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Stetson University Young Singers Program

Stetson University welcomes young singers to campus for semester-long rehearsal seasons in the fall and spring. During these seasons, singers will fine-tune their vocal skills, grow their musicianship and thrive in an encouraging learning environment. Singers are invited to join an age-appropriate ensemble and work together to create beautiful and exciting choral music.   

All interested singers - register today! Students who are new to the Stetson Young Singers will receive an email from Melinda Fradley explaining our program in more detail, answering questions, and confirming which choir your singer should enter.

Spring Season Schedule

  • February 5: First Rehearsal! 
  • March 2: Lumina Choir - Choral Exchange with Professor Tim Peter
  • April 23: 7:30 p.m. - Performance with Stetson Choral Union, Stetson Baptist Church 
  • May 13: Final Concert, Lee Chapel, 7 p.m.

Summer Camps

  • Middle School Mini Vocal Camp: June 5-8
  • Stetson Young Singers Full Choir Day Camp: July 29 - August 2

Age Range

There are four ensembles divided by age that will rehearse every Monday in Presser Hall. The times are listed below.  

  • Small Voices, for singers ages 5-7, 5 - 5:30 p.m., room 113
    • Ellen Samaha, director
  • Discovery Choir for singers ages 7-11, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m., room 132
    • Angie Monahan, director, Ellen Samaha, co-director
  • Apprentice Choir for singers ages 9-13, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., room 352
    • Melinda Fradley and Angie Monahan, directors
  • Young Singers Choir for singers ages 11-18, 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Melinda Fradley, director
  • SYS Academy - 5:00 - 5:25 p.m., room 349

Singers will be placed into ensembles based on age, experience, ability, and rehearsal behavior. New singers will be invited to join an appropriate choir after a friendly meeting with the directors called a placement interview. 

Typical Rehearsal Schedule

A typical rehearsal includes healthy singing, vocal technique, choral performance and rehearsal skills. We’ll work on age-appropriate, correctly voiced choral literature and bring it all together on stage for an end-of-season performance. The entire rehearsal process is an enjoyable and active way for singers to improve weekly.  Our program does not take the place of school or church choirs, but instead allows the singers to bring their knowledge and training back to their other ensembles.  

Message to New Singers

We know that some singers start the season without knowing anyone in their ensemble, but we'll do our best to make sure they leave feeling like part of a choir family. It's our hope that your young singer will join us and grow with us, season after season. There are a lot of beautiful benefits to a multiage community-based choir.  Every singer is an important part of the ensemble.

With the belief in mind that everyone can sing, no child will be turned away from the Stetson Young Singers. Therefore, we do not have auditions; instead, we have placement interviews. These 15-minute meet and greets give singers and parents the chance to meet the directors and learn about the program. At the same time, it gives us, the directors, a chance to meet singers and determine where they might fit best within the choirs. If the singer is comfortable, we may ask them to sing for or with us to hear their voice. If they want to prepare a song, that’s fine - or, singers may be asked to sing “Happy Birthday” with us.  

Families are asked to schedule their interviews, and all interviews will be held on January 22 and 29 in Presser Hall, room 113. During the interview, we’ll provide a calendar and explanation of the singing season. The placement interview will make the first rehearsal that much easier for each singer.

For any questions or concerns, please contact:

Melinda Fradley, Artistic Director, Stetson Young Singers: [email protected]

We can't wait to sing with you all!

Register for Stetson Small Voices

  • Open to singers ages 5-7
  • Registration Fee: $100

Register for the Stetson Discovery Choir

  • Open to singers ages 7-11
  • Registration Fee: $125

Register for Stetson Young Singers or Apprentice Singers

  • Open to singers ages 11-18
  • Registration Fee: $150