FAQ – Handel Choir of Baltimore

What should I prepare for an audition?

Please bring one solo selection of your choosing, whether an aria, art song, folk song, hymn, or patriotic anthem. You will most likely perform only a brief portion of the work. We advise that you not to pick music that tests the limits of your range or vocal technique; rather, bring a work that you can sing confidently and expressively. Please provide two copies of your music; one for the director, and one for the accompanist. You should also be prepared to sing a series of exercises to determine the range and color of your voice, as well as ear training and sight-singing exercises.

What should I expect in an audition?

Singers audition individually with the artistic director. You will be asked to sing vocal exercises as demonstrated, to further assess voice category and color, and you will sight-read a relatively simple melody and rhythm to demonstrate musicianship skills. Prior instrumental and/or vocal solo or ensemble experience is strongly recommended. Your audition will last approximately eight minutes.

Where does the Choir rehearse?

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1710 Dulaney Valley Rd, Timonium, MD 21093

What is the rehearsal schedule?

Rehearsals for the new season begin the Monday after Labor Day, with a Choir Retreat on Saturday, September 7th. Handel Choir rehearses Monday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 p.m., with four Tuesday night sectional rehearsals per season, and mandatory working and dress rehearsals during the two weeks prior to a subscription concert. In addition to our subscription concert performances, there are several performances in the community.

Choir members are expected to sing in all scheduled appearances. In each of the subscription concert periods (September-December for Messiah and January through early May) a maximum of two absences is permitted. Singers are expected to work on their music individually in between rehearsals, preparing assigned passages and reviewing music that proved challenging during prior rehearsals.

When do rehearsals begin?

Rehearsals for the new season begin the Monday after Labor Day with a Choir Retreat on Saturday, September 7th. After Messiah performances in December, rehearsals will resume on the first Monday of the new year.

Who sings in Handel Choir?

Our semi-professional singers have a wide range of musical backgrounds; several are professional musicians. Singers range in age from early 20s to early 70s, and we come from the Baltimore/DC/Pennsylvania and Western Maryland regions. Handel Choir is a friendly group, and we get to know each other as friends as well as musicians.

Dues and music?

Annual membership dues of $250 are collected at the start of the season or may be paid in two installments in September and the following January. Vocal scores for the season are available to members to purchase at cost. Members are welcome to use scores from their own collection provided the editions are the same. Black music folders are required for concerts. A limited number of folders are available for purchase. Financial aid is available to ensure that all qualified singers are able to participate.

What does Handel Choir wear?

Professional and consistent appearance is imperative for concert performances. For black concert dress, singers must wear all-black clothing that fits within one of the following descriptions:

· Long-sleeved black dress shirt and black pants, black socks, and black dress shoes. Black dinner jacket optional, black tie optional.

· A long-sleeved black top or dress with a floor-length black skirt (hem 1/2 to 1 inch from floor) or dressy, loose fitting black pants; black hosiery; and black dress shoes. Not acceptable: A hem shorter than floor length, fitted or cropped pants, anything resembling jeans, and absence of hosiery. Jewelry must be small and inconspicuous, since concert lighting magnifies even the slightest glint.

Absolutely do not wear perfumes, colognes, or other scented products at rehearsals or in concert, as some members are sensitive and/or allergic to these scents. Refrain from eating foods with strong odors, such as garlic, before a concert or rehearsal. Absolutely DO maintain good hygiene. We are often in very close quarters. Please note: Dress rehearsals simulate concert conditions but do not require concert dress.

Additional responsibilities

Choir members are asked to bring four attendees to each concert, either by buying tickets and giving them to family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, etc., or by getting those people to buy the tickets on their own. Almost all the tickets we sell for concerts come as the direct result of choir members: we rely on everyone to help fill our concert halls!