FAQ

We welcome girls and nonbinary treble singers in grades 2-12 to our Forte, Ragazze and Bravura ensembles. We also welcome men 18+ with changed voices into our Men of Spirito ensemble.

No! We sing all different kinds of music, from classical to pop to musical theater to folk, from all around the world and in dozens of different languages. Our conductors try to expose their singers to as many different kinds of music as possible, so that they can become well-rounded, knowledgable musicians.

Let us help you problem-solve! Most of our singers are also involved in activities outside of Spirito, from sports to dance to musical theater to school clubs and other extra-curriculars. Our flexible attendance policy is designed to allow for occasional absences while still maintaining the discipline and focus needed to sing at a high level. If you think your child might have an occasional conflict with Spirito activities, reach out to our Artistic Director, Carling FitzSimmons (cfitzsimmons@spiritosingers.org) to have a conversation. Most of the time, we can find a work-around thanks to our amazing section leaders, conductors, and accompanists.

Yes! We have an open-door policy regarding Spirito rehearsals – singers are welcome to visit the appropriate rehearsal for their age group (2nd-4th graders - Forte, 5th-8th graders – Ragazze, 9th-12th graders – Bravura, men 18+ - Men of Spirito) at any point during the semester until 2 weeks before the final concerts. We ask that you let the ensemble director know in advance of your visit, so that we can welcome you and prepare any music you might like to have for the rehearsal. Bravura, Ragazze, Forte – cfitzsimmons@spiritosingers.org Men of Spirito – douglaspetersbaritone@gmail.com

Wonderful! We're excited to have your singer join us! 2nd-4th grade singers, rejoice: no audition is required for Forte! Interested singers should contact the Spirito office via phone at 630-581-5440 or email at spirito@spiritosingers.org. All Ragazze, Bravura, and Men of Spirito singers are required to sing an audition or attend an Open Rehearsal prior to enrollment. Please visit our Auditions Page to register for an audition. Spirito offers both private and group auditions. Private auditions may be sung via Zoom or in person at our office. Group auditions are scheduled at the beginning of each semester. Spirito auditions are designed to be stress-free, and singers do not need to prepare anything for their audition. Auditioners should be prepared to vocalize to determine range, sing a simple song without accompaniment, and play some ear-training and rhythm games. Auditions will last between 10 and 15 minutes, and parents/guardians must accompany their children to auditions.

Spirito rehearsals and elective classes are fast-paced, engaging, and full of new material each week. Thus, it’s extremely important that singers do their best to be present and punctual for every rehearsal. However, we understand that things come up, and occasional absences are necessary. Singers are allowed up to 4 absences per semester, which can be taken for any reason. No makeup rehearsals will be available. An excess of 4 absences might result in a singer being excused from an upcoming concert or tour. Whenever possible, singers should report their absences to their ensemble director and elective class teacher ahead of time so as to find out what they’ll miss and keep up with the class. If singers miss a rehearsal, they should reach out to their section leader to find out what pieces were covered and get any notes or special instructions from that week. If a singer is marked tardy to rehearsal or elective three times, it will count as one absence. Singers who arrive at rehearsal after warmups begin are marked tardy. All singers must attend the mandatory dress rehearsal the week of the concert. Any singer who is absent from the mandatory rehearsal will not be permitted to sing the concert. All singers must be on-time for their concert call. Any singer who arrives late to the concert call might not be permitted to perform.

Service activities are an integral part of our mission, and allow our singers to share their gifts with our communities. Past service activities have included providing music in worship services, singing at nursing homes and assisted living centers, performing at community events, and volunteering at homeless shelters and food pantries. Service activities are considered mandatory performances and participation is required for all singers within the ensemble(s) serving at that event. Conflicts with service dates should be communicated IMMEDIATELY to the ensemble director.