AUDITIONS SCHEDULED TODAY FOR CHILDREN'S CHORAL PROGRAM.

Byline: Daily News

Auditions start this afternoon for a new educational choral program for children who are interested in the performing arts.

The Santa Clarita Children's Chorus, founded and directed by Debora Wait, has been established to immerse children in the fine arts through the study and performance of choral music. The program is sponsored by the Canyon Theatre Guild.

``The goal of the SCCC is to train young voices so that each child may reach his or her highest potential as a musician and performer,'' Wait said.

The children will learn a varied musical repertoire, including both classical and contemporary pieces.

Wait, choir director of the Valencia Viking Voices at Valencia High School, is the vocal director for the Theatre Guild's Halloween production of ``Zombies From The Beyond.'' Wait previously directed a children's chorus in Northern California, where she taught middle school and high school.

In her new post, she is planning several performances of the children's group. The chorus is open to children in grades 4 through 8.

The SCCC will hold private auditions from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today, Thursday and Friday in the Valencia High choir room. Rehearsals will be rom 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays on campus.

Students do not need to bring prepared music to the audition. They will be judged on their vocal range, quality, pitch memory and attitude. Applications are available at local schools.

Tuition for the chorus will be $100 a year plus choir outfits. For additional information or to schedule an audition appointment, call Wait at [phone] or e-mail at dwsingearthlink.net.