The Bach Children’s Chorus has been Upstate New York’s premier children’s vocal ensemble since its founding by Director Karla Krogstad in 1989. The BCC regularly performs with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), the Rochester City Ballet, the Rochester Oratorio Society, Madrigalia, and others, while also touring the great concert halls of the United States and beyond. The BCC has proudly performed the children’s choir part of The Nutcracker with the RPO and the Rochester City Ballet every year since 1995.

Bach Children’s Chorus meets on Sundays, 3:00 — 4:30 pm. An audition is required for participation. All children are welcome! We recommend children ages 7-14 to audition. Click here for the Audition Sign-Up form.

The 2025-2026 season includes 8 concerts over 2 programs with the RPO. It is very important that all members are able to attend Sunday rehearsals, with exceptions to be made by the director.

Karla Krogstad has been leading the Bach Children’s Chorus and teaching in the Rochester area for over 35 years, guiding hundreds of students through many dozens of performances over the years. She was recently honored by the RPO as the 2025 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year.

Audition Process: 

An audition will last approximately 20 minutes during which the student will work with Ms. Karla Krogstad doing vocal warmups, and singing a prepared song, linked below. The child will be expected to sing the prepared piece from memory. Children will be encouraged at the audition, not simply tested. Our goal is acceptance, not rejection!