-Submitted photo
Triton Kids sing during a previous performance. Auditions for this semester will be held Sunday.

Triton Kids is returning for another semester of inspiring young singers.

Triton Kids is an auditioned choir ensemble of students in third through eighth grades from Fort Dodge and the surrounding areas.

It was founded in 2018 by Iowa Central Community College Director of Vocal Music Will Lopes as an opportunity to connect Iowa Central Community College to the community. Lopes serves as managing artistic director and conductor for the program.

“Triton kids is a unique choral program, one of its kind in the Webster County Area,” Lopes said. “Singers involved in the program will have not only the opportunity to sing songs, but will also to receive musical training from creative games, playing instruments, to body movements.”

Shelly Bottorff, who is the executive director of the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, is the assistant director and accompanist.

“The Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association is always looking for ways to expand our outreach into the Fort Dodge Community and beyond,” Bottorff said. “What a great way to reach the youth in our community and to help provide them with life skills and experience that will go way beyond their time as a student.”

Triton Kids partners with other local groups such as the Fort Dodge Area Symphony and the Iowa Central Triton Singers.

“This fall, Triton Kids will be partnering with the Fort Dodge Area Symphony to premiere Melissa Dunphy’s ‘Jack and the Beanstalk,’ as well as a special appearance during the Iowa Central’s Holiday Concert,” Lopes said.

Auditions for Triton Kids will be held Sunday, Sept. 19, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Iowa Central Community College in the choir room located behind Decker Auditorium. Students can sign up for an audition spot and view the requirements at tritonkids.com.

The auditions will consist of two parts. For the first hour, prospective singers and their guardians must attend an informational meeting to learn about the program and the commitments necessary to join the ensemble. There will be a chance for singers and guardians to ask any questions before proceeding with the auditions.

The second half of the auditions will consist of a short group rehearsal so the students can meet the staff and prepare for individual auditions. Singers will participate in a pitch matching exercise and then perform “Happy Birthday” or “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

A $25 non-refundable registration fee will be due on the day of the audition. This fee will be applied to the semester tuition.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for qualified families.

“Thanks to the generosity of our amazing partners, students will be granted a 50% tuition discount for the fall semester, so $50 for the semester,” Lopes said.

Bottorff said new supporters are always welcome.