Chorus Auditions

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

Our process is to send applications to our prospects and then select those individuals we wish to hear.  In the past, we have sent a short chorale to be learned ahead of time.  During the audition, 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 may also include a rhythm exercise.  Each audition runs about 10 minutes; for reasons of time constraints, we ask that solos not be prepared.

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 Grace Baptist Church, near Malvern and Cary Streets in Richmond’s near west end. The Church is centrally located and easily accessible to our members. Dress rehearsals with the orchestra occur on Wednesday and/or Thursday evenings prior to a performance and occasionally on Saturday morning or afternoon.

How often does the Chorus perform?

We typically participate in several “Messiah” and Christmas Pops performances each year, as well as three performances of one or two masterworks program. We may also perform as part of the Kicked Back Classics or chamber orchestra series.

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.