Join the Chorus

Is there an age requirement?

You must be 18 years or older by the date of the first rehearsal in order to sing with the chorus.

When do you rehearse?

• SMC Rehearsals are on Monday evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM 

All rehearsals are held downtown Seattle at the Seattle First Baptist Church.

In addition to weekly rehearsals, there are additional evening rehearsals and one (or more) Saturday rehearsal per performance cycle and an out of town retreat. Each performance cycle, singers are expected to attend tech rehearsal and dress rehearsals in addition to the regular rehearsals.

How much time am I committing to?

Rehearsals and performances are a major commitment of time and energy for each person. Additionally, singers commit to reviewing and memorizing music outside of rehearsal, on their own. We need to know that all our members are able to make the commitment to maintain and improve our artistic and organizational standards. There are also opportunities to volunteer time at fundraising events, on various organizational committees, etc. Becoming a member does not mean you have to sing in every concert of the season. Members are able to go on leave when needed. 

What repertoire does the Choruses perform?

The Chorus is committed to performing a wide range of musical styles, from classical to popular.

How big is the Chorus?

Chorus membership is not limited to any particular number.

What are my financial obligations?

• Member Dues: Once per concert cycle, $75 ($25 for those who need assistance or the option to waive if needed).
• Chorus Attire: All performing members are required to provide their own performance attire. For SMC, this is a standard tuxedo, with additional options for members who request them.
• Retreat: We hold a weekend retreat out of town once a year, generally in November. The weekend consists of four rehearsals and a lot of time to socialize! The cost can range from $25-$500 (includes lodging and some meals).

Financial assistance is available through our Member Assistance Program. No one will be turned away from SMC membership for inability to pay.

What are COVID-19 Protocols or Requirements? 

All singing members are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID, Influenza and RSV. Seattle Men’s Chorus follows West Coast Alliance guidelines and community standards and we will continue to review our protocols, keep abreast of the latest trends in the pandemic and evolve our mitigation.

Each fall the Alliance releases guidelines and recommendations for the respiratory virus season. Anybody 6 months or older are recommended to receive the updated vaccine shot.

Masks are optional and at the discretion of individuals for both rehearsals and performances. Enhanced air purification systems are in place in rehearsal space and at concert venues.

Proof of vaccination is not required to participate with Seattle Men’s Chorus.

What can I expect during the audition?

• Each audition will be 5-10 minutes. You are asked to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to fill out a brief survey of rudimentary music skills.
• Please prepare 32 bars of any song you love to sing. Show tunes, pop songs or arias…even “Happy Birthday.” Bring music so that we can accompany you.
• Singers are expected to be able to read the music staff (treble or bass clef) appropriate for their voice type, to define basic music terminology, and to identify symbols which commonly appear in printed music. 

I identify as trans, gender non-conforming, or non-binary. How does this affect my placement? 

Because SMC performs in the TTBB (Tenor, Bass, Baritone) vocal range, acceptance into membership of the chorus is based solely on successfully passing the musical audition standards for the ensemble and being placed by the Artistic Director according to the tessitura and blending quality of the voice. If your voice falls into the SSAA (Soprano and Alto) range, please see the Seattle Women’s Chorus website for information on joining. Both SMC and SWC membership is based on the criteria listed above, as opposed to gender identity or expression.

(*TTBB: Tenor, Bass, Baritone SSAA: Soprano, Alto)

Should I be nervous?

No. The audition is private and is non-competitive. It is designed to evaluate your voice, not whether you can out-sing anyone. There are many skill levels represented in each chorus. However, you will need basic musical ability to be a singing member. At a minimum, you will need to be able to match a pitch that is played on the piano as well as be able to repeat a basic rhythmic pattern. The Artistic staff will make that determination when meeting with you individually.

How will I know if I’ve been accepted as a singing member?

The Artistic Staff make their decisions at the conclusion of all scheduled auditions. You will be contacted by a member representative by phone or email with the decision of the Artistic Staff. If you are not yet ready to be a singing member, you may be asked to attend a future audition or be invited to participate as a Volunteer.

What will happen after the audition?

New members will receive support and communications to make sure their participation with the chorus is positive.

How to Return After a Leave Of Absence

A member may take a leave of absence from performing with the Chorus for one year (12 months).

Members who do not return after one year are changed to alumni status and are required to re-audition during the scheduled audition dates to return as a singing members.  

Returning members can notify our Membership and Rehearsal Manager and sign up using the audition forms above.

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