Audition for the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg
Membership in CCF offers the opportunity to perform at the highest level with others who share a love for exceptional choral music. Our auditioned ensemble values precision, artistry, and collaboration. We welcome singers who are ready to grow and contribute to something extraordinary.
Audition Schedule
Auditions are typically held in August prior to the beginning of a new concert season. If vacancies or other balancing needs develop mid-season, additional auditions may be scheduled for January.
Audition Process
The CCF audition process has four steps:
- Sing a song of your choosing — This can be an art song, aria, folk song, hymn, America the Beautiful, or even Happy Birthday. Anything you’re comfortable singing.
- Range check / tonal memory – The director will work your vocal range to determine where your best tone is. He will also play a series of pitches, and you will repeat these back.
- Sight Reading – The director will provide you with a piece of music (no words). You’ll get about 30 seconds to study it, the key and starting note, and then you sing it. You can use solfege, numbers, or just la-la-la.
- Independent singing within an ensemble — You will sing your part within an SATB ensemble. There will be other singers in the audition covering the voice parts that are not yours. The ensemble will sing through about 8-16 bars of a choral piece, and someone will sing your part with you. Then the ensemble will sing the section of music again, but only you will be covering your part.
Rehearsals & Commitment
CCF singers bring both artistry and dedication to every rehearsal. We thrive on preparation, collaboration, and mutual respect for each other’s time. Members pay annual membership dues to help cover the cost of music and operations, and provide their own concert attire. All are required to follow the Chamber Chorale of Fredericksburg’s rules and guidelines as provided in our handbook and outlined in our bylaws. Board members are elected positions from within the membership, and all members help contribute to the success of the group.
Rehearsal Schedule
Unless otherwise noted, rehearsals take place on Monday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm, August through April, at Fredericksburg Baptist Church. Dress rehearsals are typically held on the Thursday prior to each concert. Strict attention to rehearsal attendance is required to achieve the level of music mastery and artistry required for our performances.
Scholarship for Singers
The Chamber Chorale supports a scholarship fund for members who have a temporary financial need and find paying annual dues a challenge. Members only need to declare their need, and the fund is used to fulfill this obligation.