Each ensemble requires a very specific set of vocal skills, and each ensemble presents a very specific style of music. Membership is divided based on those requirements, and not on a tiered structure.

Membership into the Chorus Austin ensembles is by audition only

Our next auditions will be held August 13-15, 2010 at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church. To schedule an audition please email us.

The following is a description of the requirements for each ensemble. If you wish to audition please contact us late in July for an appointment. See Audition Format below.

Austin Civic Chorus (ACC)

  • All singers that audition for Chorus Austin membership are automatically considered for all ensembles unless specific preference has been indicated. No call-back auditions are required for membership into ACC.
  • Required skills for ACC include:
    • Ability to match pitch
    • Control of vocal tone
    • Good rhythm and variance in dynamics
    • Attention to language pronunciations
    • Ability to learn music with instruction
    • Sight-singing ability is beneficial but not required for membership. All singers demonstrate sight-singing ability at their audition.
  • Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7:00 pm-10:00 pm at Northwest Hills United Methodist Church in Austin
  • Annual dues for ACC are $180 payable in full by December. Members joining in January pay $90 (January through July). Payment plans and reduced fees are available. Scholarships can be arranged on a case by case basis.
  • ACC members purchase their music through the Chorus Austin library or independently. It is recommended to use the same score as our director.
  • Womens’ uniforms are standard for the organization and can be purchased through Concert Black . Men wear a standard black tux, white shirt, black bow-tie, and black shoes. All singers provide their own uniform.
  • Rehearsals for fall 2010 begin Monday, August 16, 2010.

Austin Vocal Arts Ensemble (AVAE)

  • Singers that audition for Chorus Austin are automatically considered for membership into AVAE unless the candidate expresses otherwise. If a candidate demonstrates the necessary skills for AVAE, he/she will be invited to participate in a call-back audition. The Director will evaluate the balance and blend of the ensemble, and make final decisions on members based on the call-back audition.
  • Required skills for AVAE include:
    • Sight-singing and quick learning skills.
    • Strong vocal technique is required.
    • Ability to sing a cappella is required.
    • Able to be independent on own voice-part and be comfortable demonstrating preparedness by singing in an octet or other small ensemble.
    • Strong small-ensemble singing technique and understanding is crucial. Ability to blend volume, tone, and vowels is required.
    • Flexibility on singing various choral styles and periods is required. Ability to switch between several styles of music in one concert is required.
    • Working on music outside of rehearsals is expected. Rehearsals are spent on musicality; not on note learning.
  • AVAE rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings from 7:15 pm-9:45 pm at Hope Presbyterian Church.
  • There are no dues requirements for AVAE. Members purchase their own music through the Chorus Austin library.
  • Womens’ uniforms are standard for the organization and can be purchased through Concert Black (www.concertblack.com). Men wear a standard black tux, white shirt, black bow-tie, and black shoes. All singers provide their own uniform.
  • Regular rehearsals for Fall 2010 are scheduled to begin August 17, 2010


Chorus Austin Consort (CAC)

  • Singers that audition for Chorus Austin are automatically considered for Consort. If a candidate demonstrates the necessary skills for Consort, he/she will be invited to participate in a call-back audition. The Director will evaluate the balance and blend of the ensemble, and make final decisions on members based on the call-back audition.
  • Required skills for Consort include:
    • Sight-singing and quick learning skills.
    • Able to be independent on voice-part (typically only 2 voices are on a single part).
    • Strong small-ensemble singing technique and understanding is crucial. Ability to blend volume, tone, and vowels is required.
    • Flexibility on singing various choral styles and periods is required. Consort sings classical choral to contemporary jazz, and everything in between.
    • Flexibility on singing in various environments is beneficial.
    • Working on music outside of rehearsals is expected. Memorization of music is preferred.
  • Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM at Hope Presbyterian Church.
  • A once per month extended rehearsal will be scheduled on Thursdays from 7:00 to 10:00 PM or at the discretion of the Director.
  • Depending on the needs, Consort sometimes purchases music and sometimes it is provided.
  • Concert-black uniforms are standard for the organization. Consort has additional uniforms which include:
    • Formal- black trousers/pant/skirt and top. The uniform is to be accented with Chorus Austin red.
    • Casual- jeans with black polo shirt or top.
  • Rehearsals for Fall 2010 are scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Audition Format

The audition itself is conducted by the Chorus Austin Music Director.

Each audition lasts approximately 15 minutes and includes 3 components; performance, vocalization/tonal memory, and sight-reading.

  • Performance piece- should be an art song, aria, or a choral selection that you know. Does not have to be memorized, but sheet music is required for the accompanist. You may also sing any piece a cappella that is of a classical nature (America the Beautiful, hymns, Amazing Grace, the National Anthem, etc.) NO POP SONGS are accepted for an auditions. If you have questions regarding your piece, please do not hesitate to ask.
  • Vocalization & Tonal Memory- you will be led through vocal warm ups to test your high and low ranges. You will then be tested on tonal memory…a series of intervals will be played and you will be asked to sing them back. Each test will get longer and more difficult.
  • Sight Reading & Harmonization- you will be given a short section of a choral piece to sing. You will be given opportunity to work on the selection and then asked to sing it for the conductor. The piano will accompany you by playing the other 3 choral parts and/or the accompaniment. Ability to sight-sing is helpful, but harmonization is the key point of this part of the audition.