For Singers

Chorus America champions the dedicated choral singer by developing online resources and tools to advance skills and promoting connections between singers. We recognize that choral singing is the most popular form of participation in the performing arts, that choral singers are active and engaged citizens, and that children who sing have greater academic success and social skills.

Articles

Virtual Choir Project Brings Together Distant Strangers in Performance

Virtual Choir Project Brings Together Distant Strangers in Performance

Cory Davis | Education, Innovation, Participation, Singing, Technology

Is a chorus still a chorus if the singers are singing from their computers? Read more

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How Rachmaninoff and the Orthodox Choral Tradition Conquered the West

How Rachmaninoff and the Orthodox Choral Tradition Conquered the West

Alexander Ruggieri | History, Repertoire

There was a time not so long ago when Sergei Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil was virtually unknown outside of Russia. But an early transliteration of the work and some pivotal recordings helped to catch the attention of Western choral groups and audiences. We interview choral conductor and Russian music expert Alexander Ruggieri, who tells the story of the Vigil's emergence as one of the best-loved choral masterpieces. Read more

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You Had Me at Hallelujah: The Magic of Handel's Messiah

You Had Me at Hallelujah: The Magic of Handel's Messiah

Tom Kelly | History, Repertoire

To choral singers, Handel's Messiah is as familiar—and as well loved—as their favorite pair of slippers. But what do we really know about this choral masterwork? Harvard music professor and historian Thomas Kelly talks to Chorus America about how this great oratorio came to be and why it captures our hearts like no other piece. Read more

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Is There a Cure for the "Wobbles"?

Is There a Cure for the "Wobbles"?

Margaret Baroody | Adults/Seniors, Health, Singing

"Help! Is there anything I can do to reduce excessive vibrato when I sing?" Read more

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Breath Support for Singers: Don't Inhale... Release!

Breath Support for Singers: Don't Inhale... Release!

Ory Brown | Adults/Seniors, Singing, Technique/Tool

For singers, the breath is everything. This article and video clips from mezzo-soprano Ory Brown's class held at the Berkshire Choral Festival offer some helpful hints and vocal exercises to get the air moving. Read more

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The Rise of A Cappella

The Rise of A Cappella

An Interview with CASA Founder and Sing-Off Producer Deke Sharon

Chorus America Staff | Careers, Community Outreach

Choral music—especially a cappella choral music—is more popular than ever it seems. Chorus America sat down with Deke Sharon, founder of the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America (CASA) and a producer of NBC's The Sing-Off, to get the inside scoop behind the a cappella choral music movement and its current place in pop culture. Read more

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What to Do Before the First Rehearsal of the Year

What to Do Before the First Rehearsal of the Year

Chorus America Staff | Rehearsal, Singing, Volunteer

The new chorus season is upon us—or fast approaching! But what, if anything, should we as singers do to prepare for the upcoming season? Read more

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5 Tips for Performing Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil

5 Tips for Performing Rachmaninoff's All-Night Vigil

Alexander Ruggieri | Rehearsal, Repertoire, Singing, Technique/Tool

The All-Night Vigil doesn't last all night anymore, but doing what it takes to perform it well certainly can keep conductors and singers up nights. Here are five tips for conquering this masterpiece: Read more

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Are You a Choral Wacko?

Are You a Choral Wacko?

Kelsey Menehan | Adults/Seniors, Impact/Value, Participation, Performance

Definition: An affectionate term for all of us die-hard choral singers who can't seem to get enough of the art form we love. Read more

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IPA for Dummies

IPA for Dummies

Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Education, Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

Well...not for dummies, but for choral singers who wonder, "Do I really, really have to learn the International Phonetic Alphabet?" Of course you don’t, but your singing experience could be much more enjoyable if you do. Read more

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Resources

Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Tuning Problems

Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Tuning Problems

Rebecca Achenbach | Singing, Technique/Tool

Improve your intonation with these exercises from choral conductor and voice teacher Rebecca Achenbach. Read more

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Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Vocal Fatigue

Warm-Ups for What Ails You: Vocal Fatigue

Rebecca Achenbach | Singing, Technique/Tool

Choral conductor and voice teacher Rebecca Achenbach offers simple warm-up exercises to help you keep singing and singing. Read more

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Kent Tritle on Monteverdi Vespers

Kent Tritle on Monteverdi Vespers

Kent Tritle | Conducting, Performance, Repertoire

Conductor Kent Tritle, who conducted Monteverdi's Vespers at the 2011 Berkshire Choral Festival, offers his insights on the challenges of singing this seminal choral work. Read more

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Kent Tritle: Choral Singing Is a "Health Club for the Soul"

Kent Tritle: Choral Singing Is a "Health Club for the Soul"

Kent Tritle | Health, Singing

Conductor Kent Tritle talks about power of choral music to change the world, the importance of taking choral music "into the trenches," and how older singers can keep their voices healthy and strong over many years of singing. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Singing Legato

Virtual Voice Lesson: Singing Legato

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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Warm Up with the San Francisco Festival Chorale

Warm Up with the San Francisco Festival Chorale

Jimmy Kansau | Singing, Technique/Tool

Are you tired of the same rehearsal warm-ups every week? Do you want to try some different exercises for a change? Sing along with the San Francisco Festival Chorale. Read more

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Virtual Voice Lesson: Getting to Know Your Instrument

