|
New Members -
Joining the Chorus of Westerly
Information about the 2014 Tour is here
The Chorus of Westerly will hold auditions for new singers - children and adults - in the upcoming weeks. The Chorus is currently seeking all adult voice parts but is especially looking for qualified tenors and basses. The Chorus is also looking for children ages 8 to 18 to join them for the 2013-2014 concert season.
Auditions will be held for all potential new singers on May 28, 2013 and June 4, 2013 from 4 pm to 8 pm at the George Kent Performance Hall, 119 High Street, in Westerly. Auditions generally last ten minutes for both adult and child singers. We ask that all potential singers either call the Chorus office at 401.596.8663 or email lee@chorusofwesterly.org to schedule a specific slot.
Children auditioning need to bring with them a parent (who will be there for the audition and to meet Chorus staff).
If a potential new singer cannot audition during one of the above times, please call the Chorus office at 401.596.8663 or email lee@chorusofwesterly.org to schedule an individual appointment with music director Andrew Howell. Mr. Howell will hear potential singers throughout the months of May and June with limited availability later in the summer. If you are interested in the Chorus at a later point in the year, call the office to inquire if new members are being accepted and Mr. Howell is hearing potential new singers.
For child and teenage singers, at your audition:
- You do not need to prepare anything in advance.
- You do not need to worry, come relaxed and have fun!
- You will do some vocal exercises with Mr. Howell that will allow him to learn more about your voice, your ear, and your musical background.
- Following your audition, Mr. Howell will talk with you and your parent about life in the Chorus and how you will begin with us. He will also explain the commitments for all singers to you and answer your questions.
New child and teenager singers who join us prior to July 15, are welcome and STRONGLY encourage to join us for our week long music camp in New Hampshire August 17-23, 2013. More information regarding this will be available at your audition. Camp is not a requirement for being a member, but we want you to come!!
For adult singers (age 18 and older)
Each audition for prospective new adult singers will involve singing prepared pieces and also some vocal exercises. Please choose 2 from the 5 musical excerpts below in which to sing your voice part while the accompaniment is played. Download the music below by clicking on the appropriate link. If you have difficulties, please call or email the office at the above contacts.
Sight reading skills will also be assessed as part of the audition process.
- Schubert selection
- Handel selection
- Vaughan Williams selection
- Mozart selection
- Brahms selection
|
Requirements of a Chorus of Westerly Singer once admitted
The Chorus of Westerly strives to perform at the highest levels of artistic excellence and therefore does require a strong level of commitment from its singers - both children and adults.
Singers are required to commit to the entire performance season. That includes attendance at regular weekly rehearsals (meaning great attendance at regular rehearsals with few if any abscences), mandatory attendance at performance week and weekend rehearsals, singing ALL the performances on the Chorus of Westerly's regular season (Fall concert, Christmas Pops, Twelfth Night, Spring concert, Summer Pops), participating in various volunteer capacities, and paying membership dues.
Participation in the 2014 Tour is not a requirement in being a member of the Chorus this season, though we hope as many current singers and new singers as possible join us. Singers who are active with the organization in the 2013-14 seaon are eligible to go on the tour.
Rehearsals (all at Kent Hall)
Adult rehearsals are generally Monday evenings from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm. From time to time, rehearsals may extend to 10 pm (but not often).
Children's rehearsals - for those who place into the main Chorus or veterans singers - are on Monday and Friday late afternoons. Teenagers in high school sing with the adults on Monday evenings.
New child singers, upon admission to the Chorus of Westerly organization, will be admitted to the training choir (levels 1 or 2) and will be involved in this choir until the music director deems them ready to move to the main children's rehearsals. Training choir rehearsals take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the late afternoon. Mr. Howell can explain this process at your child's audition.
Performance weekend rehearsals
Performance weekend rehearsal schedules are generally in these time blocks and days:
For the fall and spring concerts: An extra rehearsal the Friday night before the concert from 7 pm to 9 pm for ALL singers. A mandatory rehearsal with orchestra, soloists, and ALL singers on Saturday afternoon before the concert, generally from 1:30 pm to 5 pm. There is a break in the middle of this rehearsal. A Sunday afternoon rehearsal the day of the concert from 12 pm to 2:30 pm. Concerts are then Sunday afternoons at 4 pm and 6 pm or 4 pm and 6:30 pm.
For Christmas Pops: An extra rehearsal the Friday night before the concert from 7 pm to 9 pm. A mandatory rehearsal on Sunday afternoon from 12 pm to 2:30 pm prior to the concerts. Concerts at 4 pm and 6 pm.
For Twelfth Night: Because the holidays happen during this stretch the schedule varies and often we have to move rehearsals the two weeks prior to the show. Performance week though, there is a mandatory dress rehearsal the Thursday before the show opens, and performances Friday night, Saturday afternoon and night, and Sunday afternoon and night.
For Summer Pops: An extra rehearsal on the Thursday night before the concert from 7 or 8 pm for two hours. The day of the concert, a rehearsal in the late afternoon with the orchestra. Concert that same evening unless it rains.
|
