Join the Seattle Choral Company!

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 is useful to have an audition, even if there is not enough room. When vacancies occur, we will consult our waiting list.

SCC singers come from all walks of life. Everyone is expected to have had choral experience in an advanced ensemble. Formal voice study is not required, but all members are expected to be able to sing musically, on pitch, in accurate rhythm, and to have moderate to good sight reading ability. Singers are expected to have a good reading knowledge of musical notation, and some familiarity with foreign languages.

How do I schedule an audition?

Download an audition application form here (PDF format, 57KB). Email, fax, or mail your completed form to the SCC office. (Contact information can be found here.) The Artistic Director will examine your application and, if you have the qualifications, you will be contacted to schedule a private appointment, lasting approximately one-half hour, conducted at University Christian Church.

All auditions consists of the following:

• Come prepared to sing two short solo pieces of your choosing (art song, aria, hymn, or folk song) — one in English and one in another language. An accompanist will be provided if needed. You are welcome to bring your own accompanist, if you wish.
• We will send you two short choral pieces which you will need to prepare to sing unaccompanied.
• Your audition will begin with an extended warm-up to display the range and qualities of your singing voice.
• You will be quizzed on intervals, articulation, and pitch retention.
• You will be asked to read a passage in either French, German, Italian, or Spanish.
• To determine your sight reading ability, we will have you sing two short choral pieces in a quartet with Seattle Choral Company singers. One piece will be in Latin and one in English.

How many singers make up the Seattle Choral Company?

The Seattle Choral Company has approximately 70 singers on its roster during the concert season. We expand to 90 singers as a festival chorus, when we are called upon to sing with regional orchestras. Our chamber choir, Cappella, consists of 24 to 32 singers. Beginning next season, we will have three categories of membership:

1. Full member.
   Full members are asked to commit to most, if not all, of the season rehearsals and performances designated on the schedule. Full members are regularly auditioned, pay dues to the organization, and are actively involved in ticket sales, fundraising, and volunteer activities.
2. Chamber choir member.
   Chamber choir members will be drawn from the full membership roster during the course of the season by invitation and by audition. Participation in our chamber choir is not a requirement for full membership.
3. Festival chorus member.
   Festival chorus members are qualified singers who may wish to sing in our larger symphonic productions (such as Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony in October). These are singers who are either not available or are not able to fulfill the requirements of full membership. Dues payments are not required.

Festival chorus members may be included in our regular performance cycle at the discretion of the Artistic Director.

When and where are the rehearsals?

The Seattle Choral Company rehearses on Tuesday evenings. Our rehearsals are scheduled from 7:00pm (sharp) to 9:30pm. We meet in the basement Social Hall of University Christian Church, located in Seattle’s University District. The church address is 4731 15th Ave NE (at the corner of 15th Ave NE and NE 50th St). In some locations, on-street parking is FREE after 6:00pm. There is parking lot across the street from the church entrance which has an evening parking for a reasonable fee.

What are the membership dues?

Membership dues are $300 ($30 per month) for September through June. Dues paid in one annual payment are $25 per month ($250 total). Scholarships are available depending on financial need; speak with director Freddie Coleman directly.

Other small fees may be incurred from time to time. Study CDs are available as music learning aids, and they generally cost $3.00 each. (They are also available to download for free from our member web site.) From time to time, members will be given the option to purchase their choral scores.

What is expected for performance attire?

Men: The dress standard for men is a matte-black tuxedo, a formal white shirt with a winged collar and flat pleats (no ruffles), and black oxford-type dress shoes with black socks or stockings. A black bow tie and vest need to be purchased from local sources; for more information, talk with your section leader.

Women: The dress standard for women is an all-black skirt and top from ConcertBlack.com. You have a choice of four tops and two skirts; our online membership page gives more details. Black, closed-toed dress shoes and black hose are required.

What other responsibilities are expected of me as a member of the Seattle Choral Company?

The Seattle Choral Company is a non-profit organization largely run by volunteers. We require members to participate in the funding and operation of the organization, including promoting the concerts, supporting fund-raising activities, and performing volunteer tasks.