GRWC Auditions
Snowbird Singers on stage at Royce Auditorium
GRWC's "season" runs from September-May each year, and new members are invited to join for full seasons only. Auditions for each season are typically in the month of August.
No auditions are currently scheduled for this year. Please check back again soon.
If you are interested in auditioning for the Grand Rapids Women’s Chorus in the future, the following information will be helpful:
Audition FAQs
Is GRWC the right chorus for you?
Yes, if you are a woman who:
- Loves singing – we perform a variety of cultural and folk pieces from all over the world, as well as from female arrangers and composers
- Can either sight-read or match pitch and learn by ear
- Can commit to our rehearsal/ performance schedule for a minimum of one year; and
- Can carry out GRWC’s mission statement
What is the audition process like? Do I have to prepare a piece ahead of time?
The audition consists of two parts: the musical audition and the interview. The entire process should take approximately 45 minutes.
During the musical audition, the Artistic Director will ask you to:
- Sing scales and warm-ups (to determine tone quality and range)
- Repeat simple melodic patterns (to ascertain tonal memory/pitch recognition)
- Sight-read an excerpt (to determine your level of reading skill), although, sight-reading ability is not required
- You do not need to prepare anything ahead of time
During the interview, you will meet with at least one board member who will fill you in on information you need to decide if the GRWC is right for you, such as:
- Our mission
- Our vision
- Our culture
- Member responsibilities
- Our schedule
This will be an opportune time for you to ask any questions you may have about our organization.
What responsibilities will I have as a member of GRWC?
There are four primary member responsibilities:
- Attendance at rehearsals, performances, fall retreat
- Memorize music for performances
- Return music to GRWC library as requested during the season and upon leaving chorus
- Responsible use of roster
Performances
We generally schedule 4-6 performances per year. A detailed schedule of all confirmed dates for the upcoming season will be provided at the time of auditions. Any additional performance requests will be brought to the membership to determine feasibility.
Rehearsals
- Singers are expected to attend weekly rehearsals, which are held on Mondays from 6:45-8:45 p.m. at Fountain Street Church.
- Singers are expected to attend scheduled sectionals. There will be approximately one sectional every six weeks, as needed, throughout the season.
Financial Obligations
- While there are no annual dues, all singing members pay annual to attend the Fall retreat. The current cost is $35, however, that may increase without notice.
- Other costs that members may incur are associated with, but not limited to, social events and the purchase of promotional items. However, these activities are often optional.
Concert Attire
- Concert attire includes a long vest (see next point); a black, scoop-necked shirt with ľ-length sleeves, black dress pants, and black shoes. A small amount of inconspicuous jewelry may be worn as desired by members.
- The long vests are purchased by and remain the property of GRWC. Individual members retain and care for their vests from season to season.
May I attend a rehearsal to get a better idea of what the rehearsal process is like?
You are welcome to sit in on a rehearsal. Please e-mail info@grwc.org, or call 616-459-2655, to let us know when you would like to attend.
