Auditions & Membership

Auditions

2012-2013 Auditions

Check back in the summer of 2012 for more information on auditions.

CVAE is a 24-28-voice volunteer chamber choir dedicated to performance at the highest professional level. Membership in CVAE is therefore based on strong musicianship, mastery of vocal technique, and the ability to commit to a demanding rehearsal and performance schedule.

Audition scheduling

Will be announced in summer 2012

Membership Information

Membership dues:

$50, paid annually by all singing members

Rehearsal Schedule

Regular rehearsals are every Tuesday from 7:15-9:45 p.m. and one Sunday per month from 6:00-8:30 p.m. Additional sectional rehearsals are scheduled as needed. Dress rehearsals are usually the day or evening before a performance.

Performance Schedule

1. CVAE performs 4-5 regular season concerts per year, as well as special events, and run-out concerts to other communities in Colorado.
2. Performances during the summer are considered as scheduling allows.
3. Occasionally CVAE will undertake a more extended tour, but only with sufficient advance planning and singer availability.
4. CVAE makes itself available for bookings at events such as parties and conventions. These often do not involve the full membership.

Audition, Re-audition and Evaluation of Members

1. Auditions are held annually for vacancies in all sections.
2. New members are accepted for a one-year trial period. After the first year, re-audition and evaluation will determine continuing membership.
3. All continuing members of all sections are re-auditioned and re-evaluated collectively every 3 years. (Audition years: 2006, 2009, 2012, etc.)
4. In any given year, irrespective of the 3-year audition cycle, significant areas of weakness or concern, such as poor rehearsal attendance or lack of individual musical preparation, can result in the singer’s place in the group being opened to audition as a vacancy.

Audition requirements

1. Sing two prepared pieces that fit the following criteria

Both songs must:
- Be from art song, oratorio, opera, or folk song literature. No pop or Broadway.
- Represent contrasting styles (e.g. one opera aria and one folk song.)
- Demonstrate range, good pitch, and strong musicianship skills

At least one of the songs must:
- Be in a language other than English.
- Demonstrate ability to sustain a legato line.

An accompanist is provided. You must sing with live accompaniment. No taped accompaniment or acappella performances.

2. Audition will include sight singing, pitch memory, and vocalization exercises to test range and vocal control.
3. Callback auditions by section are scheduled following the individual audition. These are used to determine the best blend and ensemble for each section.