Audition for the Bach Collegium

J S Bach

Requirements

The membership numbers between 30 and 50 vocal musicians (professional singers and advanced students) and between 7 and 17 instrumentalists (all professional). Most singers are volunteers. There are, however, four salaried section leaders (SATB), a salaried accompanist, and soloists, instrumentalists, and lecturers who receive honoraria. All participants are chosen by audition, which is arranged through appointment with the Artistic Director. You can use the email form on our Contact Us page to request an audition. Vocalists should review the requirements and download the documents needed for an audition from this page

2007-2008 Audition Information

The season is divided into 3 short two-month terms that will rehearse and perform 3 major works:

  1. 18 September to 18 November: H. Schütz Musikalische Exeqauien(festive Funeral Music in Memory of a Prince)
  2. 20 November to 27 January(w/break): J. S. Bach Christmas Oratorio (IV-VI)
  3. 29 January to 13 April: J. S. Bach: St. John Passion
Ideally, all sing in all 3 terms, but some are able to sing in only one or two.

Rehearsals:

Tuesday 7:15 to 9:30 pm (see Rehearsal/Performance Schedule) at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 202 W/ Ridoso;; B;vd(2 blocks west of Cclinton). begin Tuesday 18 September.

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SINGERS' RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Attendance at all rehearsals and performances
    If an "act of God" (sickness, funeral, etc.) prefents attendance at a Tuesday rehearsal, that rehearsal must be made up the following Sunday at 2pm or by appointment. On the weekends of the 5 concerts, extra rehearsals with orchestra are required (all thes are identified on the Rehearsals/Performances Scehedule 07/08 in bold letterss and asterisked, or in different colors on the Rehearsal/Performance Schedule) page of this site.
    The six performances are:
    1. Fri 26 Oct: 7 pm -- Bachtoberfest Season Preview Dinner Concert--The Bass Mansion
    2. Sun 18 Nov: 4 pm - Schütz Musikalische Exequien Concert
      3. --Trinity Episcopal Church
    3. Sun 2 Dec: 2:30 pm - Messiah Sing-Along Benefit-- First Baptist Church
    4. Sun 27 Jan: 4 pm - Bach Christmas Oratorio (IV-VI)--Zion Lutheran Church
    5. Fri 21 Mar: 12:15 pm - Chorales from St. John Passion--Redeemer Lutheran Church
      (You will be needed from 12:15 pm to 1 pm. It is our musical "thank you" to Redeemer for providing our rehearsal room and office space free of charge. If you cannot obtain an extended lunch hour from workl or have other obligations, please request to be excused.)
    6. Sun 13 Apr: 4 pm - Bach St. John Passion Concert--St. Peter's Catholic Church
  2. Singers pay rental fees for or buy vocal scores in 2 increments:
     Cost
    1) $14.00 due at 18 September rehearsal 
    Rental fee for Schütz Exequien6.00
    Rental fee for Bach Christmas Oratorio8.00
     Rental TOTAL $14.00
    2) $15.00 due at 8 January rehearsal (unless you have your own Mendel score) 
    Purchase fee for Bach St. John Passion (G. Schirmer/Mendel ed.)Purchase TOTAL $15.00
  3. Unique to our Collegium is that we do not have a salaried director, paid office staff or board. This invites our director, 30+ volunteer singers, and 15 volunteer board members to roll up their sleeves and together do what in other organizations is done by paid personnel. Hence, all of us are encouraged to do chores that inform people of our concerts, that provide us with an audience, and that help to obtain the financial support needed to cover production costs. Specifically, singers are requested to:
    1. sell tickets for fundraisers (Desert Buffet, Messiah, & Gala Banquet)
    2. sell advertisements and sell tickets for each of three performances (Exequien, Oratorio, & Passion)
    3. solicit donations
    4. Singers Use Community Partnership Cards at Hall's Restaurants (green card)