SEASON 29 AUDITIONS

(2023-2024)

​

We are delighted to resume rehearsals for Season 29: Ignite!

​

Please Note:

We request that Chorale members be up to date in their vaccines against COVID-19 .

Face coverings are optional and are welcome in our rehearsals. Members are free to choose and should do so with confidence in their personal choice.

As the Ensemble in Residence at Maryville, we follow Maryville policies which can be found here: https://www.maryville.edu/saintstrong/

​

Here’s a bit about us:

The Saint Louis Women’s Chorale is an auditioned, 35-voice, community chorus that enjoys a 29-year tradition of musical excellence.  Singers of diverse backgrounds and skills come together in community to share their love of singing and the restorative power of music. With a commitment to innovation and creativity, the Saint Louis Women’s Chorale commissions unique arrangements and works which often feature women composers and poets. While keeping classical music at its core, the Chorale performs many other types of music—jazz, folk, country, blues, gospel, Latin—to bring unique experiences to audience members.

 

Known for its inclusion of many art forms, the Saint Louis Women’s Chorale gives performances that provide an experience for the senses. The Chorale collaborates with professional dancers, painters, poets and instrumentalists to create fresh, exciting performances: where innovation joins tradition. As the Ensemble-in-Residence at Maryville University, the Chorale introduces younger women to mentoring, leadership and performing opportunities.  And with a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Saint Louis Women’s Chorale affirms the worth and dignity of all people and strives to harness the power of music and exceptional performances to enrich and transform lives.

 

We rehearse on Tuesday evenings, 6:30-9:00 pm, in Huttig Chapel at Maryville University..

 

​

About the auditions:

​

​Auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 8 from 6pm-8pm and Wednesday, August 16 from 6pm-8pm at Maryville University. Please contact Lily Hofer, our Administrative Manager, at lily@stlwc.org to schedule your audition.​

​

For volunteer (unpaid) membership in the Chorale, new singers will be asked to:

• Sing one a cappella solo (a hymn, art song, folk song, or aria); the solo does not need to be memorized

• Sing scales to determine range

• Repeat simple melodic patterns to determine tonal memory skills

• Sight-read to determine music reading skills (we highly recommend that prospective members are able to read music, however, we do accept singers who learn by ear on a case-by-case basis)

​

For a paid, Principal Artist position in the Chorale, applicants will be asked to:

• Sing two songs from memory in contrasting styles. One song must be in a foreign language. The other song must be in English. Audition songs must be arias, art songs, folk songs, hymn arrangements or spirituals – no “pop” songs. An accompanist will be provided for the audition.

• Sight-read

• Sing tonal memory exercises 

• Sing scales (to demonstrate range)

 

Please note:

• Principal Artists are auditioned, paid positions awarded to women who have a degree in music and are pursuing a career in music.

• Principal Artists act as Section Leaders for the Chorale and have the opportunity to sing solos at concerts and events.

​

​

Frequently asked questions:

• When and where are rehearsals? 

Rehearsals are every Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 pm, in Huttig Chapel at Maryville University

- Our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 5, 6:30-9:00 pm

​

Season Opening Party: Sunday, September 10 @ 6p

​

• When and where are performances?

​

Community Performance:

Little Amal Visits StL (sponsored by St. Louis Mosaic Project)

Event: Sunday, October 1, 6-7p, St. Louis Arch Grounds

Rehearsal: Sunday, October 1, 4-5p

​

Concert #1: Suffrage Cantata

Dress Rehearsal: Thursday, November 9, 6:45-9:15p

Concert: Friday, November 10, 7:30p

Community Music School Auditorium, Webster University

Collaboration with Webster University Aurelia led by Dr. Stuart Chapman Hill and Cor Jesu Concert Choirs led by Addie Akin

 

Concert #2: Love Letters

Dress Rehearsal #2 - Saturday, February 10, 3-5:30p

Concert: Sunday, February 11, 2024, 3p

Third Baptist Church

Collaboration with SIUE Treble Choir

 

Concert #3: Leading Ladies

Dress Rehearsal #3 - Saturday, April 27, 3-5:30p

Concert: Sunday, April 28, 2024, 3p

Trinity Presbyterian Church

​

• What would be my financial obligations?

This season, dues will be $150 per singer. Several payment methods are available, including monthly installments. We ask that dues be paid in full or an installment plan be chosen by our second rehearsal, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

 

Please note that dues are intended to offset expenses such as purchasing music and rehearsal tracks. However, we do not intend for dues payments to be a barrier to participation in the Chorale. Please contact Lily Hofer (Administrative Manager, lily@stlwc.org) or Peggy Pittenger (Board Secretary/Treasurer, peggy@stlwc.org) for questions or concerns regarding dues. 

​

We also ask that Chorale members promote our concerts and sell tickets to our events. Singers may also be asked to volunteer their talents, skills, and resources to support the Chorale. Participation in this manner is voluntary but always appreciated! We use black folders during performances which singers have to supply or purchase themselves. Our concert attire is usually all black; we do not require singers to purchase a specific dress or outfit. ​

​

To inquire about paid positions or to schedule an audition, please contact our

Administrative Manager, Lily Hofer, at lily@stlwc.org