen. Additionally, specialized vocal study and Kodály technique will be offered as part of the curriculum.
Dr. Nicholas Nicassio
Voice Instructor
Kaitlin Simonson
Associate Conductor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Debut Ensemble in New York rehearses at the Opera America Center, near Penn Station, on Tuesday evenings in addition to individualized online musicianship training and coachings. Students participate in an exciting array of performances both locally and abroad. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Debut Ensemble
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday evenings & by appointment
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Specialized Voice Class
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects, international tours, and opera camp
  • Tuition
    Approximately $279 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Premier Ensemble

Ages 12-17, much experience to most experience
Members of the Premier Ensemble perform at an advanced level upon acceptance, and already have a clear concept of beautiful tone, accurate intonation, crisp diction, and musical phrasing, in addition to possessing experience-based confidence and assertiveness as a solo and group performer. Students will be taught the highest levels of sophisticated choral technique that is utilized in all of the world’s finest adult choruses within the context of complex music featuring 3 and 4-part harmony. Singers at this level will participate in multiple performances and projects throughout the year, including collaborations with top artists, professional adult choruses, renowned orchestras and opera companies. In addition, specialized vocal study, and advanced Kodály technique are included as part of the curriculum.
Luke McEndarfer
Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Nicholas Nicassio
Voice Instructor

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Premier Ensemble in New York rehearses at the Opera America Center, near Penn Station, on Wednesday evenings in addition to individualized online musicianship training and coachings. Students participate in an exciting array of performances both locally and abroad. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Premier Ensemble
  • Training Schedule
    Wednesday evenings & by appointment
  • Location
    Lincoln Center & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Music Theory & Sight-singing in the Kodály Method
    Specialized Voice Class
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects, international tours, and opera camp
  • Tuition
    Approximately $299 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.

Scholars

Ages 15-18, most experience only
Members of the Scholars represent the NCC's most technically-skilled vocal group, with an emphasis on college-prep training, with its singers having received many years of experience at the Senior Division level (or equivalent). This SATB chorus serves as a critical bridge to university training and performing at the top level. All students in this group must be of high school age, and sing with exceptional artistic and technical command, both as a chorister and soloist. Concert engagements, as well as high-profile ensemble projects, will be a regular part of the experience. All boys in the NCC whose voices have changed to tenor or bass must sing in this group, and girls are admitted by special audition.
Luke McEndarfer
Artistic Director & Chief Executive Officer

Member Information

The Chorus is in session from September through May, and does not have rehearsals during the summer months of June, July and August. The Scholars in New York rehearse at the Opera America Center, near Penn Station, on Tuesday evenings in addition to individualized online musicianship training and coachings. Students participate in an exciting array of performances both locally and abroad. Please read below for more detailed information about scheduling and tuition, which will also be covered thoroughly during the application process.
Scholars
  • Training Schedule
    Tuesday evenings & by appointment
  • Location
    Opera America & NCC Virtual Classroom
  • Curriculum
    Ensemble Training
    Advanced Sight Reading & Ear Training
    Individualized Coachings with Conductor
    Masterclass Series
    College Application & Audition Preparation
    Conservatory Classes (optional)
  • Performances
    Two concerts per year (Winter and Spring), as well as special artistic projects, international tours, and opera camp
  • Tuition
    Approximately $319 per month.
    Need-based scholarship awards are available to all qualifying families.