Auditions
Sydney Chamber Choir is a vocal ensemble of around 24 voices that performs a wide range of music including Renaissance, Baroque, 20th century and contemporary music, both a cappella and with orchestras. Our rehearsals take place on Tuesdays from 7 till 10 pm currently in the grounds of the University of Sydney. There are also occasional rehearsals at other times, including weekends.
Sydney Chamber Choir seeks people with high-level, well-rounded musicianship skills, a quality of voice capable of blending, and good sight-singing. We hold auditions three to four times a year. We also suggest that, if possible, you attend a Sydney Chamber Choir concert before auditioning.
Auditions are conducted by a small panel which consists of the musical director and three members of the choir. The audition itself lasts about 20 minutes and includes:
- Some scales and exercises to warm up your voice.
- A prepared piece of your own choosing. You should pick a piece that you know well and are comfortable singing; something that shows off your vocal strengths. It doesn’t need to be complicated or virtuosic! There will be an accompanist available.
- Aural tests – picking a single note from a chord played on the piano.
- Sight singing – an unaccompanied melody of about 16 bars.
- Ensemble singing – singing your line as part of a vocal quartet. We will send you out the music for this in advance.
If you are skilled in all these areas, and you are interested in auditioning, please email us at auditions@sydneychamberchoir.org and send us some information about your musical skills, choral experience and any vocal training you may have had. Don’t forget to mention what part you prefer to sing!
This information will be shared with the rest of the auditions committee. The Auditions Coordinator will get back to you as soon as possible to arrange an audition if vacancies in your part are available.