Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas

Cynthia Nott, Artistic Director (Prelude, Concert I) – Cynthia Nott has been Artistic Director of the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas since its inception in 1997. Prior to 1997, she taught public middle school choral music for 23 years. Ms. Nott earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Florida State and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from SMU.

Linda Harley, Associate Conductor (Concert II) – Linda Harley joined the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas staff in 1999. Ms. Harley earned both her Bachelor of Music Education and her Master of Music degrees from the University of Texas.

Terrie Preskitt, Assistant Conductor (Apprentice) – Ms. Preskitt is Coordinator of Children’s Music and voice instructor for the TowerArts Conservatory at Highland Park United Methodist Church. Ms. Preskitt holds Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Vocal Performance degrees from Texas Christian University.

Nora Henson, Conductor (Youth Chorus) - Ms. Henson has taught choral music to sixth- through twelfth-grade students in Texas public schools for 24 years. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Oklahoma and a Masters in Conducting from Sam Houston State University.

Kelly Pfaffenberger, Conductor (Women's Youth Chorus) - Ms. Pfaffenberger was a choral music teacher for 15 years in the Richardson, Plano and Carrollton/Farmers Branch school districts. She frequently serves as an adjudicator, clinician and accompanist to choir programs in the Metroplex and is currently the pianist for First Baptist Church, Farmers Branch, TX.  She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Music in choral conducting from the University of North Texas.

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CCGD's mission is to give Dallas-area children the experience of musical artistry and excellence in a group that reflects the diversity of the Metroplex and to enrich audiences with the best in children's choral literature.

During the course of the year, choristers have the opportunity to learn the music of the major periods of Western Civilization - Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and the 20th Century.  Through skilled, beautiful singing, children begin a journey of self-discovery as they learn the music, thoughts and feelings of cultures that span centuries and continents.

Through the rehearsal and performance of distinctive choral literature, the CCGD and YCGD give young people the vocal, musical and artistic skills necessary to express themselves in song.  Choristers receive instruction in how musical elements - melody, rhythm, harmony, timbre, dynamics, form, style, history, and performance practice - work together.  Choristers learn how to use their personal instruments - their bodies and voices - in expressive, artistic ways.  Informed performances transform young singers.  They experience music through singing with their whole beings.  Their relationships to the production of sound into art, of bodies into instruments, transcend the actual notes and words on the page.  Through singing, they touch the music, and the music touches them.  This experience enriches all those involved in the process, including the avid concertgoer, the parent, and, of course, the child. 

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Parents are asked to ensure the regular attendance of their children at rehearsals and performances, and to communicate with the directors about any missed rehearsals. The chorus also encourages (but does not require) parents to become involved as volunteers. A financial commitment above and beyond tuition is not required, although donations from parents are always welcome. Parents who wish to attend CCGD concerts must purchase tickets.

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Annual tuition rates for the 2012-2013 season are listed below. Tuition assistance is available based on financial need. Assistance forms are distributed upon request during the summer and must be submitted no later than the parent orientation meeting in August.

Prelude-$330

Apprentice-$385

Concert II-$495

Concert I-$550

Women's Youth - $550+$50 music fee (Women's Youth choristers keep their music)

Youth Chorus-$600+$50 music fee (Youth choristers keep their music)

Each chorister is responsible for obtaining concert attire- the concert dress, tights, and ballet slippers for girls; or a tuxedo shirt and pants, bow tie, cummerbund, socks and dress shoes for boys. Cost for the dress is about $75, or for the tuxedo shirt/pants/tie/cummerbund about $60, new. Used concert dresses are also available. Most parents purchase concert attire one time, then trade for larger sizes at no cost as their children grow. Concert I choristers are also required to purchase a CCGD polo shirt. The cost is $20.

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The concert season typically includes a concert in late November, a concert with gala dinner and silent auction in February, and a spring concert in early May.  These three concerts are held at the beautiful Meyerson symphony Center.  Other performance opportunities vary from chorus to chorus, with Concert I having the heaviest performance schedule.  A performance calendar will be distributed at the parent orientation meeting in the fall.

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The choruses rehearse on Monday evenings, as listed below

Prelude-5:30-6:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church

Apprentice-6:45-8:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church

Concert II-5:30-7:00 pm at Cathedral Guadalupe

Concert I-6:45-8:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church

Women's Youth Chorus-7:00-9:00 pm at First United Methodist Church

Youth Chorus-7:00-9:00 pm at First United Methodist Church

Concert I also rehearses one Saturday morning or afternoon each month, at First Presbyterian Church. Apprentice and Concert II rehearse two Saturday mornings or afternoons each semester.

Cathedral Guadalupe, First Presbyterian Church, and First United Methodist Church are in downtown Dallas, in the Arts District.

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Auditions are held in the spring and may be available throughout the year by appointment.  Click here for more information.

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