Audition Information

Audition Application
Directions to our rehearsal location

Thank you for your interest in singing with the Seattle Choral Company! New members are always welcome.  Here are answers to Frequently Asked Questions for prospective members:

Table of Contents

1. Do you need my voice part?
2. Do I have to be a trained singer?
3. What musical experiences should I have?
4. When and where are the auditions?
5. How do I schedule an audition?
6. What will I have to do at the audition?
7. What are the opportunities to perform in a smaller ensemble?
8. What is the Seattle Choral Company singing this season?
9. What are the membership dues?
10. What is expected for performance attire?
11. When and where are rehearsals, and how long are they?

1. Do you need my voice part?
   
   Singers from all sections are welcome to audition. There are usually vacancies in every section at the start of every season. Vacancies can occur throughout the season, as well. Sometimes, it’s useful to have an audition, even if there’s not enough room. When vacancies occur, we will consult our waiting list.
   
2. Do I have to be a trained singer?
   
   Although you are not required to have had formal voice lessons, all members are expected to be able to sing on pitch, in accurate rhythm, and to have moderate to good sight singing ability.  Singers are expected to have a good reading knowledge of musical notation.
    
3. What musical experiences should I have?
   
   Most, but not all, of our new members have had the equivalent of 2 to 3 years of college choral experience, preferably in an auditioned ensemble. Many include 2 to 4 years experience at the high school level in band, orchestra or chorus. Instrumental training is helpful. Study of at least one foreign language (Romance or Slavic) is highly recommended.
   
   Strengths in the following areas will be considered:
   • Vocal range and quality
   • Pitch and melodic memory
   • Music reading ability
   • Diction in English and other languages
   • General musicality
   • A positive attitude
   
   
4. When and where are the auditions?
   
   Our main auditions are held each year throughout the summer (June, July and August) and we also hold auditions periodically during the season depending on our needs.  We highly recommend, but do not require, that membership start in the fall.  For the 2007-2008 season, we begin on Tuesday, September 4.  The Fall Kick-Off will be on Saturday, September 8.
    
5. How do I schedule an audition?
   
   Call the Seattle Choral Company office at (206) 365-8765 and ask for the Artistic Director, Fred Coleman.  Mr. Coleman will get your home or email address, and send you our audition application form.  You may also download the audition application form from this web site. Mr. Coleman will examine your application and, if you have the qualifications, you will be scheduled a private appointment, lasting approximately one-half hour, conducted at the SCC office in north Seattle.
   
   
6. What will I have to do at the audition?
   
   All auditions consists of the following:
   • Vocalise and warm-up.  To display the range and color of the voice.  The warm-up will include runs and varying dynamic levels.  Men will be asked to sing in full head voice and in falsetto.
   • Matching pitches.  Singing pitches that are inside of two-note and three-note chords.
   • Melodic memory.  Singing a series of five to seven notes after one hearing.  These melodic series will vary in rhythm and complexity.  The final series is a simple whole-tone scale.
   • Melodic sight reading.  Singing a simple melody, written in diatonic, step-wise fashion.  The starting pitch and the key area will be played for you.
   • Harmonic sight reading.  Singing a simple choral piece in Latin--a non-melodic part suitable to your range.
   • Good Latin diction is required.  German and French may be tested, depending on the music scheduled.
   • General musicality.  Singing a well-known song (words optional!) using your full voice.
      
7. What are the opportunities to perform in a smaller ensemble?
   
   The Seattle Choral Company generally performs with an instrumental ensemble, or orchestra, but is also featured in a cappella works as well. Generally, there is one major program per season that is entirely a cappella. Generally one concert during the season will require a separate, smaller choir, which will rehearse on selected Wednesday evenings. Members of that ensemble are chosen from the larger group. The SCC is also asked to perform for recording studios and for the larger regional organizations, such as Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Symphony.
    
8. What is the Seattle Choral Company singing this season?

   Please consult our webpage describing each of our four concerts this season. 

9. What are the membership dues?
   
   In 2007-2008, dues will be $20 per month from September through May.  There are no extra dues fees if one is a member of a smaller ensemble.  Scholarships are available depending on financial need.

   Other small fees may be incurred, as well.  The Fall Kick-Off Retreat is $10.00.  Study CDs are available as music learning aids and generally cost $3.00.  (They are also available to download for free on our members' website.)  From time to time, members will be given the option to purchase their choral scores.
    

10. What is expected for performance attire?
    
    Men:
    The dress standard for men is a matte-black tuxedo, formal white shirt with a winged collar and flat pleats (no ruffles), black oxford-type shoes with black stockings.  A bow tie and vest that will match other men in the chorus need to be purchased through the wardrobe coordinator, or from local sources.
    
    Women:
    The dress standard for women is an all-black skirt and top, which can be one-piece or two-piece.  Women have some choice as to the type of dress desired.  Women’s wardrobes are purchased through the wardrobe coordinator.  Lower heeled shoes are requested for performing.  Black, closed-toed shoes and black hose are required.
    
    
11. When and where are rehearsals, and how long are they?
    
    The Seattle Choral Company currently rehearses on Tuesday evenings.  Our rehearsals are scheduled from 7:00 PM (sharp) to 9:30 PM.  During concert weeks, a 6:30 PM warm-up is customary and the rehearsal ends at 10:00 PM.  We meet in Drury Hall, which is located in the basement of First United Methodist Church, in downtown Seattle.  The church address is 811 5th Avenue.  (Between Marion and Columbia Streets.)  Parking is FREE.  The church will validate your parking ticket from the garage across the street.