MoCo Sings Young Singers Project
A new opportunity for Montgomery County’s next generation of vocal artists!
On February 6, 2027, 24 talented high school soprano and alto vocalists from across Montgomery County will take the stage at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown, performing alongside experienced singers from MoCo Sings.
Throughout the Young Singers Project, students will prepare challenging and engaging repertoire while developing their musicianship, ensemble skills, and confidence as performers. Working side-by-side with adult mentors, participants will experience the collaboration, discipline, and excitement of preparing for a professional concert setting.
In its inaugural year, the project will feature an eclectic program designed to challenge and inspire young singers, including music by Eric Whitacre, songs originally written by Billie Eilish and Bob Dylan, and popular Broadway selections recently brought to the big screen.
Auditions
Auditions will be held October 24 and 25, 2026, with MoCo Sings Artistic Director Rob Keene and Jill Worley, educator and prominent member of our community's music scene. Twenty-four students will be selected to participate in the inaugural Young Singers Project.
From that group, six students will also be selected for a special masterclass with Dr. Jacquelyn Matava, a member of the Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) faculty and winner of the 2023 American Prize for Women in Art Song. The masterclass will offer these singers an additional opportunity for individualized coaching and artistic development.
Ready to sing with us?
Explore the program details below, then complete an audition card to be considered for the inaugural Young Singers Project.
Young Singers Project FAQ
How do I audition?
Getting started is easy! Complete one of the audition forms below and select your preferred audition date and time.
There are two audition forms:
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Young Singers Project Audition: Choose this form if you would like to participate in the Young Singers Project but do not wish to be considered for the masterclass.
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Young Singers Project + Masterclass Audition: Choose this form if you would also like to be considered for the masterclass with Dr. Jacquelyn Matava.
You only need to complete one form. After submitting it successfully, you will see a confirmation message on your screen.
Who is eligible to audition?
The Young Singers Project is open to high school students in Montgomery County who are interested in growing as singers and musicians. We welcome students with a range of musical and performance experience—you do not need to be an experienced soloist to audition.
We are looking for soprano and alto singers who are excited to learn, collaborate, challenge themselves, and perform alongside other young singers and experienced adult mentors.
Students selected for the project must be available for the January rehearsal schedule and the culminating performance on February 6, 2027.
When are auditions, and what should I prepare?
Auditions will be held October 24 and 25, 2026.
If you are auditioning for the Young Singers Project without the masterclass, we will email your audition materials within 48 hours after you submit your audition form. If you do not receive them, please contact us.
Students who would like to be considered for the masterclass will prepare the same choral audition materials and bring a prepared art song of their choice. No opera arias, Broadway selections, or pop songs, please! And do bring a paper copy of your art song for our collaborative pianist! See the masterclass information below for details.
What is the time commitment?
Students selected for the Young Singers Project should plan to:
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Audition on October 24 or 25
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Prepare assigned music prior to rehearsals
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Rehearse on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons, January 9–31, 2027
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Perform on February 6, 2027, at BlackRock Center for the Arts
A detailed rehearsal and performance schedule will be provided to selected participants.
Where will rehearsals and performances take place?
Auditions and Rehearsals
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
Montgomery Village, Maryland
Culminating Performance
BlackRock Center for the Arts
Germantown, Maryland
How do I audition for the masterclass?
Students interested in the masterclass with Dr. Jacquelyn Matava should complete the Young Singers Project + Masterclass Audition form below. You do not need to complete both audition forms.
In addition to the standard Young Singers Project audition materials, masterclass applicants should prepare an art song of their choice for their audition.
What should I know about the masterclass?
Six Young Singers Project participants will be selected for an additional masterclass with Dr. Jacquelyn Matava, Trinity University faculty member and winner of the 2023 American Prize for Women in Art Song.
Students selected for the masterclass will participate fully in all Young Singers Project rehearsals and activities. They will also take part in the masterclass with Dr. Matava on February 6, 2027, providing an additional opportunity for focused coaching and artistic development.
There is no additional fee to participate in the masterclass.
How much does the Young Singers Project cost?
There is no fee to audition.
Students selected for the Young Singers Project will pay a $60 participation fee. There is no additional fee for students selected for the masterclass.
No young singer will be turned away because of financial limitations. If you have concerns about the participation fee, please reach out.
I still have a question. Who should I contact?
We’re happy to help!
If you have questions about auditions, repertoire, the masterclass, or the Young Singers Project, please contact us at mocowomenschorus@gmail.com.
Young Singers Project Calendar
Ready to Audition?
Repertoire*
*All repertoire is subject to change
1 / What Was I Made For?
Billy Eilish
Arr. Andy Beck
2 / Defying Gravity and For Good
Stephen Schwartz
Arr. Roger Emerson and Audrey Snyder
3 / The Times They Are A-Changin'
Bob Dylan
Arr. Adam Podd
4/Nothing Else Matters
James Hetfield
Arr. Andras Burghardt
5/Zion's Walls
Aaron Copland
6/The Seal Lullaby
Eric Whitacre
7/I Shall Not Live in Vain
Jake Heggie