U N I V E R S I T Y O F G U E L P H
C h o r a l E n s e m b l e s
C o n t a c t
Contact director, Marta McCarthy for information about the any of the University of Guelph choirs, including auditions.
If you are currently a University of Guelph student you may be able to take choir for credit. Contact your program advisor for more details.
A u d i t i on s
*Auditions are usually held at the start of a new University of Guelph semester. Contact Marta McCarthy at mmccarth@uoguelph.ca to organize an audition today!
AUDITION INFORMATION
UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH CHOIR AUDITIONS are held to ensure that new members find themselves in the right situation. We are not trying to judge; we just need to make sure that our choirs present the appropriate amount of challenge for the potential member. All of our choirs require prior musical performance experience and understanding of choral music.
AUDITION PROCESS: Singers will be asked to arrive warmed-up (a warm-up room is provided for 15 minutes).
Your Audition will consist of:
1. ONE SONG OF YOUR OWN CHOICE - something that demonstrates your range and abilities. Please do not sing POP as that is a different technique. An aria, lied, folk song, or even O Canada or a choral piece are all good choices. Musical theatre can work but choose something in your best vocal range.
2. THE PREPARED AUDITION PIECE (see attached audition excerpt).
3. SIGHT-READING IF YOU ARE AUDITIONING FOR EITHER OF THE CHAMBER CHOIRS
4. Ear Training (I will ask you to sing back some melodies/rhythms that I play first)
Other info:
You do NOT need an accompanist but please bring a copy (in addition to one for yourself if needed) of any accompaniments to the audition for Marta to play
Marta is the only other person in the room. I know you will be nervous but please try to enjoy the process of sharing the music.
Marta will let you know the result as soon as possible, usually by email within a few days.
The Chamber Choirs (Women’s Chamber Choir and UG Chamber Singers) are limited in number and by section balance and blend. Therefore, singers usually audition in the spring prior. Sometimes there are spots in the Fall so it is still worth auditioning. Singers are making a FULL-YEAR commitment for these 2 choirs, whereas the commitment for Symphonic Choir is by semester.
CHOIR CREDIT: Is possible - but not required - for undergrads. A course outline is attached. Let Marta know at the audition if you are interested.
Thank-you for taking the time and making the effort to audition!