The NJCS Cantare Youth Ensemble is under the direction of Noelle Dachis. Director Noelle Dachis explains, “Our opportunity is unique and an incredible educational tool different from all other programs out there. We pair a first-class organization with youth, and perform with professional instrumental and vocal soloists. We work on repertoire unique to this instrumentation. This doesn’t exist in other area programs in schools and private choruses. As the arts are being cut in schools and music education gets harder and harder to find, the NJCS Festival Youth Chorus is a rare opportunity!”
A parent of one of our youth choristers has remarked, "This experience has been amazing for [my daughter] and for us! She loves to sing but was reluctant in the beginning. That reluctance has turned into an absolute love of singing with NJCS and The Cantare Youth Ensemble!!!"
NJCS FESTIVAL YOUTH CHORUS AUDITION INFORMATION
The New Jersey Choral Society is holding auditions for two ensembles:
1) Choraleers - Treble ensemble - grades 6-12
2) Chorale - SATB ensemble - grades 9-12
This is a unique and exciting opportunity for young choral singers to perform in choral concerts with professional musicians, and an exceptional experience to include on a college application, especially for students pursuing music studies.
Contact ourDirector, Noelle Dachis , at youthchoir@njcs.org for more information and to schedule an audition.
About the Director
Noelle Dachis, Director, has been working with young singers for over 18 years in various choral programs in New York and New Jersey, including Waldwick Jr./Sr. High, Westfield High School, North Jersey Homeschool Association, and Cornerstone Christian Church. She was appointed NJCS Festival Youth Chorus Director in 2014, although she had previously been working alongside NJCS with young singers recruited from various choral programs, starting with a performance of John Rutter’s Mass of the Children at Carnegie Hall in 2013. Noelle received a Bachelor of Music Education (Vocal Combined Emphasis) with a minor in Flute. She holds certifications in both vocal and instrumental instruction in both New York and New Jersey. She has collaborated in concerts with The New Jersey and Connecticut Choral Societies, The New Jersey Youth Orchestra, and has opened for CCM Artist Mark Schultz.
She has worked in conjunction with Westminster Choir College while at Westfield High School, and has conducted benefit and ministry concerts for Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center and Cornerstone Christian Church, as well as area nursing homes and children’s retreats. Noelle also performs professionally in three disciplines: voice, flute and piano. A lyric coloratura soprano, Noelle studied voice under Kelley Hijleh, sang a leading role in Puccini’s “Suor Angelica” and competed in The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competitions while in college. During high school, Noelle competed in Music Educator’s Association’s “Young Artists’ Piano Competitions”, receiving First Place and “The Leonine Geib Memorial Award” in 1994 and 1995. Noelle holds memberships in NAfME (National Association for Music Educators) and ACDA (American Choral Director’s Association). Noelle also teaches private vocal and instrumental lessons, as well as private music theory instruction for motivated students looking to pursue excellence in music.