Auditions are about 20 minutes long and are held with either our Artistic Director or one of our wonderful teachers. The process is fun and playful, not intimidating, and is designed not only to assess developmental readiness for our program, but to choose an appropriate class placement for the student. In addition to a series of vocal and rhythmic activities, children are usually asked to sing a song that they like. This can be anything, such as a nursery rhyme, folk song, song learned at school or place of worship, or a song from a musical. Parents are welcome and encouraged to sit in on the audition, as it provides a peek into our program.
Be assured that CCM faculty will give your child the utmost respect and consideration. Please note, there is a $25.00 audition fee.
Learn what to expect and watch a brief demo in Experience CCM > Audition Demo.
The primary mission of our Conservatory program is to provide a solid music education that brings children to fluent music literacy. Our pedagogic approach develops in students the ability to listen with understanding, to perform with artistry, and to read, write, improvise and compose music. It is the quality of musicianship training that drives the quality of the performances.
UPDATED: August 2024
CCM COVID & ILLNESS POLICY:
Masking at CCM will now be optional, with the following important caveats, as the health and safety of our entire community remains of paramount importance. Those attending CCM unmasked must be 100% well, free of any symptoms of Cold, Flu, Covid-19 ** or other respiratory or gastro-intestinal illness.
1. **We expect any student who has symptoms of Covid-19 to test at home and if that test is positive, to let CCM know and then stay home from CCM for 5 days. After the five days, as long as the student is free of fever for 24 hours, they may return, but must remain masked for an additional 5 days.
2. **Any student who comes from a household with a positive test within may attend CCM but must remain masked until the infected family member is past day 10.
3. Any student who is too ill to attend school for any reason, should also remain home from CCM. This includes fever, severe cough, vomiting, diarrhea, severe sore throat, or very "drippy" cold. They may return when severe symptoms have resolved, and the student is back at school, but we ask that until they are 100% well, the student mask.
4. Any student who is slightly under the weather, but still attended school, may attend CCM, but is asked to mask until they feel 100% well.
5. It is always optional to remain masked, as per each student's and family's comfort level.
Plans are subject to change pending CDC and state health guidelines.
We could not be more excited to share the good news that David Bielenberg will succeed Andrea Burgoyne as Executive Director of Children's Chorus of Maryland, as she retires after 29 years of distinguished service to CCM. Please watch this welcome message from David!
David's vast experience leading multiple choral arts organizations combined with his personal and professional passion for music, his strong track record of fundraising, and his kind heart will allow CCM to continue to thrive and grow for years to come. He is looking forward to getting to know our families, alumni and donors as we embark on our 47th Conservatory Season. Please join us in welcoming David as our incoming Executive Director!
University of Maryland, College Park, B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Minor in Vocal Performance
Bank Street College of Education, M.S.in Education in Literacy
Richmond, VA
Currently I sing with the Richmond Symphony Chorus and am the Soprano Section leader. But I have been singing in choirs and groups since I graduated, through high school, college, and post-college groups.
Development Coordinator at the Medical College of Virginia Foundation
"Children's Chorus of Maryland provided a rich and inspiring musical foundation that propelled my love for music and singing through the experiences and education provided. I utilize the skills and theory I learned when I was 7 in rehearsals and performances to this day. I am so grateful for my CCM training, thank you!"
Gonzaga University, B.A. International Relations and French
Gonzaga University, M.A. Teaching English as a Second Language
Seattle, Washington
English Faculty
“Although I haven’t been ‘musically active’ since my departure from CCM, I would like to think that my experience there shaped me in many ways. CCM taught me discipline, it taught me perseverance, and most of all, it taught me to be a team player. When I was in CCM we toured through the Czech Republic and Austria. I think this experience gave me an insatiable taste for travel and experiencing travel through music. Even in Togo, I find myself experiencing the culture through music.”
Salisbury University, B.A. Social Work and B.S. Psychology
Baltimore, MD
Soundtrack Vocalist
I record vocals for composers, trailer music companies, and record labels nationally and internationally. I am also featured in many songs on YouTube, several albums composed by trailer music companies, and will be a featured vocalist in several video games in 2019. I love having the opportunity to interact with people all over the world through the internet. It is truly amazing what you can accomplish working with a home studio and a microphone.
“The Children’s Chorus of Maryland was an amazing experience for me. It helped me gain confidence I never knew I had when it came to singing. I learned how to read music, keep a beat, and balance my voice in a sea full of other voices. I loved every minute I spent in the chorus and learned so much from the teachers and students around me. Thank you again for such an incredible experience.”
Elizabethtown College, B.M. Music
Goucher College, M.Ed. Administration and Leadership
Towson, MD
Orchestra Director, Perry Hall Middle School
Musical Theatre, piano accompaniment for Baltimore County schools, played in the Columbia Orchestra summer strings program, currently studying cello through Peabody, performed years ago with the Baltimore Choral Arts Society.
“CCM was always a constant in my life. People moved, I changed schools, I tried new sports, but I always felt at home on Wednesdays and Saturdays and looked forward to each season. I would not be the musician I am today without the love of music instilled by the years spent with CCM.”
Georgetown University, B.S. Nursing
University of Maryland Baltimore School of Nursing, Health Services Leadership and Management Program, M.S. candidate, 2014. Training to teach nurses and nursing students.
Baltimore, MD
Pediatric Oncology Inpatient Registered Nurse at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center
“CCM taught me creativity and teamwork, which are essential to my personal and professional life.”
Or reach us by phone at (410) 494-1480
