Click HERE for the Audition Information Packet in PDF format.
Audition Process for New Members
Detroit Concert Choir is recruiting experienced choral singers who are committed to our performance schedule, able to learn music independently, and interested in lifelong improvement as musicians.
Schedule an Audition
We audition prospective members twice a year, typically in September and early January. Auditions are held by appointment only. Auditions are held to evaluate, select and place members of the choral ensemble. Persons should have a well developed reading skill and have prior choral experience. Audition times may be arranged by contacting Christine Rouce at the Detroit Concert Choir office. It would be beneficial to review the “Choral Audition Form” & “Audition Membership Information Sheet” (below) about your musical training and experience before calling.
What Happens at the Audition
Auditions are typically held at the DCC choir office located in the lower level of Grosse Pointe Woods Presbyterian Church. Conductor Gordon Nelson and possibly another member of Detroit Concert Choir will be present at your audition. The audition will last about 20 minutes to a half an hour. The audition is relaxed and informal and is designed to provide us with information about you, with plenty of time allowed for you to introduce yourself and ask questions about Detroit Concert Choir. You'll complete a form giving us basic information about your musical training, choral experience and interests.
The audition consists of three parts:
- a warm-up to demonstrate vocalization and range
- a brief unaccompanied sight-singing and tonal memory test
- a brief song of your own choosing; sung a cappella
After the Audition
We inform singers as quickly as possible about the outcome of their auditions. Acceptance into the choir is based on information from the audition process, balance needs and space availability in each section.
AUDITION MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
Gordon Nelson, Artistic Director
Christine Rouce, Executive Director
Sandra Cooper, Administrative Assistant
Now in its 23rd performance season, the Detroit Concert Choir is dedicated to presenting choral music of high artistic merit, providing cultural enrichment and entertainment for the community through performance and education. DCC is comprised of 80 or more singers from over 40 communities in and around Detroit. The ensemble presents a full schedule of concerts each season, performs for special events and community outreach activities, makes recordings, and travels throughout the country and abroad. The group has been honored to sing at American Choral Directors Association conventions and has joined with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for many of their performances.
The Detroit Concert Choir is proud to have a highly successful record in choral competitions worldwide. DCC has received numerous honors and acclamations in eight international choral festivals (Wales (1993, 1996, 2006), Spain (1998), Italy (2004), Ireland (1994) and Austria (2001)), including the prestigious “Choir of the World” title from the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. The choir is also the recipient of the nationally acclaimed “Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence”. The group continues to receive a myriad of invitations to perform locally and in international arenas.
Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings at Grosse Pointe North High School’s Performing Arts building in the choir room and begin promptly at 7pm. Rehearsals run approximately 2 ½ hours in length. There are also Saturday morning sectionals scheduled 1-2 times a month, dress rehearsals prior to concerts, and coaching sessions as determined by the director. Regular attendance is expected. Advance monthly calendars and weekly music notes will announce all newly scheduled rehearsals and events.
DCC Member Expectations
- Attend promptly, all rehearsals and performances. In the event a singer has a scheduling conflict, please notify the office in writing or by telephone call as soon as possible.
- Prepare and study music on your own between weekly rehearsals.
- Participate and contribute to Detroit Concert Choir fund-raising activities and events.
- Promote attendance at events sponsored by DCC and serve as a goodwill representative of the organization.
- Pay all required member and music fees when due.
Detroit Concert Choir members are responsible for the following:
1. Purchase of music (approximately 4 times per year)
2. $60.00 Annual Membership Fee
3. The purchase of a formal choir uniform (See Sandy Cooper, secretary, for details)
4. Black music folder (each choir member’s own responsibility to purchase)
5. It is your responsibility to “call in” to the Choir office (313) 882-0118 if you will be late or absent to Monday rehearsal and to schedule a make-up session with the director.
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Auditions
