Auditions
Thank you for your interest in auditioning for the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir...one of the nation's oldest and largest independent symphonic choruses. The Choir is proud of its many singers, whose talent and dedication make possible the dramatic excitement and vocal beauty that are the musical signatures of this fine ensemble. We look forward to the opportunity to let you learn more about the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, and to meeting you at your audition.
On this website, you'll find helpful information about the audition process, which will be helpful to you in your preparations. And please...don't worry about being nervous! Everyone has had to audition to be a part of this ensemble, and we promise to do everything we can to make you comfortable, so that you may sing with confidence.
Current Choir members have a rich variety of backgrounds, and, that's a good thing, since it makes our shared music making even more rewarding and effective. Some have advanced degrees in music, some are music teachers, and some have simply discovered that they love to sing. What they all have in common, however, is a dedication to energetic work and musical self-improvement, as we share together our love of singing, and the joy of beautiful choral music. If this also describes you, then you've come to the right place!
I look forward to meeting (and hearing) you soon!
Eric Stark
Artistic Director
Singer Data Form (27.13 kB) Singer Audition Music (409.53 kB) Season Agreement 2012-2013 (19.08 kB) Financial Requirements (356.22 kB) Rehearsal Schedule 2012-2013 (477.47 kB)
The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir is always looking for singers to join in the singing. If you already have experience singing and wish to join the premier choral organization, we would like to hear from you!
Auditions are held annually in July and in January. The next round of auditions will be in July 2013 and is for the 2013-2014 season, which marks the 77th year of making-music in the Indianapolis community. This coming season is full of monumental performances and special events – something for everyone.
The choir is made up of more than 190 auditioned singers who rehearse Tuesday evenings during the autumn, winter, and spring seasons with performances scattered throughout.
For your planning purposes, the audition consists of two parts. First, you are asked to prepare a solo of your choosing (preferably in a foreign language) which will be sung for Artistic Director, Eric Stark. More than likely, only an excerpt of the whole piece will be selected due to time restrictions. The goal of this is to showcase your voice and your musical talent. An accompanist is provided; please supply an extra copy of the music for the accompanist. Also, you will be asked to sing an excerpt from Handel's Messiah, "For Unto Us a Child is Born" which is available on this web page. Note: Prepare the appropriate excerpt for your given voice part.
Key areas of interest this year include vocal blending/balance and the ability to control/manage vibrato. Singers may be requested to sing portions of the audition material in a straight tone.
The second portion of the audition includes sight-reading and aural skills evaluation. As each season includes a significant amount of musical literature to learn and perform, it is the expectation that members of the choir are able to read music at a proficient level. The sight-reading and aural skills evaluation is entirely painless and only takes a matter of a few brief minutes!
Because the Symphonic Choir is required to perform a wide variety of musical styles, Artistic Director Dr. Eric Stark is interested in singers who are able to demonstrate control of vibrato at all volume levels, particularly in high voices/ranges. At all times, Dr. Stark and the Symphonic Choir encourage a healthy vocalism that is natural, free and vibrant. In our rehearsals (and particularly during our warm-up exercises) techniques for tonal management are provided and practiced.
The next round of auditions will take place in July 2013. Unfortunately, we are unable to schedule auditions outside of the regularly designated dates. Specific details (time/location) will be shared via the Audition Coordinator in early July after you have made contact.
If you would like to audition or would like additional information, please send your name, address, email address, phone number, and a description of your musical background and experience to the e-mail below. A member of the Symphonic Choir staff will contact you soon.
THE DEADLINE TO SIGN-UP FOR AUDITIONS IS June 30, 2013. Singers who contact after this date will be placed on the list for the next round of auditions, held in January 2014.
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