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We are always looking for singers who are interested in being a part of our ensemble. Auditions are conducted throughout the year. Not sure? Attend a rehearsal just to get a sense of who we are. Please call 562-439-6919 to schedule an audition. NEXT AUDITIONSMONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012Click the Sign Up Now button and we will contact you to answer any questions you may have and schedule an audition time.  Join us for our 22nd season! Auditions will be scheduled in 10-minute blocks on a first-come, first- served basis and are highly recommended. Please call 562-439-6919 to schedule an appointment time. Walk-ins are welcome, but we cannot guarantee that all walk-ins will be able to audition. California Heights United Methodist Church Regular Rehearsals are Monday Evenings from 7:00PM to 10:00PM at California Heights United Methodist Church. First rehearsal for new singers is Monday, January 30th. Click here to Tell A Friend about SCC Auditions! Directions to AuditionsNorthbound on 405Exit at Orange; turn left on the side road at the end of the exit; turn right on Orange; travel about half a mile on Orange; just before Bixby turn left into the parking lot. Southbound on 405Exit at Orange; turn left onto Orange; travel about half a mile on Orange; just before Bixby turn left into the parking lot.
The AuditionBecause SCC strives for artistic excellence, auditions are necessary, and competitive. We understand that the idea of an audition can be terrifying, and we do our best to make the audition process as painless as possible. When you audition, the only people in the room will be you and the Music Director. He will ask you a few questions about your musical background, vocalize a little with you and test your ability to sing back what you hear. If you wish, you may sing a piece of your choice. In all, it takes about fifteen minutes and is completely painless. While no one does everything well, as long as you've sung in a choir, we're sure you'll do fine. Please don't take yourself out of SCC by not auditioning! If you have never sung with a choir, please audition anyway. You may be a natural who can quickly learn what it’s like to sing in a group. Frequently Asked Questions about AuditionsBelow is a list of some common questions about the audition process and about singing in the chorale. If you’ve been singing for years, you may not find this information useful to you; but for those who haven’t had much experience or who get nervous at an audition, we offer this information. “I have no idea what to do at the audition. What if I screw up?”Most people find themselves so distracted by not knowing what to expect in the audition that they aren’t able to be themselves. Think of the audition as an interview. It’s not only a chance for us to get to know you, but an opportunity for you to interview us as well. Our singers contribute far more than a voice - they contribute energy and spirit. The most important thing to remember about the process is to be yourself. Almost everyone is nervous and doesn’t perform as well as they are able. Come and have fun! “Who will be in the room at the audition? Lots of people?”No. Just you and the Music Director. “What will I sing in the audition? I don’t have any songs prepared.”It’s not required that you prepare material, though it is helpful if you have. The audition is not a performance; it’s an exploration of your voice. “What happens in the audition?”You’ll bring in your audition form (you fill that out when you get here), be introduced to and chat with the Music Director. The Music Director will guide you through some simple vocal exercises. “What happens afterward? Am I told the results of my audition tonight?”Not likely. It’s important to keep a balance between the four sections, which means final decisions may not be made the same night as the auditions. You will be notified in writing (possibly e-mail) or by phone from someone on our membership team within a few days. The possible responses are: 1) Welcome to the chorale! 2) I’d like for you to come sing a couple of rehearsals with us before we make a firm membership offer or 3) Not yet. “What if I don’t get accepted? Does that mean I’m terrible?”Of course not. There are several possible reasons for not being accepted. It could be that you haven’t yet had enough experience, that some additional vocal work is in order for you, or that we can’t accept any new members in the section that you would sing in. We believe in being honest with you about the audition and will let you know of any concerns before you leave. You can always audition again in the future. “There are people who have great voices in the Chorale. I can’t sing like that.”Choral singing is about the sound you make together, not individually. There are leaders and there are followers in any group, and both are important. You will never be asked to be a soloist if that doesn’t interest you. Solos during the performances are usually auditioned from the membership and different songs need different voices. “I don’t read music. Is that a requirement?”No. Many great musicians don’t read a note of music. It’s not essential as long as you can match pitch, learn quickly and hold on to your part. We’ll do some checking on this in the audition. If you don’t read music, it will be especially important for you to spend additional time outside of rehearsal practicing your music (rehearsal recordings are provided) “How do you memorize all that music?”Memorization takes work and it’s something that the chorale is committed to doing because it creates a stronger connection with our audience in performance. We follow a “memorize as we go” schedule so we’re not busy cramming the week before. It takes work, but it’s worth the effort. You need to bring a digital (or tape) recorder to weekly rehearsals so that you can use the recordings during the week to practice and memorize your songs. Time CommitmentOur regular season includes two rehearsal periods: August thru December and January thru June, with subscriber shows occurring during both periods. There may be a short break between these periods. Required rehearsals for these performances are every Monday evening from 7 - 10 PM in Long Beach. Regular attendance is crucial as a singing member. Attendance policies will be distributed at the beginning of each season but in general you may not miss more than 3 rehearsals before any concert. Additional required sectionals, tech and dress rehearsals are scheduled during each rehearsal period. Community performances (appearances at various events and venues in Long Beach and Orange County) may be scheduled between subscriber concerts, depending on the Chorale's availability. You will receive a complete schedule of rehearsals, performances and other important dates as soon as you join so you can mark your calendar accordingly. SCC involves more than just music. To keep the Chorus running smoothly, we require each member to serve on one of several committees that keep the organization moving forward. We also rely on all members to sell tickets and publicize our events. All in all, most of our members average anywhere from 4 - 6 hours of commitment in the average week, including the regular rehearsal. Financial CommitmentWe ask every member to make an annual tax deductible pledge to SCC. The annual pledge for membership is $200.00 per year, however we are very flexible in making payment arrangements and scholarships available for those in need. Please don't decide not to audition based on your finances! Although we do rely on member pledges, we will not turn anyone away for lack of funding. What Now?If you have further questions or want to schedule an audition please call 562-439-6919. You may also send e-mail correspondence to auditions@sccsingers.org. We look forward to meeting you and welcoming you to our family. |
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