MCO® California
For residents of Orange County and San Diego and surrounding areas. The California locale opened in 2007.
Registration for the 2025–26 season is currently open.
We are excited to announce the continuation of our satellite rehearsal location in San Diego for all youth ensembles, if there is sufficient enrollment. We will also offer Grand Chorus rehearsals if there is sufficient interest. San Diego participants will join the rest of the California locale for performances at Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa.
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 2025–26 season (both semesters) runs May 8–June 30. It offers a 10% discount and 10-payment and full-payment plan options.
- Regular registration (1st Semester or full-season) opens July 1 and runs through the Monday after the first rehearsal of the semester. Late registration will incur an additional tuition cost of $20.00 per child and runs through the Monday after the second rehearsal of the semester, which is the final registration deadline. Three-payment and full-payment plan options are available during regular and late registration.
Grand Chorus
For accomplished singers (ages 18 and up)
Placement in the Grand Chorus is by audition only. Audition requests for both Orange County and San Diego are being accepted at the link below. (Grand Chorus rehearsals will only be offered in San Diego if there is sufficient interest.)
Full-season participation is now required for continuing participants (those who participated the previous semester). Please direct questions about this to your Grand Chorus Manager. Continuing participants do not need to re-audition but 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 2025–26 season (both semesters) for continuing participants runs May 8–June 30. It offers a 10% discount and 10-payment and full-payment plan options. Only continuing participants are eligible for the early-bird discount.
- Regular registration (full-season only) for continuing participants runs July 1–15. Late registration for continuing participants runs July 16–31 and will incur a $10 late fee. Three-payment and full-payment plan options are available during regular and late registration.
- Regular registration for new participants for the 2025–26 season will open in conjunction with auditions in late summer. 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 rehearsals are currently offered only in Orange County. San Diego-based players are welcome to audition.
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 (those who participated the previous semester) 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 2025–26 season opens May 8. 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 2025–26 season: Those who pass an audition will receive a link to register.
CALENDAR
2025–2026 Season (tentative dates)
- 1st Semester 1st Rehearsal: early-to-mid September
- 1st Semester Run-Through and Concerts: December 15, 2025, Costa Mesa, CA
- 2nd Semester 1st Rehearsal: early February
- 2nd Semester Run-Through and Concerts: May 1, 2026, 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. Symphony Orchestra rehearsals 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
7:00–9:20 pm (tentative schedule)
Accomplished adult singers 18 & over
Rehearsal Location
Rehearsal locations for 2025–26 season
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.
| 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) |