Audition FAQ's

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?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6pm and
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 6pm
Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion
2111 Sansom St.
Philadelphia, PA 19103 
Please contact us (membership @ pgmc.org) to schedule an appointment.

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!

Please note: Due to various problems with spam filters and the like, if you e-mail us and you don't receive an acknowledgement within a week or so, PLEASE E-MAIL US AGAIN!

When and where are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held Wednesday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, 2111 Sansom St.

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 four rehearsals for a particular concert, you will have to attend an additional make-up rehearsal.  Members who miss five or more rehearsals will not be able to sing the upcoming concert.

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 2009-2010 season are $60 per concert semester, or $150 for the entire season if paid in full at the beginning of the concert year.

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, so everyone is welcome to audition.  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.