LOS ANGELES WOMEN'S CHOIR AUDITIONS

What kind of musical experience is expected from new singers?​

New singers should have:​

• Some choral experience, whether from having sung in a church, school or community group.

• The ability to sight-read music of some complexity.

• The ability to learn text in other languages and memorize music for performances.

• The desire to perform a wide range of music. Click here for a list of our past concerts, or here to browse through our repertoire – it’s eclectic!

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What kind of time commitment does membership require?​

VOX seasons run from early September to the middle of June, with weekly rehearsals and three major concerts. Singers are expected to commit to our rehearsal and performance schedule for a minimum of one year. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

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Where and when are the rehearsals?​

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday night from 7:30-9:45 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles on 6th and Commonwealth in Koreatown. A dress rehearsal, in addition to the regular weekly rehearsal, is held during the week prior to each major concert. Additional rehearsals may be required at the discretion of the Artistic Director. While not mandatory, singers are encouraged to attend sectionals hosted by singers throughout the season typically during weekends and in singers’ homes in different parts of Los Angeles.​

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When and where are the performances?​

Major VOX concerts are held in November, March and June on Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons at Zipper Hall in the Colburn School of Music in downtown Los Angeles and at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. To fulfill our Mission Statement, three free community performances are scheduled throughout the year. Any additional performance requests are brought to the membership to determine feasibility. During the 22nd season, singers had the opportunity to perform at the LA Women's March with Ingrid Michaelson, at the Ovation Awards - LA's answer to the Tony's - and at a concert celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with choirs from across the city. A detailed schedule of all confirmed dates for the upcoming season is provided at audition time.

What would be my financial obligations?​

All singing members pay annual membership dues of $170 to help cover operational expenses. There is a refundable deposit of $25 for music and a black performance folder for the duration of membership. Other costs that members can expect are associated with, but not limited to: travel to and from rehearsals, parking at performance spaces, concert attire, touring, retreats and social events. Social events are optional and scholarships may be available for touring.

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What other responsibilities and opportunities will I have as a member of VOX?​

Singers are expected to fulfill our Mission Statement and strive for a musical performance of high quality. Therefore, the ability to read, rehearse and learn your music in a timely manner is of the utmost importance. Vox requires that each singer purchase her own concert attire. For most concerts, this will be a dressy, elegant, all black, long-sleeved or ¾-length sleeved ensemble with black shoes and hose. The Membership Handbook and Wardrobe committee will cover this topic in depth.

 

As singers, you may be approached during the season to volunteer your talents, skills, additional time or resources for organizational events and fundraisers. While participation is voluntary, it is always welcomed and greatly appreciated! Singers will be invited to social gatherings for a chance to mingle outside of our normal rehearsal space.

 

Singers will also have the opportunity to perform at special events, like the PBS LA County Holiday Celebration, the Los Angeles Women's March, and the American Choral Directors Association National Convention.
 

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What can you tell me about the audition process?​

The audition consists of two parts: a musical audition and an interview. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes. During the musical audition, the Artistic Director will ask you to:

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• Sing scales and warm-ups to determine tonal quality and range

• Repeat simple melodic patterns to ascertain tonal memory and pitch recognition

• Sight-read a musical excerpt to determine your reading skill level

• Perform a short a cappella piece of your choice in any style to showcase your musicality

 

During the interview, you will meet with a small group of singers and board members who may ask you questions such as:

• ​What brought you to VOX?

• What – if any – are your expectations of the organization?

• How do you feel you can contribute toward the growth of Vox?  

• Have you demonstrated this ability in the past with other organizations?

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Also during this process, the committee will give you a schedule for the entire season and review responsibilities of membership with you. This will be the perfect time for you to ask any questions!​

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