Audition
Experience the joy of singing in a community of talented and dedicated women! WomenSing is always seeking experienced and skilled choral singers. Auditions are held at the beginning of the season or concert series, or by appointment throughout the year.
Get to Know WomenSing
You can hear us online and review our recent repertoire. We recommend that prospective singers attend a rehearsal or concert before requesting an audition. Contact audition@womensing.org for information. If you feel you are a good fit with WomenSing and are interested in auditioning, just fill out the online form. As soon as we receive your information, we will send you our season schedule for your review before setting up an audition appointment. Or, you can contact us by email at audition@womensing.org or call our voice mail at 925-974-9169.
Next Auditions:
August 18 and 24, 2010
Click here to fill out the audition form and start the process.
The WomenSing Audition
Prospective singers are auditioned/interviewed by the artistic director. Singers will be asked to vocalize, sing scales a cappella, sight-read a short passage, and present a prepared piece (art song, aria, folk song, or choral excerpt). An accompanist is provided, so please bring an extra copy of the music. Each audition/interview takes approximately twenty minutes.
Complimentary Tickets
Available to singers who are interested in auditioning for WomenSing. Email us at audition@womensing.org or call (925) 974-9169 for details.
Rehearsals and Performances
Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings in central Lafayette from 7:15 to 9:45, beginning the first Wednesday after Labor Day. WomenSing’s season runs from September to June. There are three concerts series (two performances in each series) per season: early December, mid-March/early April, and late May/early June. Recording sessions are sometimes held the week after our concerts.
Concert venues are located throughout the East Bay. Some recent venues include St. Mary’s Chapel in Moraga, Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Berkeley, and the First Congregational Church of Berkeley. Be sure to read the Audition FAQ below for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions About WomenSing
Time Commitment
- Where and how long are the rehearsals?
- Does the group have practice material available?
- What if I need extra help learning the music?
- What other musical activities are expected of WomenSing members?
- Are members expected to volunteer?
Audition
- What is WomenSing looking for in new singers?
- Are there solo/small group opportunities?
- Do members have to re-audition?
Fees
- How much does it cost to sing with WomenSing?
- Do I need to buy a performance costume?
- Do I need to buy music?
- I’d like to sing with the group, but these expenses are too high for me.
Time Commitment
Where and how long are the rehearsals?
WomenSing rehearses on Wednesday evenings from 7:15-9:45 pm at the Lafayette United Methodist Church (955 Moraga Rd.) near downtown Lafayette.
Does the group have practice materials available?
Our private database, Musetta, will give the singer access to sound files, score markings, pronunciation guides, translations, etc.
What if I need extra help learning the music?
In addition to the Wednesday night rehearsals, WomenSing offers optional Tuesday morning rehearsals at the Orinda Community Church music room from 10:00 to 11:30. Section leaders also lead optional sectionals at members’ homes to help singers master pitches and rhythms.
What other musical activities are expected of WomenSing members?
As part of the regular concert season, workshops are held once per concert series where members work with a noted clinician. Past clinicians have included Libby Larsen, Joseph Jennings, and Charles Bruffy. Every other year an overnight weekend retreat is held (usually in late January). There are also opportunities for optional outreach performances and touring.
Are members expected to volunteer?
Chorus members also contribute to the smooth functioning of the organization by volunteering their skills in finance, publicity, marketing, development, organizational support and the like. An annual fundraiser is held in October, and participation in this fun and essential event is strongly encouraged.
Audition
What is WomenSing looking for in new singers?
First and foremost, WomenSing seeks team players who can commit to the high artistic standards we strive for. We seek experienced and skilled choral singers. Some sight-reading ability is desired, and willingness to learn the music in a timely fashion is required. We take our tag line (“the traditional and the unexpected”) seriously, meaning that the group performs some unusual contemporary music.
Are there solo/small group opportunities?
Yes. These opportunities vary widely depending on the program. Some will be auditioned and some will be assigned.
Do members have to re-audition?
Yes. Returning singers re-audition every three years on a rotation basis.
Fees
How much does it cost to sing with WomenSing?
New members pay $85 for each concert series during their first year. After that, members pay $120 per series. Members who are under 40 continue to pay the new member fee of $85.
Do I need to buy a performance costume?
Yes. The current costume consists of a full-length dress with one of two jackets, a black one worn in the fall and a fitted green one worn in the spring. The cost is approximately $90. However, you can spread the expense out over the year by purchasing the dress in the fall and the green jacket in the spring, since WomenSing has black jackets for loan.
Yes. Music costs generally run between $8 and $30 per concert series. However, the chorus does repeat repertoire so you may already own certain pieces of music.
I’d like to sing with the group, but these expenses are too high for me.
WomenSing offers scholarships to singers who need assistance with the costs of participating in the organization. Cost should never be a factor in your decision to participate. Please speak to the Audition Coordinator for more information.
