What is VOCA?
Voices of Central Arkansas (VOCA) is an award-winning, auditioned choral program for 3rd-12th grade singers. VOCA is part of the University of Central Arkansas Community School of Music. Participation in VOCA is open to any student through a successful audition. What choral ensembles are a part of VOCA? Choristers: A treble choir open to boys and girls in grades 3-5 and serves as a training choir. Singers in this choir focus on music reading skills, head tone, vowels, breath control, and performance skills which are taught through unison and two-part music. Concert Choir: An advanced co-educational treble choir for singers in grades 5-8. Singers will develop their music reading skills, sight singing skills, vocal technique, and musicianship through advanced literature. High School Choir: Our most advanced choral ensemble consisting of high school or advanced junior singers grades 8-12. The choral literature for this SATB choir encompasses a wide variety of styles and genres. When and where are rehearsals for VOCA? Rehearsals for all Choristers and Concert Choir members are held each Monday night of the school year from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Fine Arts Choir Room on the campus of UCA. Youth Choir members meet from 7:00-8:30 pm in the Choir Room. VOCA follows the Conway School break and holiday schedule. Please email us or check the announcements or the upcoming important dates pages on this website for updated information. How do I join VOCA? Students interested in joining VOCA may email us at vocasings@gmail.com. Students can also fill out the registration form found here on our website. What happens at the audition and after? Choristers and Concert Choir: Students will be lead by a director through pitch matching and simple singing exercises. Students will sing a familiar song such as “Row, Row, Row Your Boat.” A prepared piece is not necessary. High School Choir: Students will sing a prepared piece of 2 minutes or less, match pitches and demonstrate sight-singing abilities. Students and their families will be notified of results via email. Any students selected for membership in the program must attend a mandatory meeting with a parent or guardian. These meetings are usually held on the night of the first rehearsal in the fall semester. Handbooks, fundraisers, uniforms, and other details are discussed at this meeting. |