MCO® Texas | Austin
For residents of Austin, TX, and surrounding areas. The Austin locale opened in 2021.
Registration for the first semester of the 2024–25 season has closed.
In addition to our traditionally spectacular Christmas concerts, we are excited to announce the Spring 2025 production of Messiah in America, featuring renowned musical trio GENTRI. Watch the announcement here. Messiah in America will transport audiences to the sacred setting of Christ’s visit to the Americas, weaving together music, drama, and spectacle in a Broadway-style show that is both visually stunning and deeply moving. However, our 2024–25 season will be a very standard MCO season for participants as far as schedule, rehearsals and overall time commitment are concerned.
For Messiah in America, participants will not be required to “act.” They will be doing what they normally do: using their amazing talents to bring this powerful music to the hearts and minds of our audiences. All youth and Grand Chorus participants will be fully costumed. This costume will take the place of regular concert attire for the spring production. A costume materials fee of $15 for Young Singers Chorus, Children’s Chorus, and Youth Chorus, and $20 for Concert Choir and Grand Chorus will be assessed at the time of registration. Participants will receive a costume materials packet that will include fabric and a pattern for the costume. They will be responsible for creating the costume from the provided materials. They will also be required to have footwear that complies with requirements that will be provided.
The refund policy for the costume materials fee follows the same refund policy for registration, as noted in the MCO Participant Handbook.
PARTICIPATION
Please read the IMPORTANT INFORMATION and REHEARSAL SCHEDULE sections below prior to registering or requesting an audition. Additional details may be found on the FAQ’s page.
To gain a better understanding of MCO, please read the About MCO section, including the Performing Ensembles and Participation Info pages. We also encourage you to visit our YouTube channel or listen to one of our eight albums.
Youth Choirs
For ages 4–18
Participation in youth ensembles does not require an audition. Simply click the Register button below to register your child online.
- Early-bird registration for the full 2024–25 season (both semesters) closed July 31. It offers a 10% discount and 10-payment and full-payment plan options (during the month of July, a 9-payment plan was offered in place of the 10-payment plan).
- Regular registration (1st Semester or full-season) closed September 23. Registration after the Monday following the first rehearsal may incur an increased tuition cost of $20.00 per child. Three-payment and full-payment plan options are available during regular registration.
Grand Chorus
For accomplished singers (ages 18 and up)
Placement in the Grand Chorus is by audition only. Audition requests are being accepted at the link below.
Continuing participants do not need to re-audition; they may simply register online via the Register button below. Prior participants who have missed one or more semesters should request a re-audition.
- Early-bird registration for the full 2024–25 season (both semesters) for continuing participants closed July 31. It offers a 10% discount and 10-payment and full-payment plan options (during the month of July, a 9-payment plan was offered in place of the 10-payment plan). Only continuing participants (those who participated the previous semester) are eligible for the early-bird discount.
- Regular registration (1st Semester or full-season) for continuing participants closed August 22. Late registration for continuing participants will incur a $10 late fee. Re-auditioning may also be required. Participants should contact their Grand Chorus Manager for assistance if this situation applies to them. Three-payment and full-payment plan options are available during regular and late registration.
- Regular registration for new participants for the 2024–25 season: Those who pass an audition will receive a link to register.
Symphony Orchestra
For accomplished instrumentalists (all ages)
The Symphony Orchestra is composed of volunteer instrumentalists.
Placement in the Symphony Orchestra is by audition only. Accepted players agree to participate as a volunteer. Audition requests are being accepted at the link below.
Audition request deadlines:
- July 15 (for 1st Semester)
- December 15 (for 2nd Semester)
Continuing participants do not need to re-audition; they may simply register. Prior participants who have missed one or more semesters should request to re-audition.
- Registration for continuing participants for the 2024–25 season is currently open. Although there is no fee to participate, all Symphony Orchestra participants must register so that we can keep accurate rosters.
CALENDAR
2024–2025 Season (tentative dates; revised 9/19)
- 1st Semester 1st Rehearsal: September 5, 2024
- 1st Semester Run-Through and Concerts: December 11, 2024, Riverbend Centre for the Arts, Austin, TX
- 2nd Semester 1st Rehearsal: January 9, 2025
- 2nd Semester Run-Through and Concerts: *NEW DATE* April 9, 2025, Winspear Opera House, Dallas, TX
Rehearsal Schedule
Choral ensembles rehearse weekly on Thursdays throughout each semester. Details and times are below. The Symphony Orchestra rehearses on a few select dates TBD.
Young Singers Chorus
4:30–5:15 pm
Age 4 by the first rehearsal of the semester through 1st Grade
Children’s Chorus (revised 7/16)
4:55–5:45 pm
Grades 2–5 (homeschool at least age 7 by September 1)
Youth Chorus (revised 7/16)
5:20–6:45 pm
Grades 6–8 (homeschool at least age 11 by September 1)
Concert Choir Women (revised 7/16)
5:20–7:30 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Concert Choir Men (revised 7/16)
6:20–7:30 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Grand Chorus (revised 7/16)
7:40–10:00 pm
Accomplished adult singers 18 & over
Rehearsal Location
NEW LOCATION: Good Shepherd Lutheran, 700 W. Whitestone Blvd, Cedar Park
MCO Participant Handbook
For MCO’s general policies, expectations, tuition costs, attire costs, and all other information, please download and read the MCO Participant Handbook.
Tuition/Fees & Attire Costs
Scholarships are available for those with legitimate financial hardships. Email registration@millennial.org for details. Payment plans are also available and can be arranged as part of the online registration process.
The Messiah in America Costume Materials fee for the Spring 2025 production of Messiah in America is $15 for Young Singers Chorus, Children’s Chorus, and Youth Chorus, and $20 for Concert Choir and Grand Chorus. The Symphony Orchestra will not be costumed. The refund policy for the costume materials fee follows the same refund policy for registration, as noted in the MCO Participant Handbook.
| Ensemble | Age / Grade Level | Tuition / Fees Per Semester* | Attire (Est. Cost) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Young Singers Chorus | age 4–1st grade | $135 (about $11 per rehearsal) | Girls $37–45, Boys $48–64 |
| Children’s Chorus | 2nd–5th grade | $165 (about $14 per rehearsal) | Girls $37–45, Boys $48–64 |
| Youth Chorus | 6th–8th grade | $195 (about $16 per rehearsal) | Girls $73–83, Boys $59 (larger sizes extra) |
| Concert Choir Women | 9th–12th grade | $195 (about $16 per rehearsal) | $74–79 (larger sizes extra) |
| Concert Choir Men | 9th–12th grade | $165 (about $14 per rehearsal) | $117 (larger sizes extra) |
| Grand Chorus | Age 18 and up | $60 | Women $140, Men $117 (larger sizes extra) |
| Symphony Orchestra | Accomplished Instrumentalists | $0 | Concert black (purchase on your own) |