The Smoot Theatre Vocal Ensembles for children will hold auditions at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the theater, 213 Fifth St., in Parkersburg. (Photo provided)

PARKERSBURG – Auditions for next year’s Smoot Theatre Vocal Ensembles will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday at the theater on Fifth Street in downtown Parkersburg.

The Ensembles are the Children’s Chorus for boys and girls who will be in grades 4, 5 and 6 next year, the Girls Ensemble for girls in grades 7 and up and the Boys Ensemble for boys in grades 7 and up.

The children are under the direction of Barbara Full, a retired music instructor from Neale School. The accompanist is Marsha Parsons, a retired vocal music teacher from VanDevender Middle School.

Directing the girls ensemble is Cathy Martin, a retired Parkersburg High School A Cappella Choir director. Janet Blessing, a retired vocal music instructor from Jackson Junior High School, directs the Boys Ensemble.

All groups rehearse on Tuesdays throughout the school year: Children’s Chorus from 4:30-6 p.m.; the Girls Ensemble from 5:30-7 p.m.; and the Boys Ensemble from 7-8:30 p.m.

Auditions for the Children’s Chorus will consist of singing “Happy Birthday” and “Are You Sleeping” and matching pitches played on the piano. All music will be provided. Auditions may be private or with a friend.

Auditioners may also sing a song of their own choosing, bringing any music necessary for accompaniment. A parent must be present at the audition.

Auditions for the Girls and Boys Ensembles will consist of a check of vocal ranges and some additional melodic and rhythmic exercises. No prepared solo is required and a parent must be present at the audition.

All auditions are held at the Smoot Theatre, 213 5th Street. For more information, call the Smoot Theatre at 304-422-PLAY or go to smoottheatre.com/youth-choirs. Anyone who cannot audition on these two days can request a different date and time.