Sing With Us
Valley Chorale singers demonstrate confidence, choral-singing experience, professionalism, a personal commitment to learn and memorize music independently (outside of rehearsals), and a passion for music and choral performance. In general, the purpose of rehearsals is not to teach singers their parts; rather, rehearsals are used to refine and shape the ensemble’s sound for each musical selection and to develop vocal skills as they pertain to the music being rehearsed.
Auditions
Potential singers are recruited twice each calendar year, generally in late August/early September and in January. Candidates attend a low-stress audition which is an assessment of skills such as matching pitch and "music memory" (that is, listening to a short run of musical notes and singing them back). Participants will be voice-tested to determine vocal range as well as voice part (soprano, alto, tenor, bass).
Admission is selective. As a regional ensemble (rather than a non-audition community chorus), we look for experienced singers demonstrating choral excellence. While we encourage singers of all voice parts to audition, we may at times have more vacancies in some sections than in others.
New Singer Questionnaire
If you're interested in auditioning, tell us about your choral-singing experience by completing our online questionnaire first. You'll find the questionnaire
HERE.
Our Values
We are a welcoming, inclusive "community of singers" that respects each member's individuality and personal integrity. We work hard...and have lots of fun along the way!
Health and Safety Policy in a COVID-19 World
The Valley Chorale values the health and safety of our singers, artistic staff, concertgoers and the larger community as a whole. We recommend that all singers be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. During rehearsals and performances, singers may wear face masks as they see fit. We also ask that singers who feel ill not attend rehearsal.
Rehearsal Days/Times
Mondays in Winchester, VA
6:30pm - 7:00pm: Sectionals, small-ensemble work, etc. (changes weekly)
7:15pm - 9:15pm: Full chorus rehearsal
Learning the Music
As mentioned above, weekly rehearsals largely are not spent teaching the music; rather, rehearsals focus on diction, dynamics, tonal qualities and vocal technique. To help singers learn the music outside of rehearsals, we make available on a for-singers-only section of our website audio tracks for each voice part for every selection. In addition, section leaders may schedule sectionals before or after regularly scheduled rehearsals or at other times as needed.
Singer Dues
Non-student adults: $80.00 per semester (two semesters per concert season).
High school students receive a discounted rate of $20 per semester; the rate is $40 per semester for college and graduate-level students.
Youth Singers
Youth singers (all voice parts) ages 15+ are especially encouraged to join our ensemble. We currently have an energetic contingent of young vocalists in our mix,
and we extend an enthusiastic welcome to others of high school, college and
graduate-school age who are passionate about learning and performing choral music.
How to Join The Valley Chorale
The next round of new singer additions will be in late summer/early fall 2024. If you'd like to be considered,
complete and submit our online New Singer Questionnaire below.
Questions?
Visit our "Contact Us" page
HERE.