The Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles is holding auditions for the Commonwealth Youth Choir throughout January. The nationally recognized, all-gender youth choir is made up of children and teens ages 6 through 18 from across the Greater Philadelphia region.

After combining the Keystone State Boychoir and the Pennsylvania Girlchoir in 2024, the Commonwealth Youth Choir comprises 160 young singers.

Auditions will take place through the month, ending Jan. 31. Parents and guardians can schedule an audition online. All auditions are held in person at the Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave., and last approximately 15–20 minutes. Each audition consists of simple vocal exercises designed to assess a singer’s range and abilities. No preparation, prior music experience, or vocal training is required, according to the Ensembles.

Founded in 2001, the Commonwealth Youth Choir operated as two programs before combining in 2024. Over the years, its singers have performed on all seven continents for popes, presidents, and Nobel Prize winners, as well as on local stages such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music. They plan an international tour to South Korea for summer 2026.

All singers receive instruction in music theory and musicianship. The organization said that families may also schedule private voice or piano lessons with Ensembles faculty. Once accepted following auditions, each family will receive an email to complete an enrollment commitment form. Tuition for the remainder of the 2025/26 season is $625 for Prelude and $775 for Sonata, Harmonia, and Cadenza. Travel expenses are not included.