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

The Wow Factor

The Wow Factor

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Impact/Value, Innovation, Marketing/Public Relations, Repertoire

Think choral music is only found in drafty churches or formal concert halls? Think again! These innovators are stretching our imaginations and taking choral performances to the next level. Read more

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Commercial's Soundtrack Uses Only Human Voices

Commercial's Soundtrack Uses Only Human Voices

Michael Shaughnessy | Innovation, Singing

This car commercial features a soundtrack that seems to include many different instruments, but actually there's just one—the voice. Read more

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Why I Love Singers

Why I Love Singers

Alice Parker | Impact/Value, Professional, Profile, Rehearsal, Singing

Renowned choral composer and conductor Alice Parker shares with us her observations about singers and tells us why we are a special bunch. Read more

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Knowing When to Say No

Knowing When to Say No

Cory Davis | Careers, Health, Networking, Professional

When you're a freelance musician eager for work, why would you ever pass up a gig? Read more

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"Blend, You Rascals!"

"Blend, You Rascals!"

A Choral Cliché Explained

Kelsey Menehan | Conducting, Education, Participation, Rehearsal, Singing

The late Robert Shaw used to give this directive—right before explaining what a ridiculous request it was. Even so, choral directors continue to say it, and singers continue to wonder, Is it me? What should I do? Read more

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Best Little-Known Choral Recordings

Best Little-Known Choral Recordings

Helene Whitson | Repertoire, Singing

Choral music sleuth Helene Whitson has sifted through used CD bins and trolled the Internet to bring you some of the hidden gems of the choral repertoire. Read more

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Eric Whitacre Speaks Out

Eric Whitacre Speaks Out

An Interview With Choral Music's Rock Star

Kelsey Menehan | Composing/Commissioning, Education, Impact/Value, Innovation, Profile, Social Media

Eric Whitacre muses on how he gets inspired to compose, his special connection with young people, and what he thinks about the future of choral music. Read more

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Advocating for the Arts: One Chorister's Advice

Advocating for the Arts: One Chorister's Advice

Glen Howard | Impact/Value

In times of economic drought, singers and choruses wonder if and how their chorus will survive. Glen Howard, arts consultant and choral singer, shares his insights about approaching potential funders and making a compelling case for choral music. Read more

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What Is "Shape-Note" Singing?

What Is "Shape-Note" Singing?

Elisabeth Higgi... | History, Repertoire, Singing, Technique/Tool

In this musical tradition, singers read a variety of different note shapes—each one corresponding to a different syllable: fa, so, la, or mi. Read more

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From Choral to Solo...and Back Again?

From Choral to Solo...and Back Again?

Kelsey Menehan | Careers, Professional, Singing

Like oil on water, there's probably good reason for the conventional wisdom that solo singing and choral singing just don't mix. And yet, there are growing numbers of professional singers who are bridging both worlds and are building complete and joyful careers singing both solo and choral repertoire. In fact, for many, it is the choral part of their careers that is most gratifying to them. 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

AUDITIONS - CANTATICA CHAMBER ARTISTS

AUDITIONS - CANTATICA CHAMBER ARTISTS

Philadelphia and Allentown, PA

CANTATICA | Performance

AUDITIONS FOR NEW PROFESSIONAL SOLO CHAMBER ENSEMBLE - CANTATICA CHAMBER ARTISTS - PHILADELPHIA, PA. Read more

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Breath of Inspiration: An evening of Gospel, Classical, Jazz and More!

Breath of Inspiration: An evening of Gospel, Classical, Jazz and More!

