2026 High Notes Choir (Photo – pasadenachorale.org/highnotes)
Calling area middle schoolers with vocal talent and a dream: Pasadena Chorale invites students in grades 6–8 to audition for High Notes, a choir for young people seeking soprano and alto voices.
By Melanie Hooks
Open auditions for the group’s fourth season will be held Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at San Marino Community Church, 1750 Virginia Road, San Marino. No preparation or audition materials are required, and participation is free.
“There’s nothing quite like the joy of making music together, and High Notes gives young singers the chance to experience that joy alongside students from eight other Pasadena-area schools,” said Pasadena Chorale Artistic Director Jeffrey Bernstein. “Along the way, they build confidence and musicianship through instruction in vocal technique and music theory.”
One parent whose son has been part of High Notes for three years shared, “My son loves being in High Notes! It is insanely beautiful what they do with their voices.”
Parents must sign up their children in advance to audition. All auditioning singers should arrive ready to sing by 6 p.m. Returning and auditioning High Notes singers will begin the evening together, vocalizing and rehearsing as a group while learning new music and practicing listening and blending. Auditioning singers will then sing individually for the conductor. Parents are welcome to stay during auditions or drop off their children and return for pickup.
Free parking is available in the lot next to San Marino Community Church and in a second lot just south of the church. Ample unrestricted street parking is also available on Virginia Road and Roanoke Road.
Dedicated to nurturing a love of singing among young people, High Notes has quickly become a community favorite. Since its launch, the choir has performed on Good Morning America, collaborated with leading local arts organizations including Pasadena Playhouse and Pasadena Dance Theatre, and sung at notable venues across Southern California, including the Aratani Theatre, Zipper Hall, San Gabriel Mission Playhouse and Garrison Theatre at Scripps College.
High Notes rehearses Tuesday evenings in San Marino from September through May. Singers receive training in vocal technique, music theory, ensemble singing and stage presence while exploring a diverse repertoire ranging from classical masterworks to contemporary pieces.
During the 2026–27 season, High Notes will perform in multiple concerts with the award-winning Pasadena Chorale and present its own solo concert on May 3, 2027.
Parents interested in having their children audition for High Notes must sign up in advance of Sept. 9. For more information about the program and to sign up for auditions, visit pasadenachorale.org/highnotes.
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