Carnegie Hall, here we come!

Sat, 17 May 2025 20:28:28 GMT

HCCC has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall!

Hancock County Children's Choir is preparing for a Carnegie Hall Performance!

HCCC director Amy Studabaker has been invited to serve as a guest conductor at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2027. HCCC artist-in-residence, Patrick Fata , will be composing a commissioned piece that we will premiere at this concert. We are beyond thrilled at this invitation, and students and parents are hard at work to plan the trip.

As you can imagine, this will be a trip of a lifetime for our students. As we roll up our sleeves to make this opportunity come to fruition, watch our social media and this website for ways that you can help us . You can also donate to help us raise the funds for this extraordinary opportunity!

Singing is good for you!

Sat, 17 May 2025 20:28:28 GMT

Singing Promotes Well Being

“Singing fortifies health, widens culture, refines the intelligence, enriches the imagination, makes for happiness and endows life with an added zest.” (American Academy of Teachers of Singing) If you sing in the shower or sing along with the radio, consider taking this raw vocal skill to new heights. Music – the “universal language” not only stirs our deepest emotions, but active participation can increase energy and vigor to see us through even the most stress-filled life commitments. Good vocal technique goes beyond the basics to include both physical and vocal warm-ups, proper nutrition, adequate rest and emotional commitment. An experienced vocal teacher will explore all aspects of posture, abdominal and chest development, tone production and breath control. What health club can promise these benefits?

Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.
Singing strengthens concentration and memory.
Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.
Singing broadens expressive communication.
Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.
Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.
Singing enables the performer to delve into characterization/acting.
Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.
Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.
Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.

Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.

Source: (Mills, Patty, Fairfield/New Haven Counties’ Music Notes, January, 2000)

There's a place for you in HCCC!

Sat, 17 May 2025 20:28:28 GMT

Join our growing choir for friendship, fun, and musical excellence!

At the Hancock County Children's Choir, we proudly serve budding vocalists aged 5-18 in Hancock County, IN, nurturing their talents in an enjoyable and enriching environment. Our professional directors and accompanists guide students through vocal production, stage presence, poise, etiquette, music theory, and sight singing, all while ensuring fun and excellence. Joining us means becoming part of a vibrant community that celebrates creativity and teamwork, culminating in polished performances that delight audiences. Celebrate our 15th anniversary season with us — it’s the perfect time to find your voice!

Frequently asked questions:

Does my child need to know how to sing in order to join?

No. The degreed, professional directors at HCCC will teach your child to match pitches as well as how to produce a proper vocal tone. Additionally, your child will learn music theory and sight singing to enable him to read and sing any music.

Do we need to live in Hancock County in order to participate?

No. HCCC is based in Hancock County, but we serve students all over east-central Indiana.

What is the time commitment?

The choir rehearses every Monday afternoon from August to April. We have two primary performances, Christmas and spring. Occasionally, we have the opportunity to sing for events in the community. Additionally, choir members are asked to go over their music four times during the week.

Is there any financial assistance for those who want to participate but do not have the means?

Yes, we offer a financial assistance program. We have never turned a child away due to financial reasons, and we are committed to maintaining this policy. HCCC offers a "no questions asked" financial assistance program for up to 100% of fees to allow all to participate. There is an opportunity to express interest on the membership registration form that will be completed after assessments.

How does my child join the choir?

Each child must first be assessed to determine their current level of ability, then they are assigned to an ensemble. The assessment is short, easy, and given in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Sign up for an assessment HERE . After we receive your form, Davinna Beale, HCCC's Member Services Associate, will contact you

to set up an appointment at our Fall Kick Off.

What is included in the assessment, and how does my child prepare?

The purpose of an assessment is multifaceted. For our younger students, we assess readiness to learn and participate in HCCC. For all students, we determine vocal ability and ensure your child is placed in the correct levels for music theory and sight singing. We also assess whether your child needs assistance with pitch-matching.