Virtual Voice Lesson: Getting to Know Your Instrument

Shauna Fallihee | Rehearsal, Singing, Technique/Tool

In a series of video lessons, soprano soloist and voice teacher Shauna Fallihee guides you in the essential steps to freeing your natural voice and singing with ease. Read more

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How Massage Can Benefit Singers

How Massage Can Benefit Singers

Chorus America Staff | Health, Singing

Have you ever considered that singing can be a remarkably athletic activity? According to Beth Keltz, a licensed massage therapist, singing requires just as much athleticism as playing baseball or football. Beth and colleague Carly Greenwood, who work with the singers at the Berkshire Choral Festival, explain the benefits of massage for singers. Read more

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Soloist Contract

Soloist Contract

Chorus America Staff | Legal/Licensing, Operations, Performance, Sample/Template

Use this basic sample letter of agreement to hire vocal or instrumental soloists (or a guest ensemble). Read more

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Singer Information Form

Singer Information Form

Chorus America Staff | Operations, Recruitment, Sample/Template, Singing

Use this template as a guide for collecting useful information about new and returning singers during auditions. Read more

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Events

Holiday a cappella

Holiday a cappella

460 Lake St., Oak Park, IL

Matt Greenberg | Adults/Seniors, Families, Performance, Singing

Our ever-surprising mix of holiday music, both familiar and new, is our most popular event each season. http://www.chicagoacappella.org Read more

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Holiday a cappella

Holiday a cappella

624 W Deming Pl., Chicago IL

Matt Greenberg | Adults/Seniors, Families, Performance, Singing

Our ever-surprising mix of holiday music, both familiar and new, is our most popular event each season. http://www.chicagoacappella.org Read more

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Holiday a cappella

Holiday a cappella

310 S Wheaton Ave., Wheaton, IL

Matt Greenberg | Adults/Seniors, Families, Performance, Singing

Our ever-surprising mix of holiday music, both familiar and new, is our most popular event each season. http://www.chicagoacappella.org Read more

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Holiday a cappella

Holiday a cappella

Michigan Avenue at Delaware, Chicago

Matt Greenberg | Adults/Seniors, Families, Performance, Singing

Our ever-surprising mix of holiday music, both familiar and new, is our most popular event each season. http://www.chicagoacappella.org/ Read more

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Singing City Auditions for 2013-14

Singing City Auditions for 2013-14

Philadelphia, PA

Singing City | Singing

Singing City is now auditioning experienced singers for the 2013-14 season. Singing City, comprised of approximately 90 voices under the guidance and direction of Artistic & Music Director Jeffrey Brillhart, performs 4 major concerts a year for the public and continues to bring choral music to the underserved, performing in care facilities in and around Philadelphia. The Singing City Children's Choir was launched in 2010.   Read more

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The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL

Matt Greenberg | Singing

We launch our third decade of performances with a retrospective highlighting the diverse and compelling repertoire that is the hallmark of Chicago a cappella. http://www.chicagoacappella.org/   Read more

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The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

171 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL 60540

Matt Greenberg | Singing

We launch our third decade of performances with a retrospective highlighting the diverse and compelling repertoire that is the hallmark of Chicago a cappella. http://www.chicagoacappella.org/ Read more

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The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

460 Lake St., Oak Park, IL

Matt Greenberg | Singing

We launch our third decade of performances with a retrospective highlighting the diverse and compelling repertoire that is the hallmark of Chicago a cappella. http://www.chicagoacappella.org/ Read more

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The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

The Best of Chicago a cappella: a 20th Anniversary Celebration

915 E 60th St., Chicago, IL, 60637

Matt Greenberg | Singing

We launch our third decade of performances with a retrospective highlighting the diverse and compelling repertoire that is the hallmark of Chicago a cappella. http://www.chicagoacappella.org/   Read more

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Collage Vocal Ensemble (Los Altos, CA) Auditions, July 2013

Collage Vocal Ensemble (Los Altos, CA) Auditions, July 2013

Los Altos, CA

Amy Stuart Hunn |

The Collage Vocal Ensemble is a select mixed chamber choir dedicated to performing compelling and challenging repertoire from a wide range of time periods and musical traditions. Founded in May, 2011, the Los Altos-based group presents a mix of full-ensemble and small-ensemble works in its concerts, and donates all net proceeds to local charitable organizations. 2013-2014 AUDITIONS Care to join us?  CVE will be auditioning new members in all voice parts this summer!   Individual auditions: Saturday, July 13th, 12:00-4:00PM in Los Altos Call-back ensemble audition: Thursday, July 18th, 7:30-9:00PM in Los Altos Please contact director Amy Stuart Hunn at (650) 209-5772 or amystuarthunn@gmail.com with any questions, or to schedule an audition.  I look forward to hearing you! Read more

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Dialogue

Questions During Rehearsal?

Questions During Rehearsal?

Anonymous | Rehearsal, Singing

Singers, does your conductor allow questions during rehearsal? What are the pros and cons from your perspective? Read more

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Conference 2013 Ad
Please visit the 2013 Conference Website for information.
King FM Choral Music Channel

Enjoy Seattle’s First Online Choral Music Channel

In celebration of Chorus America’s Annual Conference coming to the Pacific Northwest, Classical KING FM has launched Seattle’s first all-choral music channel online at www.king.org. Listen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for music from top choral groups, including winners of Chorus America’s Margaret Hillis Award for Choral Excellence.

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