Symphony Chorus
Audition Information
CANTON SYMPHONY CHORUS - 2010 AUDITION INFORMATION
A Note from the Chorus Master
It is the desire of all of us with the Canton Symphony Orchestra and Chorus to continue to build the size and quality of our Chorus. We are on a campaign to double the size of the chorus over the next few years, and we hope that you will be a part of that growth.
Most people underestimate their musical and vocal abilities to be accepted into the Canton Symphony Chorus (CSC). They desire to be a part, but, when they hear our fine performance, they often say, “I’d love to be in the Chorus, but I’m not good enough.” What many do not realize is that the choir sounds good because it works hard at being good while at the same time reaping the rewards of doing what the members most enjoy – singing quality music extremely well with other people who share their passion for making music.
I have found that most people that have sung in a high school, college, church, or civic choruses have adequate skills to be a part of the CSC. Please consider joining us to become a part of our excellent chorus and perform with one of the best orchestras and choruses in Ohio. - C.M.
Audition Information
Membership in the Canton Symphony Chorus is determined by audition. The audition is simple, short (about six minutes), private and non-judgmental, and is designed to give the Chorus Master an idea of how he can best utilize the auditionee’s talents in the Symphony Chorus.
The audition consists of three parts:
1. Singing a solo: The auditionee will be asked to sing a solo of his/her choosing that will best display his/her vocal ability. The solo may be any type of song (such as a church hymn, folk song, show tune, art song, or an opera aria) and in any language. A piano accompanist is provided at no cost to the auditionee.
2. Vocalizing: The auditionee may be led by the Chorus Master through some basic vocal exercises to determine his/her range, flexibility, vocal timbre, and how his/her voice can best be utilized in the Chorus.
3. Assessing musical skills:
A. We understand that some people are not comfortable sight singing at an audition or may mistakenly feel that their reading skills are too poor to be placed in the Chorus. What is important – and this is the reason for this portion of the audition – is that potential Chorus members demonstrate their ability to learn the music that the Chorus performs. For some, this can be done by relying on one’s sight-reading skills; for others, it is achieved through the member’s strong commitment and ability to learn the music outside of rehearsal. At the audition, the auditionee will be asked to demonstrate his/her music-reading or music-learning skills in one of two ways:
Option One - Preparation prior to the audition: The auditionee may prepare (learn) the audition sight-singing music using any manner he/she chooses prior to the audition.
Download MUSIC FOR OPTION ONE
Option Two - Sight reading at the audition: The auditionee will sight read a piece of music at the audition selected by the director.
In either case, the piano accompanist will play all voice parts (if the work is unaccompanied) or the piano accompaniment (if the work is accompanied) as the singer sings his/her part.
B. Returning Members: Persons who sang in the CSOC this past season will not be required to sight read; however, returning members will be expected to sing a portion of a work performed at one of this year's concerts. The piano will play the orchestra reduction, not the voice parts. Returning members will be asked to sing "Lacrimosa" and the first "Osanna" from Mozart's Requiem.
Download AUDITION MUSIC FOR RETURNING MEMBERS
Auditions will be held again in late August/early September at the Education Center of the Cultural Center, 1014 Cleveland Ave N.
For audition information or questions, please send an e-mail to Symphony Chorus Membership Chair Ann Ferrell at CHORUS@CANTONSYMPHONY.ORG
