The Audition Process
 
The Cornell University Chorus holds auditions jointly with the Cornell University Glee Club, the Cornell Chorale, and the Cornell Chamber Singers at the beginning of each academic semester. Auditions are structured in two rounds.
 
In the first round audition, each singer is evaluated individually according to vocal range, pitch-matching ability, and basic sight-reading skill, demonstrated through a series of guided exercises and a short vocal selection. The auditionee may perform a prepared selection or can choose instead to sing one verse of America (My Country 'Tis of Thee), for which words will be provided.
 
Scheduling auditions in advance is recommended, but walk-in auditions are generally allowed if the audition schedule permits. Also, while sight-reading is important, it is not expected that all new members will be excellent sight-readers! Based on the results of the first-round auditions, a limited number of auditionees will be selected to participate in the second round of auditions. All auditionees will be notified of their results by phone or email, and the call-back list will also be posted on this web site.
 
The second round of auditions consists of two parts. First, the prospective members will attend a Chorus rehearsal to learn a selection from our current repertoire. Then, during a scheduled time slot, each woman will perform this selection in a quartet consisting of herself and three current Chorus members. This exercise tests each auditionee's ability to blend, listen to others, and sing in an ensemble. All second-round auditionees will be notified by phone or email, and a list of successful auditionees will be posted on this web site.
 
Time Commitment
 
The Chorus performs at least two major concerts every year, including our Twilight and Senior Week concerts. The Chorus also frequently collaborates with the men's Glee Club on major works. In addition, the Chorus goes on tour annually during the Spring semester. Recent concert tours include Canada in March 2007, New England in March 2006, Italy in March 2005, and the Great Lakes region in June 2004. Our tour managers are currently hard at work preparing a tour to China for Spring 2008!
 
Rehearsals are usually held on Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 7:15 and Sunday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15, making a total of four rehearsal hours per week. As major concerts approach, additional rehearsal time may be added as needed.
 
After Eight
 
Members of the Chorus have the opportunity to audition for After Eight, our a cappella subset. After Eight performs at various venues throughout the year, both with the Chorus and on its own. For more information about After Eight, visit www.cuaftereight.com or send an email to aftereight@cornell.edu.
 
Ask Questions, View a Rehearsal
 
The Chorus is always looking for enthusiastic new members. If you have any questions or would like to sit in on a rehearsal, call 255-2324 or send an email to chorus@cornell.edu. We would love to hear from you! Similar choral opportunities are available for male voices with the Cornell University Glee Club, reachable by telephone at 255-3396, or by email at gleeclub@cornell.edu.