Auditions for Handel Choir's 2015-2016 season are taking place May 11-16, 2015. We are hearing all parts SATB for all positions: community singers, professional choristers AND soloists.
Monday, May 11: 6-9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 12: 6-9 p.m.
Friday, May 15: 6-9 p.m.
Saturday, May 16: 9 a.m.-12 noon.
We rehearse Monday evenings, September through May, at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, at 1710 Dulaney Valley Road in Lutherville.
Call 667.206.4120 and leave a message or email anne@handelchoir.org to schedule an audition.
Please include:
1. your name
2. your voice part (SATB)
3. whether you are auditioning as a community singer, professional chorister or soloist.
4. your phone number and best time to call (daytime/evening, weekday/weeknight/weekend).
Auditions take place at Church of the Holy Comforter, 130 West Seminary Avenue in Lutherville, just north of the beltway. *Please note* there are two Holy Comforters in the area, so be sure to navigate to the correct address.
Handel Choir is an auditioned ensemble that performs choral-orchestral music with guest professional vocal soloists and professional orchestras of period or modern instruments, depending on the repertory. We also sing a cappella vocal music from all style periods. Our repertory is wide ranging, including baroque, classical, romantic and contemporary music.
What should I prepare for an audition?
You should prepare a song or aria that effectively demonstrates your vocal and musical ability—a folk song, hymn, patriotic song or aria are all fine. Those auditioning for a soloist role should prepare at least two works of contrasting styles. Accompanist will be present for your audition.
What should I expect in an audition?
Singers audition individually with Artistic Director and Conductor Arian Khaefi. Singers will also be asked to sing vocal exercises as demonstrated, to further assess voice category and color, and will sight-read a relatively simple melody and rhythm to demonstrate musicianship skills. Prior instrumental and/or vocal solo or ensemble experience is strongly recommended. Your audition will last approximately ten minutes.
What is the rehearsal schedule?
Handel Choir rehearses Monday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., periodic Tuesday sectionals (two per concert period), and mandatory working and dress choral-orchestral rehearsals during the two weeks prior to a subscription concert. In addition to our subscription concert performances, there are several performances in the community. Choir members are expected to sing in all scheduled appearances. In each of the subscription concert periods (September-December for Messiah and January through late April or early May) a maximum of two absences is permitted. Singers are expected to work on their music individually in between rehearsals, preparing assigned passages and reviewing music that proved challenging during prior rehearsals.
When do rehearsals begin?
The first rehearsal of the season is usually the first Monday after Labor Day, but the 2015-2016 first rehearsal date has not yet been confirmed. Please check back on this page for futher updates. Rehearsals for the 2014-2015 season began Monday September 8, 2014. After the Dec 2014 Messiah performances, rehearsals resumed in the new year on Monday, January 5.
Who sings in Handel Choir?
Our singers have a wide range of musical backgrounds; several are professional musicians. Singers range in age from early 20s to early 60s, and we come from the Baltimore/DC/Pennsylvania and Western Maryland regions. Handel Choir is a friendly group, and we get to know each other as friends as well as musicians.
Dues and music?
Annual membership dues of $170 are collected at the start of the season. Financial aid is available to ensure that all qualified singers are able to participate. Vocal scores for the season are available to members to purchase at cost. Members are welcome to use scores from their own collection provided the editions are the same. Black music folders are required for concerts; a limited number are available for purchase.
What does Handel Choir wear?
Members are responsible for providing their own concert attire. Men wear a black dinner jacket (tuxedo) with white shirt, black bow tie, black pants, black socks and black dress shoes. Women wear a long sleeved black top, floor length black skirt (hem 1/2 to 1 inch from floor) or dressy, loose fitting black pants, black hosiery and black dress shoes.
Additional responsibilities
Members support Handel Choir through participation on committees and by working on special projects. Each member supports Handel Choir by publicizing concerts and events to their friends, family and associates, and to their own communities, and by purchasing or selling tickets to subscription concerts.
For more information, please visit the Handel Choir's website.
