About Our Audition Process
Each year dozens of experienced singers from the Twin Cities and beyond audition for VocalEssence performing ensembles. If you’d like to audition, please review the information below.
Ensemble Singers Auditions
Auditions for the VocalEssence Ensemble Singers 2019-2020 season are now closed. Email audition@vocalessence.org if you have any questions.
Eight paid positions per section; professional experience required. The 15-minute audition consists of two prepared pieces (at least one in English, memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. You will only be asked to perform at most 3 minutes of each piece. Ensemble Singers re-audition annually. There is a $12 non-refundable audition fee for auditioning with VocalEssence.
VocalEssence Chorus Auditions
Auditions for the VocalEssence Chorus 2019-2020 season will next be held in August. Send an email to audition@vocalessence.org if you would like to be notified when audition sign up times are made available.
Approximately 120 volunteer positions. The 15-minute audition consists of one prepared piece (classical or sacred/gospel/hymn, memorization not required), sight reading, and tonal memory. All chorus members re-audition every few years. 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.
Audition Day Logistics
As the audition day can flex slightly schedule-wise, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your audition. You will be asked to complete a short registration form. Warm-up space is not available. Please email audition@vocalessence.org or call (612) 547-1480 if you are running late or unable to make your audition.
Audition Location
Plymouth Congregational Church
1900 Nicollet Avenue (Franklin & Nicollet), Minneapolis, MN 55403
Park free in the church lot (Lot A on the map); enter the church through the door on the LaSalle Avenue (West) side of the building (under the covered walkway) and follow signs to auditions.
Accompanists
You must have an accompanist; you may bring your own or use ours. The cost of using our accompanist is included in your audition fee. You do not need to provide music to us in advance, but be sure to bring a copy of your music to your audition for the accompanist.
What to Expect if You’re Accepted
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from September through May, 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.