Sing With Us

Valley Chorale singers demonstrate choral-singing experience, confidence, professionalism, ability to take direction, 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 must have choral-singing experience and are recruited twice each calendar year, generally in late summer and in January.  All candidates first submit a "Prospective Singer Questionnaire" (link below) and afterward may be offered the opportunity to audition.  Auditioned singers are evaluated on skills such as matching pitch, ability to read music and "music memory" (that is, listening to a short run of musical notes and singing them back).  In addition, candidates will be voice-tested to determine vocal range as well as voice part.  No advance preparation is needed.


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.


Prospective 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 "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 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. 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 Stephens City, VA
6:30pm - 7:00pm:  Sectionals, small-ensemble work, etc. (varies weekly)
7:15pm - 9:15pm:  Full chorus rehearsal

Learning the Music
As mentioned above, weekly rehearsals largely are not spent teaching the music; all singers are expected to have sufficient music-reading proficiency to learn independently.  Instead, rehearsals focus on diction, dynamics, tonal qualities and vocal technique.  All singers must be able to read a music score (rather than learn music by ear).  To help singers learn the music outside of rehearsals, we make available 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, college and graduate-level students pay no dues.


Youth Singers
Youth singers (all voice parts) ages 18+ are 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 prospective new singer auditions will be held in 2026.

Questions?
Visit our "Contact Us" page HERE.