The Chorale performs two major concerts each season, in addition to smaller appearances at other venues throughout the year. The Chorale’s repertoire provides an enjoyable and challenging musical experience, while expanding children’s learning horizons in music fundamentals, vocal technique and rehearsal discipline. Musicianship and artistry are taught in rehearsals through a performance-based music education process that aims to inspire appreciation and enjoyment of music, while developing personal and artistic excellence, and enriching our community. Auditions are held at various times throughout the year and by appointment.

Who should audition for the Children’s Chorale?
In short, any child who loves to sing! The Chorale is for fourth through eighth graders. We celebrate and affirm the artistry of children. The Children’s Chorale is an organization where children are encouraged to express themselves. Members have the opportunity to build relationships with peers who are serious about music making. The rehearsal environment is creative, nurturing, educational, enjoyable, and supportive. Our members regularly move into leadership roles in their chosen high schools, successfully performing in their choirs, bands, on stage, as soloists, and in ensembles. If you know of a young person who should be singing with us, help us make the connection! Contact us for more information.

Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals are every Monday night at 4:30 pm starting in September until December. A holiday concert is held at Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts in the Great Hall. The spring semester begins in January to May and a spring concert is held.

Meet the Staff
Artistic Director, Eva Thelen-Dunphy started her career with violin lessons at age 5. In middle school, as the result of encouragement from her choir director, Eva found her voice and pursued her education in vocal performance and choral conducting. She holds a degree in Music from Marian University, having studied under the direction of David Hein. Eva serves as choir director for Holy Family Parish in Fond du Lac and is a regularly featured soloist for the Lighthouse Big Band, the Fond du Lac Symphonic Band, and the nationally televised Heart of the Nation Masses. She also serves as lead singer of “Eva and the Swizzle Sticks”, a Jazz combo that performs regularly at THELMA. She also serves as director for the “On Stage @ THELMA” children’s theatrical summer camp. Eva is a member of the board of directors for the Fond du Lac Community Theater, where she can regularly be seen on stage, in the pit orchestra, or behind the scenes directing children’s theater. Eva lives in Fond du Lac with her musically gifted husband Michael, son Arthur, daughter, Magnolia, and Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Nigel.

Paul Thelen, Accompanist, is the Director of Liturgy and Music for Holy Family Parish. He enjoys accompanying middle school, high school, and college choirs. He has taught piano within a private studio as well as at Marian University. Paul enjoys performing with the Lighthouse Big Band and has performed in several community theater and high school musicals. He also enjoys performing with his three daughters…the Thelen Sisters. Paul is also a huge supporter of the Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts and was given the James C. Hubbard Windy Award in 2022.

$320 per student for both semesters
$245 per student for one semester
$220 per additional sibling for both semesters
$170 per additional sibling for one semester

Discounted rates will be available for parents willing to volunteer for the program. More information on volunteer opportunities will come soon.

For additional questions about FDL Children's Chorale, contact eva@thelmaarts.org!