The Melodies Chorale is ESYO’s flagship choir for experienced high school vocalists. Members of the Melodies Chorale perform and explore a wide variety of challenging repertoire from classical masterworks and symphonic masterpieces to traditional folk songs, and contemporary choral works by living composers. The Chorale receives regular coaching from professional musicians and performs on great choral stages throughout upstate NY, including the Troy Savings Bank Music Hall and Proctors. The Melodies Chorale is featured alongside ESYO Symphony Orchestra in Melodies of Christmas, CBS’s popular holiday concert that has raised more than $8 million for The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancers & Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center. Students participate in a minimum of six coachings led by a professional musician in preparation for a final performance to conclude the program.
Melodies of Christmas Chorale auditions are open to high school vocalists in grades 10, 11, and 12 who actively perform in their high school choir. In-person vocal auditions are scheduled for Saturday, September 26, 10:00 – 2:00 pm and Sunday, September 27, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Brown School, 150 Corlaer Ave, Schenectady, NY 12304.
For the audition, singers will prepare two excerpts according to their voice classification (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass)
Chorale rehearses on Wednesday evening from 6:30 – 9:30pm starting Oct. 21 and will move to Sunday afternoon from 1:20 – 4:20pm starting Nov. 22.
Applications due September 24, 2026
Having difficulties with registration? Contact Mary Rose Petrozola at mpetrozola@esyo.org