In need of a few good singers
Cape Breton Chorale seeking some new voices
If you enjoy singing and are looking for something beyond the shower and annoying the neighbours, a well-known local group is on the hunt for a few good singers.
The Cape Breton Chorale is holding auditions over the summer months for those hoping to join the award-winning mixed voice choir.
“We’re looking for people in all sections,” said choir spokesperson Melissa MacNeil. “We do have a need for a few more tenors and basses. But every mixed choir is looking for a few more for their men’s section. If you’re a tenor, we want you but we need basses too.”
The choir will begin its 45th season on Thursday, Sept. 14, on a whole new note.
Earlier this year, the choir’s beloved founder and former director Sr. Rita Clare passed away but not before helping in the search to find a new choir director, Ryan Billington, who will begin his new duties on that day. MacNeil said an event will be held in the fall to introduce the new director to the community but for now, it’s important to get some new voices in the 53-member choir.
“We’re trying to push the auditions,” said MacNeil. “Sometimes auditioning can be an intimidating process but it’s not like that here.”
Those who want to join the choir can expect to sing challenging choral music from all genres and periods. While the ability to sing and a good voice are key, it’s also important that those who audition can read music. Yet, MacNeil says they don’t want people to be scared away from even trying.
“We’re trying to make it sound inviting enough to make people want to audition but be honest enough that people would realize what kind of choir it is.”
Those who want to join should realize that a commitment to regular rehearsals and performances is needed as well as the willingness to study and learn concert music outside of rehearsal, being open to learning new skills and expanding on existing skills such as vocal,
aural, rhythmic, reading and movement.
Those who are welcome to audition include: • Singers with either little,
some or advanced training. • Singers with experience
singing in choral settings or ensemble settings in productions. • Those with an understand
ing of some basics of vocal technique or demonstrated vocal confidence in their audition performance. • Those with an openness
to learning different styles of
music in an ensemble setting.
If you’re thinking about auditioning, prepare one or two selections that showcase your voice and be ready to experiment with your voice. You may have to sight-sing a passage of music and your aural skills will be tested. An accompanist will be provided but you can bring your own, if that makes you feel more comfortable.
For further information on arranging an audition, email info@capebretonchorale.com or call 902-968-9041 or 902-5676437.
The Cape Breton Chorale has given more than 250 performances here and around the world. The 53-member group has released five recordings, “Christmas with the Cape Breton Chorale” (1990), “Songs of Atlantic Canada” (1991), “Remembering the Forties” (1995), “Songs of Land and Sea” (1997) and “Rejoice and Sing!” Christmas with the Cape Breton Chorale (2006).