111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012

iris@DCINY.org | Adults/Seniors, Audiences, Children/Youth, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, General, Marketing/Public Relations, Participation, Performance, Repertoire, Schools, Singing, Symphonic, Venue

An evening of triumphant music! Members of Toronto Youth Wind Orchestra, Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony and Gwen Wyatt Chorale (CA) provide an entertaining palette of unique genre-bending sounds. From Gospel to Classical, these passionate, energetic artists perform with a supreme gusto and enthusiasm that is sure to delight and entertain audiences of all ages and tastes.   Read more

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Choral Arts presents Life Stories: The Choral Music of Eric Barnum

Choral Arts presents Life Stories: The Choral Music of Eric Barnum

Seattle, WA

Choral Arts | Audiences, Children/Youth, Community Outreach, Composing/Commissioning, Conducting, Education, General, Performance, Repertoire

An extraordinary concert devoted to the luminous harmonies and deep spirituality of one of America's foremost choral composers, Eric Barnum. This program features many of Barnum's most alluring works and includes the Seattle premiere of "Human Heart", performed as a combined finale with six exceptional student choirs. During the evening, Choral Arts will also premiere "Chronologic", its annual Finding Your Voice poetry contest commission. For more information visit: http://www.choral-arts.org/concerts/life-stories.html Read more

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NATURE SINGS:  A Celebration of Earth, Sea and Sky

NATURE SINGS: A Celebration of Earth, Sea and Sky

Washington, DC

Debby McConnell | Performance

From the triumphant majesty of snow covered mountains to the hypnotic tranquility of a babbling brook, the sights and sounds of nature have been a source of inspiration for some of the the world’s most powerful and transcendent music. Come experience a diverse selection of choral works inspired by the beauty of the earth, from the warble of a songbird to the crashing waves of the sea. It will be an evening of music that will energize your spirit and lift your soul. Features 80 members of the Congressional Chorus and over 100 members of the American Youth Chorus.  General Admission tickets are $25 - available at congressionalchorus.org or at the door.   National City Christian Church, 5 Thomas Circle NW, Washington DC Read more

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Auditions Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester (MN)

Auditions Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester (MN)

Rochester, MN

Choral Arts Ensemble |

Auditions are being scheduled for Choral Arts Ensemble's 2013-2014 season Read more

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Coro Allegro: Coming Full Circle, Celebrating 20 Years with David Hodgkins

Coro Allegro: Coming Full Circle, Celebrating 20 Years with David Hodgkins

Boston, MA

Coro Allegro |

Coro Allegro's celebratory season ends by honoring our musical traditions, past & future. We reprise the popular Schubert’s Mass in G, from our first concert under the baton of David Hodgkins, and continue our tradition of introducing premieres and new works to our audiences. As a special treat, we will invite former singers to join us on stage and sing with us again, making this season a true full circle! Read more

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Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Cocoa Avenue, Hershey, PA

Susquehanna Cho... | Evaluation

You, too, can be a part of our three-decade tradition of singing. Auditions for the Susquehanna Choral are by appointment only at the close of each season. Previous singing experience is required. Please contact us for additional information or to set up an audition.   Read more

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Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Susquehanna Chorale Auditions

Cocoa Ave., Hershey, PA

Susquehanna Cho... | Participation

  You, too, can be a part of our three-decade tradition of singing. Auditions for the Susquehanna Choral are by appointment only at the close of each season. Previous singing experience is required. Please contact us for additional information or to set up an audition.   Read more

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SA Choral Society presents Beyond the Horizon: Music of the 20th and 21st Century

SA Choral Society presents Beyond the Horizon: Music of the 20th and 21st Century

230 E. Travis Street, San Antonio, TX 78205

Gustavo Rios Jr | Adults/Seniors, Children/Youth, Civic Engagement, Community Outreach, Conducting, Diversity, Education, Families, Fundraising, Participation, Performance, Singing, Volunteer

  Season finalé featuring music of the 20th and 21st century.   Read more

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The Mature Voice:  Adjusting to the Age Factor

The Mature Voice: Adjusting to the Age Factor

Madison, NJ 07940

Harmonium Chora... | Singing

This choral musicianship workshop sponsored by Harmonium Choral Society is lead by Lauran Fulton Corson, a highly talented voice instructor.  Encompassing techniques of interest to singers of all ages, their choir directors and their teachers, it addresses changes that occur in the voice as the singer matures through an entire lifetime of singing.  Advance registration is required.  The workshop costs $35, which includes light refreshments. 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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