About Our Audition Process
Audition registration for the 2022-23 season is now closed for the Ensemble Singers and Chorus. Thank you to everyone who auditioned to be a part of this season’s ensembles. Please read below for information regarding the audition process for next year and for a preview of the Chorus audition process.
Ensemble Singers Auditions
Eight paid positions per section; professional experience required. Ensemble Singers re-audition annually. There is a $12 audition fee* and auditions will take place in-person at Plymouth Congregational Church in the Spring of 2023. If you are unable to attend auditions on these dates, please send an email to audition@vocalessence.org and we will do our best to accommodate alternative arrangements.
Auditions are 15 minutes in length and consist of three parts:
Component 1: 2 vocal solos of your choice of approximately 2 minutes, with at least one selection sung in English
Component 2: sight reading exercise
Components 3: vocal range check
*We do not want the audition fee to be an impediment to your participation with VocalEssence. If you would like to request a waiver of the audition fee, please contact audition@vocalessence.org and we will assist you in getting registered.
VocalEssence Chorus Auditions
The VocalEssence Chorus is an auditioned ensemble of approximately 80-120 volunteer singers. Chorus members re-audition every 2 years as a way to check-in vocally with the conductors. If you are interested in auditioning for the 2023-24 Chorus, we will begin accepting virtual auditions in the Spring of 2023.
Auditions are 10 minutes in length and consist of four parts:
Component 1: vocal solo up to 2 minutes
Component 2: America the Beautiful
Components 3: vocal exercises
Components 4: mm. 1-23 of Dixit Dominus from Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore
Click here for a sample of the virtual audition instructions.
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 in-person rehearsals 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 and Music
The standard VocalEssence concert attire is a formal all-black outfit. Singers have the choice of wearing specific clothing to fit that description that reflects their identity and how they choose to present themselves while contributing to the blend of our visual presentation. Should you be accepted into the VocalEssence Chorus or Ensemble Singers, you are required to purchase concert attire at your own expense. Financial assistance may be available, but is not able to be guaranteed at this time.
VocalEssence provides all music and a black choir folder for use while you are a member of one of our ensembles. We ask all singers to return these items upon the completion of concerts or their time in the ensemble.
Additional questions? Please contact audition@vocalessence.org.