Chorus Auditions

Auditions for new Chorus members are typically held in the summer for some or all voice parts.

Our process is to ask prospective members to complete a questionnaire, learn a short chorale, which we send them, and then attend a group audition.  Following the 20- to 30-minute group audition, our committee selects those to audition in depth.  During these auditions, we listen to the individual sing the chorale with a quartet of our section leaders and then use vocal exercises to check the singer's range and ability to hear intervals.  We also include a rhythm exercise and an assessment of how well the individual can learn to speak in a foreign language (not a test of fluency).

If you are interested in being considered for an audition, email  and provide the following:

Address
Phone number
What voice part you typically sing
Recent choral singing experience

We will add your name to the prospect list and notify you when we set the next audition date for your voice part.

Chorus Faq

I'm not a trained musician. Would I still be able to audition for the Chorus?

Our members come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are trained and working as music educators and choir directors, but the majority have developed a love of singing during their school years and have continued to find an outlet for it through church choirs and community choruses.

While we don’t ask that members be proficient in sight-reading, we do expect our members to read music and understand musical dynamics.

What kind of music does the Chorus perform?

The Chorus performs the classical repertoire typically found in a Symphony program. We also perform Christmas Pops programs and occasionally other popular music. Our emphasis, however, is on the classical choral literature.

Where and when does the Chorus rehearse?

Our rehearsal schedule is driven by the Richmond Symphony’s season programming of choral works. We usually start rehearsals in early September and continue through early December. We resume rehearsals after the start of the new year and continue into March or later.

The Chorus rehearses on Tuesday evenings, from 7:30 to 10:00pm at Rhythm Hall at Richmond CenterStage, downtown at 6th & Grace Streets. Complimentary parking deck or street parking is available for rehearsals and performances. Rehearsals with the orchestra may be on Wednesday and/or Thursday and/or Friday evenings prior to a performance. Dress rehearsals are on Saturday morning or early afternoon.

How often does the Chorus perform?

We typically participate in several “Messiah” and Christmas Pops performances each year, as well as two performances of one or two masterworks program.

Are Chorus members paid or do they volunteer?

Although membership is through audition, Chorus members are volunteers. Each member receives one or two complimentary tickets to a performance in which they participate.

Is music provided or do I need to purchase it?

Music is provided, but members have the option of purchasing their scores. Members must provide their own black music folder for performances.

What is the rehearsal attendance policy?

We ask that our members attend all rehearsals. However, we understand that work and family commitments and illness will occasionally occur and require a member to be absent. If absences become excessive, we will ask the member to withdraw from the performances.