Halifax Camerata Singers

Auditions
Are you interested in singing with us? Admission to the Halifax Camerata Singers is by audition/invitation, and we’re always interested in meeting new singers.

Who We're Looking For
Prospective choristers are invited to contact the Artistic Director at any time during the year for an audition. In addition to filling permanent vacancies, we sometimes need substitutes for singers who are unable to perform certain concerts, or want to augment our roster for certain repertoire. Even if there’s not an immediate vacancy with Camerata, we may be able to suggest another choral singing opportunity.

Interested candidates are expected to:

have an innate sense of musicality;
have a solid understanding of music theory fundamentals;
be good sight readers;
have a voice that blends easily in a small ensemble; and
be committed to the choir’s rehearsal and concert schedule.

The Audition
Auditions are conducted by the Artistic Director and an accompanist. The 15-20 minute audition consists of:

Performance of a solo piece.
Whether you choose an early work that has an expressive line and a few runs, or an art song that allows more freedom of expression, it is important to prepare a solo piece you are comfortable singing. You are invited to discuss your selection with the Artistic Director ahead of time. Please bring an additional copy for the accompanist.
Unaccompanied sight singing.
You will be asked to sight sing a piece selected by the Artistic Director. You can expect music of intermediate difficulty - not too hard, not too easy - that will assess your ability to read the rhythm, key signature, pitch and intervals.
An interview.
This is a chance to discuss your music training, choral experience, music preferences, what you are looking for in a choir and other information about yourself. Feel free to bring your questions about Camerata.

Expectations and Time Commitments
Each year the Halifax Camerata Singers prepare for their own concerts, a charitable fundraising event, and joint performances with Symphony Nova Scotia and the Symphony Nova Scotia Chorus - watch for at least five events a season.

From September to mid-June the choir rehearses every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at the Maritime Conservatory of the Performing Arts, 6199 Chebucto Road, Halifax. The choir is also expected at all dress rehearsals, preparation sessions with the symphony and its conductor, and occasionally, extra choral practices. When the choir is working with other groups such as the symphony, rehearsals may be held in other locations in the city.

All singers are expected to learn the music in advance and come prepared to work on interpretation and blend.

Music and Scores
The Board generally makes arrangements to purchase or borrow music for the choir. If singers are expected to provide their own score for major works (such as Handel’s Messiah), the preferred edition will be identified.

Concert Dress
Each singer is responsible for the performance attire. Women are required to purchase an inexpensive but particular ankle-length black dress (ordering information will be provided) and necklace. Men wear a black tuxedo with white shirt, cummerbund and black bow tie. For less formal concerts, singers may be asked to wear casual black pants and shirts instead.

Membership Fees
No singers are compensated for their participation in the Halifax Camerata Singers. All choristers are asked to pay a $100 membership fee to help offset music costs. Payment options and financial assistance can be arranged.

Choir Promotion
All choir members are expected to help promote the choir and upcoming concerts by selling tickets, posting concert posters, and circulating email notices to friends and supporters.

Contact Information
If you would like to audition or need more information about the Halifax Camerata Singers, please contact the Artistic Director, Jeff Joudrey (joudreyfbc @ eastlink.ca).

Last modified February 12, 2010