The following is a description of what happens in an assessment. All of these activities are completed in a supportive and encouraging environment.

A simple conversation with the director reveals readiness level for younger students.
Students are asked to sing the first verse of My Country Tis of Thee without accompaniment. Click HERE for the audio. Click HERE for the sheet music. Note: If your child prefers, he/she may sing another song of choice such as Happy Birthday or Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.
If students have had musical experience, they will complete a sight-singing assessment and a music theory assessment.
We assess the child's current musical abilities by conducting a pitch-matching exercise.

Besides practicing My Country Tis of Thee, there is no preparation necessary. Simply encourage your child to smile and enjoy the fun assessment with our directors.

What is the cost of membership per student?

Registration fee: $10 for K-3rd grades; $50 for 4th-12th grades

Annual tuition fee: $200 for K-3rd grades ($100/semester); $320 for 4th-12th grades ($160/semester)
Uniform fee: Varies per ensemble and size, but we try very hard to keep costs reasonable. We also keep an inventory of used uniforms we offer at a discounted price, while available.
Alteration fee: Varies per uniform and what needs altering, but we try very hard to keep costs reasonable.

Concert meals (optional): Boxed meal and pizza, but you are welcome to bring your own meals

What volunteer responsibilities do I have was a parent?
Not just a drop-off activity, HCCC encourages parents/guardians to get involved! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities to explore that will fit your interests and availability.

Can I see some examples of what the choir has done?

Below are links to past performances so you can see our "end product":

That's Christmas to Me , photographer Ashley Wittmer
Special military reunion during That's Christmas to Me, video by RTV6:(Note: this video has over 24 million views to date making it the most popular video on RTV6's YouTube Channel.)
Let Freedom Ring! , photographer Ashley Wittmer
All is Well 10th Anniversary Christmas Production , filmed at the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel
When You Believe 10th Anniversary Celebration Concert - features Jim Papoulis, world-renowned children's music composer, as guest conductor
From Darkness to Light - features guest violinist Oliwia Walczak from Poland (1:18)

Important Dates for 2025-2026

AUGUST

Monday, August 18, Fall Kick Off - 4:30pm-6:30pm (Assessment appointments available on this day)

Monday, August 26, Rehearsals begin

OCTOBER

Monday, October 13, Month of Giving begins

DECEMBER

Christmas Concert dress rehearsal - Friday December 5 or Friday December 12, 4:00pm-9:00pm (students in K-6 do not stay for the entire rehearsal).

Christmas Concert - Saturday, December 6 or Saturday, December 13, 2:30pm and 7:00pm.

* Concert Dates - Booking requests have been submitted to the venue, but we have not received confirmation; therefore, we are listing 2 concert dates for the Christmas concert, asking members to pencil them in their calendars while we wait for confirmation.

Cumberland Christmas Festival (likely performance at 5:30pm on December 13 if we do not have a concert that day)

JANUARY

Rehearsals resume Monday, January 5

Saturday rehearsal, January 24, rehearsal will conclude by noon

FEBRUARY

Etiquette Luncheon, Saturday, February 28

APRIL

Spring Concert dress rehearsal - Friday April 10, 4:00pm-9:00pm (students in K-6 do not stay for the entire rehearsal).

Spring Concert - Saturday, April 11, 2:30pm and 7:00pm.

* Concert Dates - Booking requests have been submitted to the venue, but we have not received confirmation; therefore, we are asking members to pencil them in their calendars while we wait for confirmation.

Spring Banquet, Monday April 27

JUNE

Summer Camp , Monday, June 1 - tentative date based on venue approval.

hancock-county-childrens-choir-140239

Carnegie Hall, here we come!

HCCC has been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall!

Singing is good for you!

Singing Promotes Well Being

There's a place for you in HCCC!

Join our growing choir for friendship, fun, and musical excellence!

Important Dates for 2025-2026