1. Do you need my voice part?
All voice parts are welcome to audition. There are vacancies in every section at the start of every season. Vacancies can occur throughout the season, as well. Sometimes, it's useful to have an audition, even if there's not enough room. There may be a waiting list.

2. Do I have to be a trained singer?
Although you are not required to have had formal voice lessons, all members are expected to be able to sing on pitch, in accurate rhythm, and to have moderate to good sight singing ability. Singers are expected to have a good reading knowledge of musical notation.

3. What musical experiences should I have?
Most, but not all, of our new members have had the equivalent of 2 to 3 years of college choral experience, preferably in an auditioned ensemble. Many include 2 to 4 years experience at the high school level in band, orchestra or chorus. Instrumental training can be very valuable, as well as foreign languages.

Strengths in the following areas will be considered:
Vocal range and quality
Pitch and melodic memory
Music reading ability
Diction in English and other languages
General musicality
Positive attitude

4. When and where are the auditions?
Our main auditions are held each year throughout the summer (June, July and August) and we also hold auditions periodically during the season depending on our needs. We highly recommend, but do not require, that membership start in the fall. For the 2003-2004 season, we begin on October 4.

5. How do I schedule an audition?
Call the Seattle Choral Company office at (206) 365-8765 and ask for the Artistic Director, Fred Coleman. Mr. Coleman will interview you over the phone. He will want to know about your voice type, choral experience and general level of musical proficiency. At Mr. Coleman's discretion, you will be scheduled a private appointment, lasting approximately one-half hour, conducted at the SCC office in North Seattle.

6. What will have to do at the audition?
All auditions consists of the following:
a. Vocalise and warm-up. To display the range and color of the voice. The warm-up will include runs and varying dynamic levels. Men will be asked to sing in full head voice and in falsetto.
b. Matching pitches. Singing pitches that are inside of two-note and three-note chords.
c. Melodic memory. Singing a series of five to seven notes after one hearing. These melodic series will vary in rhythm and complexity. The final series is a simple whole-tone scale.
d. Melodic sight reading. Singing a simple melody, written in diatonic, step-wise fashion. The starting pitch and the key area will be played for you.
e. Harmonic sight reading. Singing a simple choral piece in Latin--a non-melodic part suitable to your range. Good Latin diction is required. German and French may be tested, depending on the music scheduled.
f. General musicality. Singing a well-known song (words optional!) using your full voice.

7. Are there other performance opportunities?
The Seattle Choral Company generally performs with an instrumental ensemble, or orchestra, but is also featured in a cappella works as well. Our Christmas concert is a mixture of a cappella and accompanied pieces. Generally, there is one major program per season that is entirely a cappella. From time to time, the larger group is divided into smaller ensembles, depending on the venue. The SCC is also asked to perform for recording studios and for the larger regional organizations, such as Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Symphony.

8. What is the Seattle Choral Company singing this season?
Please consult our webpage describing each of our five concerts this season.

9. What are the membership dues and fees?
In 2003-2004, dues will be $20 per month from October through June. There are no extra dues fees if one is a member of a smaller ensemble. Scholarships are available depending on financial need.

Other small fees may be incurred, as well. The Fall Kick-Off Retreat is $10.00. Study CDs are available as music learning aids and generally cost $3.00. From time to time, members will be given the option to purchase their choral scores.

10. What is expected for performance attire?
Men:
The dress standard for men is a matte-black tuxedo, formal white shirt with a winged collar and flat pleats (no ruffles), black oxford-type shoes with black stockings. A bow tie and vest that will match other men in the chorus need to be purchased through the wardrobe coordinator.

Women:
The dress standard for women is an all-black skirt and top, which can be one-piece or two-piece. Women have some choice as to the type of dress desired. Women's wardrobes are purchased through the wardrobe coordinator. Lower heeled shoes are requested for performing. Black, closed-toed shoes and black hose are required.

11. When and where are rehearsals, and how long are they?
The Seattle Choral Company currently rehearses on Tuesday evenings. Our rehearsals are scheduled from 7:00 PM (sharp) to 9:30 PM. During concert weeks, a 6:30 PM warm-up is customary and the rehearsal ends at 10:00 PM. We meet in Drury Hall, which is located in the basement of First United Methodist Church, in downtown Seattle. The church address is 811 Fifth Avenue, on 5th Avenue between Marion and Columbia Streets. Parking is FREE. The church will validate your parking ticket from the garage across the street