How do I become a member of the PGMC?
Joining the PGMC is easy. Simply sign up for an audition and we'll take it from there.
Auditions? Woah… that sounds difficult.
Don't let the word "audition" scare you! Our auditions are simply a way for us to
evaluate your skill level and vocal range. When is the next round of auditions?
Auditions will next be held in August 2008 for the 2008-2009
season. Please
contact us for more details. What does an audition entail? Do I have to have a
prepared piece?
Auditions are a very simple process. A prepared piece is not needed. A
typical audition will consist of the following:
- Some exercises to determine your vocal range
- A few exercises to test your pitch recall
- Singing a piece of music you are familiar with as selected by the
director (i.e. "Amazing Grace", "The Ash Grove", "My Country Tis of Thee")
- Singing your part on a piece of music you most likely don't know
Overall, the audition will generally last about 10 minutes. It is one-on-one
with you and director. Do I have to be able to read music?
You should have a basic understanding of music -- such as note names, sharps, flats, time
signatures -- but we do not expect you to be able to sing a piece of music perfectly the
first time you see it (though we certainly don't mind!). We do recognize that some
people have sung in groups for years, but never learned to read music properly. We
welcome you to audition as well. During the rehearsal season, the chorus conducts
tutorial sessions on how to read and understand written music better. When are
auditions held?
Auditions are held twice a year, usually at the end of August before our Fall semester,
and at the end of December before our Spring semester. Occasionally auditions are
also held in mid-March.
How do I sign up for an audition?
There are three ways you can contact us to schedule an audition:
Phone: 215.731.9230 or 1.87.PGMC.SING
E-mail: auditions @ pgmc.org
In person: At concerts or at our booth at Pride events.
We'll need your name, phone number and/or e-mail so that we can contact you to schedule
an audition. When contacting us, please advise us if discretion should be used when
calling you back. We don't want to mistakenly "out" someone
when we call! When and where are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the Ballroom of the
William Way Community Center at 1315 Spruce Street.
What is my time commitment / attendance expectations?
We expect all members to attend the weekly full chorus rehearsal on Wednesday nights, and
to attend their monthly sectional which is held the hour before full chorus rehearsal.
There is also one Saturday rehearsal per concert. What is your attendance policy?
We expect chorus members to attend all rehearsals, however, we realize that conflicts and
other commitments will arise. If you miss more than four rehearsals for a particular
concert, you will have to speak with the conductor about your continued participation.
Are there membership dues?
Yes. Dues can be paid per concert semester (there are three semesters total), or for the
entire year at once. Dues for the 2008-2009 season will be $55 per concert semester, or $150 for the
entire season if you pay in full at the beginning. Is there help available if I can't afford the dues?
Yes! There are several options available to those with fixed or limited incomes such as
students or senior citizens. These options include a payment plan and/or a donation from
other chorus members. Don’t let the "money factor" keep you from joining! How often
does the chorus perform?
Our major concert schedule generally follows this format: December – Holiday
concert; March – Cabaret concert; June – Pride Concert. Additionally, there may be
2 or 3 various smaller performances throughout the year. What kind of music does the
chorus perform?
We pride ourselves on doing a variety of music throughout the year. Our repertoire
covers everything from classical and holiday music, to ballads and barbershop, all the
way through Broadway and pride music. Explore for yourself on our
Listen page for samples from our recent concerts and recordings.
Are there chances for small group performances or solos and duets?
The chorus has one smaller ensemble called Brotherly Love. This is an auditioned group
that performs at our major concerts and other performances as needed. Solos and
duets in major concerts will vary depending on our repertoire. Are there activities
outside of singing I can get involved in?
Yes! There are many committees in the chorus that do different things. Also,
the social committee plans monthly activities for chorus members outside of rehearsals
that allow members to socialize and have fun outside of rehearsals. Do I have to be
gay to join the chorus?
Even though the word "gay" is in our name, there is absolutely no requirement that you
actually *be* gay to be in the chorus. PGMC does not discriminate on the basis of
sexual orientation, and all are welcome. As long as you don't have a problem with
us, we don't have a problem with you! I have more questions, where can I get more
information?
E-mail us at auditions @ pgmc.org for more information. |
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