National Children's Chorus Hosting Auditions in Los Angeles, New York and Washington D.C.

America's leading youth choral institution, the National Children's Chorus (NCC) is hosting three Fall 2016 auditions – Saturday, October 15th at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall in Los Angeles; Thursday, October 20th at The Church of St. Paul the Apostle in New York; and Friday, October 21st at National City Christian Church in Washington D.C.

Several students selected for the program will perform in concerts at Royce Hall in Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall in New York and National City Christian Church in Washington D.C. as part of the 2016/17 concert season, entitled Metamorphosis.

The auditions come on the heels of a tremendously successful international collaboration with the Galaxy Children's Choir of the People's Republic of China, and debut performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl.

NCC Artistic Director Luke McEndarfer said, "We have excitedly begun the 2016/17 season and anticipate the extraordinary musical artistry to come! Metamorphosis ushers in for the NCC a new level of commitment to the choral art form as a life-changing and transformative experience, both for its performers and audience members alike. This season culminates in the NCC's 3rd major international tour to Italy, with visits and musical presentations in Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome."

At next month's auditions, students can audition for two divisions - the junior division for ages 5 through 12 with beginning or intermediate levels of experience, and the senior division for students ages 10 years and older with advanced levels of musical ability. Financial aid is available to families that qualify. To schedule an audition appointment, please visit http://www.nationalchildrenschorus.com.

McEndarfer, who is credited with taking the group bi-coastal in 2010, emphasized the organization's growing appeal and value in light of reduced funding for music education. "The National Children's Chorus is a vital resource for students with vocal talent who may or may not have the means or access to music education. With school budget cuts currently a prevalent reality, our program is more important than ever. Many of our students would have missed the opportunity to explore their musical abilities had they not auditioned and taken advantage of our world-class training and performance experiences."

The NCC's Scholarship Fund provides assistance to many of its families who qualify for financial aid, and those wishing to be considered may do so as part of the application process.

About Luke McEndarfer - A pianist, conductor and voice coach, Luke McEndarfer has been Artistic Director of the National Children's Chorus since 2004. McEndarfer is recognized for establishing the organization's reputation for excellence and adventurous programming, including numerous critically acclaimed interpretations of traditional works, as well as exciting world premieres. Forging unique performance relationships, he has also orchestrated concert appearances with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera Company, Los Angeles Master Chorale, New York City Master Chorale and the Joffrey Ballet, among others. The 2016/17 season marks McEndarfer's 13-year anniversary at the helm of the organization.

About The NCC - Led by Maestro Luke McEndarfer and Dr. Pamela Blackstone, the National Children's Chorus (NCC) continues its role as a leader in redefining the concert experience by combining world-class performance standards with inventive programming and an unparalleled signature stage presence. Venues include Royce Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, as well as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York. The NCC offers an extensive curriculum of training for its student body, representing more than 200 schools in the nation's capital and two most populous cities. The program includes college-level conducting, composition, music theory, sight-singing in the Kodály Method and individual private voice training in the bel canto style. Over 75 top-level instructors work with the vocalists each week to cultivate tone quality, breath support and musical expression.