We hold auditions twice a year, in September and January. We have completed our January 2012 round. Our next auditions will be on September 5th & 6th 2012 for the 2012-13 season. Feel free to send an email to auditions@nycgmc.org with your name, phone number and email address and we will add you to our future audition contact list. We will then contact you when the details of the auditions have been confirmed. We rehearse regularly on Monday nights in Manhattan from 7-10pm, at the LGBT Center on 13th Street and 7th Avenue.
In the meantime, here is more information on the process of auditioning:
What We Are Looking For
- A passion for singing
- Musicality
- A good voice
- Openness, teamwork, and a positive attitude
- Some level of reading skill and/or a good musical memory
- A commitment to our mission, essentially fighting homophobia through song
Clearly, not everyone will have all of these attributes – don’t worry, you do not have to be the perfect 10. More often than not, a healthy mix of most of the above qualities will be enough to qualify for the Chorus. Whatever your skills, all we ask is that you embrace singing in all styles and we can guarantee you’ll find people in the Chorus who share your interests and voices in the Chorus with whom you can blend.
What to Expect
The word “audition” sounds a little scary. Think of it as a chance to introduce yourself to the Chorus and for the Chorus to get to know you and your vocal abilities. Auditions take only a few minutes and are as relaxed, friendly and informal as we can make them. Our main goal is to leave you feeling that you’ve done your best.
Before you go in, we will ask you to fill out an audition form asking for your contact details, some information about you, and your singing history (if any).
The audition usually goes like this:
In the room, you will find the Artistic Director, who is usually joined by several Section Leaders, and a Secretary, who takes notes.
- We begin with a brief chat, and then some vocalises to determine your range and section.
- Then you sing a one minute excerpt from a prepared solo of your choice. Sing something you know, and that represents what you do well. Any style will do – pop, Broadway, church music, opera aria, something from your own cultural heritage . . . even “Happy Birthday” or “Amazing Grace”. We’ll provide the accompanist. Bring sheet music with you for you and/or the accompanist, and be prepared to indicate the minute’s music that best shows off your voice.
- Finally, we include a very brief check of your music reading skills. We recognise that singers learn music in different ways. Some read music well but find it hard to memorise, while others can pick up a line quickly by ear but are not experienced readers. All are welcome and if you are successful, we provide listening tracks and other support of various kinds. We want enthusiastic singers more than we want good readers. But if you read well, this is an advantage.
Whatever happens, you can be assured there will be a supportive and respectful atmosphere, and you’ll get a lot of encouragement from your new friends. Current members will also be available to answer any questions you have.
What Happens Afterwards
We will be in touch by phone or email within a few days to let you know the outcome. There are currently three possible outcomes:
a) Yes, we would like you to join the chorus. In this case we will be in touch with you very soon with details of what to do next.
b) Sorry, no, we can’t accept you into the chorus this time.
c) Yes, we would like you to join the chorus, but we do not have space at this time, so we would like you to join our Reserve List. We keep in touch with those on our reserve list, and hope to include them mid-season, if people drop out.
If you are accepted to the Chorus, please keep Monday evenings free and watch the website for details of New Member Orientation, parties, etc. If you don’t make it, please do consider trying again.
