DATES
The next round of Chorus auditions will occur in Summer 2024.
Please visit this website periodically for updated information!

REQUIREMENTS

(updated 5/30/2023)
Experienced singers over the age of 18 who can read music are invited to audition (high school graduates not yet age 18 may be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Singers who are selected for the Chorus are expected to participate in all rehearsals and performances of the season, so please thoroughly review the season’s calendar before applying. Weekly rehearsals are held throughout the season on Monday evenings, 7:00-9:30 PM at Central United Methodist Church (1875 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004). All performances are held at Phoenix Symphony Hall (75 N 2nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85004), unless listed otherwise. The week of performances typically will include mandatory rehearsals with the performance conductor on Monday (at CUMC) and the two evenings prior to the first performance (at Symphony Hall).

Indicate your desire to audition for the Chorus by completing the following no less than two weeks before in-person auditions are to be held. In a nutshell, the process includes writing an email, sending a simple recording, and filling out a form, as follows:

1. Email a brief note of introduction to tpsc06@gmail.com, highlighting your singing, training, and other relevant musical experience.

2. Attach to the same email a brief audio or video sample, or include a link to a YouTube video of yourself singing alone. You may submit a recording in any digital format, no longer than 4 minutes in length, recorded using a video camera, your computer camera, or even your phone's camera. It does not need to have high production value, but it does need to be of sufficient quality to reasonably represent your classical solo voice. Make sure your voice can be heard clearly on the recording.

  • Repertoire: For this recording, perform an art song, aria, folk song, or simple hymn (not pop, jazz or Broadway songs), in any language, with or without accompaniment.
  • Style: Sing in manner that represents your best art song, operatic, or concert choir voice. You should not perform in a pop, jazz, contemporary, or Broadway belt style voice.
  • Range: Perform in the vocal range for which you wish to be considered in the Chorus. (e.g. a very high selection for Soprano 1 or Tenor 1, very low for Bass 2, etc.). Please note that the Chorus Master may choose to offer you a place in a different section if he feels this is where you can make the most positive contribution to the Chorus at this time.
  • Vocalize: After performing your solo, demonstrate the full range of your voice by singing a simple vocal pattern through your entire range. We recommend you sing a repeated pattern on a single vowel (such as the pitches of Do-Re-Mi-Fa-Sol-Fa-Mi-Re-Do, or similar pattern), beginning in the middle of your range and going to your highest and then down to your lowest good range. If it is more convenient for you, this may be done on a separate audio or video submission.

 3. Complete the Prospective Member Information Form within two days of sending your email and your audio/video submission.

The Chorus Master and Audition Committee will review the audio/video submission and will extend invitations for in-person auditions to qualified singers.

1. During a 10-15 minute in-person audition, singers will be asked to perform a prepared solo and demonstrate their range and quality in simple vocalizing exercises.
  • Perform a well-prepared art song, aria, folk song, or hymn, in any language, preferably accompanied. Do not perform pop, jazz or Broadway music.
  • Your music does not need to be memorized, but you are encouraged to perform 'off-book' if that is more comfortable for you.
  • A professional pianist is provided during the audition to play the piano part of any vocal solo.
  • Bring two copies of your music: 1 copy for the pianist and 1 copy for the Chorus Master.
  • Singers may also be asked to sight sing or sing with other voices on a choral passage.

2. Candidates will be notified within a few days whether they are invited to join the Chorus.
  • All new members are on probation throughout their first season. During this time, their vocal contribution, attitude, timeliness and attendance, musical preparation, cooperation with and support of their fellow singers, and commitment to the Chorus will be observed and evaluated for ongoing membership as well as for continued membership beyond the first year.
  • Even after the first year, members are required to maintain these high standards to continue with The Phoenix Symphony Chorus.
COVID-19 & Safety Protocol
The Phoenix Symphony currently does not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination or masks for its musicians, including the Chorus. The Phoenix Symphony Chorus will continue to follow instructions from the Symphony in the future.