The Northwest Chamber Chorus is holding auditions for experienced singers by appointment on Tuesday August 22 & Monday August 28, 6-9 pm at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church (see driving directions under Concert Venues) in Seattle. To schedule an audition, contact Betsy Brockman, Managing Director at nwcc@verizon.net or 206-523-1196.

Chorus members.   Vocal evaluations for continuing chorus members and initial auditions for potential new members are held regularly each August, and occasionally during the year as required to fill special concert requirements.

The musical literature that we have performed is varied and challenging. Those who have previously performed this type of music are invited to audition. Please see the repertoire for works that we have performed.

Applicants should have experience performing in an a cappella group. They should have accurate pitch and timing and the ability to blend vocally. Each applicants are requested to prepare a solo piece that demonstrates their vocal quality and dynamic range (it need not be memorized). An accompanist will be provided. 

The applicant's sight-reading skills, vocal range, and aural memory will also be evaluated during the 15-minute audition. 

Soloists.  During the concert season, soloists are often selected from the chorus membership, particularly for short solos. Members may also be asked to form small ensembles for some works. Featured solo roles are usually awarded by contract. Featured soloists receive stipends covering rehearsals and performance. Interested soloists should submit a resume and a short tape recording of a previous solo performance to the chorus office. Final soloist selection will require an in-person audition with the Music Director.

Rehearsal and attendance policies. The Chorus rehearses Monday evenings, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm from September to June at the Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church (7500 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle) and holds an Annual Meeting on a Monday evening following the last concert. There is at least one evening dress rehearsal for each concert (or set of concerts). All new members are granted provisional membership for one season. At the end of that season, the Music Director and Board of Directors determine who will be offered continued membership. Musicianship, attendance, and a demonstrated commitment to the Chorus are the major determining factors.

Members are expected to attend all rehearsals and to work on their music on their own. Additionally, sectional rehearsals may be held. Members who must be absent from rehearsal are required to notify their section leader in advance. Members with more than two absences from regular rehearsals during a performance cycle will be subject to review by the Music Director and may be excused from the performance. Attendance at all dress rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Financial. Chorus members pay annual dues of $160 to support the operation of the Chorus (dues are tax-deductible). 50% Scholarships are also available (request a form from the Managing Director). Chorus members are also required to attend an October weekend retreat at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island ($65 per member for overnight and $45 for commuters). The Chorus has its own music library and provides all of the music for its performances.

Fundraising. The Chorus hosts two fundraising events each year — a Christmas raffle in December and a Benefit Auction held in April. Chorus members are asked to help with these events in a variety of ways (as volunteers, providing food, promotion). Funds are also raised through the sale of concert program advertising, concert food concessions, t-shirts/sweatshirts, and CDs.

Concert dress. Women are asked to pay for their costumes ($65), which are ordered through a catalog at the beginning of each season, unless one can be borrowed from the Chorus' stock of costumes. Women are asked to wear black shoes and black hose for concerts. The men are asked to provide their own black tuxedo with black bow tie and white tuxedo shirt. No jewelry, perfumes, after-shave, or strongly fragranced deodorants during rehearsals/concerts, please.

Concert schedule. The Chorus traditionally performs three programs a year — at Christmas, Winter, and Spring — with most concerts repeated. In addition, the group performs two or three outside engagements during the season, either as a full chorus or in small groups.

Other. The Chorus records all of its concerts for archival purposes. CDs of the concerts can be purchased throughout the season ($20-CD, $30 for double CD set). Chorus t-shirts and sweatshirts can be ordered at the beginning of each season. The Chorus has four commercial CD's: Credo, Wassail!, Handel Coronation Anthems, and Songs of the Americas. All commercial CDs are $17.

Administration. The Chorus is governed by a ten-member Board of Directors that meets monthly. The Board members serve for three years in rotating terms, and consist of both chorus members and chorus patrons. The Chorus employs a 3/4-time professional Managing Director (Betsy Brockman, soprano) and maintains an office. Members are expected to participate in many aspects of concert production, promotion, fundraising, and other activities. The Chorus also relies on its members to sell concert tickets. A Chorus roster with names, addresses, phone, and e-mail is published each season for chorus members.