MCO® California
For residents of Orange County and San Diego and surrounding areas. The California locale opened in 2007.
We are excited to announce the opening of a rehearsal location in San Diego for all choir ensembles, dependent on enrollment. San Diego participants will join the rest of the California locale for concerts in Costa Mesa. More info below.
Registration for the second semester of the 2024–25 season opens November 15.
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.
- Registration for the 2nd Semester of the 2024–25 season runs November 15 through the Monday after the first rehearsal of the semester. Registration after this date may incur an additional tuition cost of $20.00 per child. Registration closes the Monday after the second rehearsal of the semester. 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.
- Registration for the 2nd Semester of the 2024–25 season for continuing participants runs November 15 through December 13. Registration after this date may 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 the regular registration period.
- Regular registration for new participants for the 2nd Semester of 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.
Please note that the Symphony Orchestra is not currently offered in the San Diego location.
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.
- Registration for new participants for the 2024–25 season: Those who pass an audition will receive a link to register.
CALENDAR
2024–2025 Season (tentative dates)
- 1st Semester 1st Rehearsal: September 12, 2024
- 1st Semester Run-Through and Concerts: December 10, 2024, Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Costa Mesa, CA
- 2nd Semester 1st Rehearsal (San Diego): February 4, 2025
- 2nd Semester 1st Rehearsal (Orange County): February 6, 2025
- 2nd Semester Run-Through and Concerts: May 7–8, 2025, Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County 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
4:55–5:45 pm
Grades 2–5 (homeschool at least age 7 by September 1)
Youth Chorus
5:20–6:45 pm
Grades 6–8 (homeschool at least age 11 by September 1)
Concert Choir Women
5:20–7:30 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Concert Choir Men
6:20–7:30 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Grand Chorus
7:40–10:00 pm
Accomplished adult singers 18 & over
San Diego Rehearsal Schedule
Choral ensembles rehearse weekly on Tuesdays throughout each semester. Details and times are below. The Symphony Orchestra is not currently being offered in the San Diego area.
Young Singers Chorus
3:50–4:35 pm
Age 4 by the first rehearsal of the semester through 1st Grade
Children’s Chorus
4:15–5:05 pm
Grades 2–5 (homeschool at least age 7 by September 1)
Youth Chorus
4:45–6:00 pm
Grades 6–8 (homeschool at least age 11 by September 1)
Concert Choir Women
4:45–6:45 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Concert Choir Men
5:35–6:45 pm
Grades 9–12 (homeschool at least age 14 by September 1)
Grand Chorus
7:00–9:30 pm
Accomplished adult singers 18 & over
Rehearsal Location
Orange County: University United Methodist Church of Irvine, 18422 Culver Dr., Irvine
San Diego: TBA
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 costume will take the place of regular concert attire for that semester. 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* | Concert 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) |
**For the Messiah in America production, regular concert attire will not be required.