About Our Audition Process
Virtual auditions for our adult ensembles have now closed. Our artistic staff will begin reviewing the submitted auditions and consider those who have auditioned. Following that review, we will be in touch with all who auditioned to let you know the status of your admission to one of the ensembles and any additional need for an in-person audition. If you have any questions, please email audition@vocalessence.org.
Ensemble Singers Auditions
Eight paid positions per section; professional experience required. Ensemble Singers re-audition annually.
This year’s virtual audition consists of four brief sections. Singers are asked to sing a brief 2-3 minute solo, accompanied or unaccompanied, sing the first stanza of America the Beautiful, record 3 short vocal exercises, and sing the opening 23 measures of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Dixit Dominus. The required vocal exercises and score are provided on the Flipgrid website upon completion of the registration form. There is a $12* non-refundable audition fee for auditioning with VocalEssence.
VocalEssence Chorus Auditions
Approximately 120 volunteer positions.
This year’s virtual audition consists of four brief sections. Singers are asked to sing a brief 2-3 minute solo, accompanied or unaccompanied, sing the first stanza of America the Beautiful, record 3 short vocal exercises, and sing the opening 23 measures of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Dixit Dominus. The required vocal exercises and score are provided on the Flipgrid website upon completion of the registration form. There is a $12* non-refundable audition fee for auditioning with VocalEssence.
*We do not want the $12 fee to keep you from auditioning. Email audition@vocalessence.org to set up an audition if the fee would keep you from auditioning.
What to Expect if You’re Accepted
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from September through June, plus special rehearsals and dress rehearsals as needed for each concert; most take place at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis. VocalEssence singers are expected to commit to the full VocalEssence concert season.
- The VocalEssence Ensemble Singers have a rigorous schedule and typically rehearse 6:30-9:30 pm on Tuesday evenings, plus other special rehearsals as needed. The singers perform at most season and community concerts as well as local, national, and international tours, recordings, radio broadcasts, daytime performances and for other special occasions.
- The VocalEssence Chorus rehearsals run from 7-9:30 pm on Tuesday evenings, plus dress rehearsals for each concert. Chorus members sing on most season and community concerts.
Concert Attire
Should you be accepted into the VocalEssence Chorus or Ensemble Singers, you are required to purchase concert attire at your own expense. Men are required to wear a black tuxedo. Women are required to purchase a specially designed dress at a cost of $65-$75 (plus alterations).
Additional questions? Please contact audition@vocalessence.org.