Audition Information
Next audition period will be in August for the Fall 2010 quarter.
Friday, August 20, 2010 |
6:30 pm to 9 pm
Saturday, August 21, 2010 |
1:00 pm to 8 pm
The choruses are proud to be a part of Seattle's multifaceted musical community. Though our members are of diverse backgrounds, professions, and interests, we are in many ways a family, united in the pride we take in our singing.
If you're interested in auditioning, we hope we'll hear from you. You are always welcome to attend a rehearsal. It will give you a chance to meet some of the members, to see how rehearsals are run, and to get a feel for singing with the chorus before the formal audition.
You must be 18 years or older by the date of the first rehearsal in order to sing with the chorus.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first thing I should do?
The first thing you should do is read this page in its entirety. After you have read it, you should use the request form above to receive further information and/or to schedule an audition. If you have questions that are not answered here, we will be happy to answer them for you.
What do I need to prepare for the audition - What does the audition consist of?
You do NOT need to prepare anything. All you need to do is show up at your appointed time. You will begin by filling out a brief questionnaire. Then, you will meet individually with either Seattle Men's Chorus Assistant Artistic Director, Eric Lane Barnes or Seattle Women's Chorus Assistant Conductor, Rhonda Juliano. They will have you run through some scales and vocal exercise to evaluate your vocal range and ability. You will be asked to sing a familiar song and do some basic sight reading.
Should I be nervous?
No. The audition is private and is non-competitive. It is designed to evaluate your voice, not whether you can out-sing anyone. There are many skill levels represented in each chorus. However, you will need basic musical ability to be a singing member. At a minimum, you will need to be able to match a pitch that is played on the piano as well as be able to repeat a basic rhythmic pattern. The Artistic staff will make that determination when meeting with you individually.
How big is the chorus?
Chorus membership is not limited to any particular number. Currently there are approximately 300 singing members in Seattle Men's Chorus, approximately 200 singing members in Seattle Women's Chorus and more than 80 non-singing members. This varies slightly from concert to concert.
How will I know if I've been accepted as a singing member?
The Artistic Staff make their decisions at the conclusion of all scheduled auditions. The Company Manager contacts each auditionee by phone with the results of the Artistic Staff. If you are not yet ready to be a singing member, you will be asked to attend a future audition or be invited to participate as a Volunteer or an Associate.
What will happen after the audition?
New members will be asked to attend a New Member Orientation Meeting. This meeting will take about 90 minutes. It is designed to help you start getting acquainted with the chorus. You'll receive a copy of the Member Handbook, which contains lots of detailed information covered at the orientation. Seattle Women's Chorus new members will be assigned a "Sister In Song" (SIS); Seattle Men's Chorus new members will be assigned a "Chorus Buddy" who will help answer your questions during your first quarter. A SIS/Buddy is a seasoned member of the chorus who will provide you with preliminary information about schedules, rehearsal formats, and an overview of how the chorus operates.
What is the schedule for the upcoming season?
Seattle Men's Chorus performs three to four major concerts per year, with one or more performances of each. Seattle Women's Chorus performs two to three major concerts per year, with one or more performances of each. Both Choruses tour locally, regionally and nationally over the course of the year.
What repertoire do the choruses perform?
The Choruses are committed to performing a wide range of musical styles, from classical to popular.
How often are rehearsals?
Seattle Men's Chorus rehearses every Monday at from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm in Hildebrand Hall at Plymouth Congregational Church (downtown Seattle).
Seattle Women's Chorus rehearses every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 9:30pm in the Fellowship Hall at Seattle First Baptist Church (off Broadway on Capitol Hill).
Occasionally, rehearsals might take place in a different location - watch the weekly newsletter and listen to announcements for any changes.
More Questions?
If you are interested in learning more about playing an integral role in one of the premier arts organizations of the Northwest, Contact the Company Manager at 206.323.0750.
