Join Us

Auditions

Rather than “auditions,” which is what people expect to hear when they ask about joining a choir, we  prefer “vocal introductions.” It’s not a test to see if someone’s “good enough”; it’s a gentle consideration of whether what a potential singer has to offer meets up with what our group has to offer.

If you are interested in joining, you will schedule an appointment with Terrie Ashbaugh, our Artistic Director. This typically happens at her home in Oro Valley, twice a year—in August, and again in December. She might consider an occasional exception if there’s sufficient time before a performance to be truly concert ready. The time spent with Terrie is mostly to hear your range and how you might blend with the current singers. She will run you through some exercises, and doesn’t require that you do any sight reading, although you will learn a brief melody and sing it back with Terrie. Then she will ask you to sing anything of your choice that shows off your range and voice. It can be a capella or accompanied.

Music reading ability is a plus, and previous choral experience is required. We are an advanced chorus and sometimes move quickly through learning a piece. There are part recordings and full chorus recordings for people to use for learning, Zoom at all rehearsals (also recorded and sent out the next day), and the first 3–4 weeks we “plunk” out the parts in rehearsals.

About Rehearsals

We rehearse every Monday night from 7–9 PM at St. Philip’s in the Hills. Additional special rehearsals, if needed, are usually organized by the section leaders at least once per season.

We have a great time in our rehearsals, which focus on choral and vocal techniques. The rehearsal year is divided into two semesters; the fall session usually begins the first Monday in September after Labor Day and the spring session begins in early January. There are no rehearsals in the summer.

What Else You Should Know if You’re Considering Joining AWC…

Concerts. We have two concert series per year, in December and April. We typically perform at other venues each concert season in addition to the public performances. For continuity, we ask that choir members be at the majority of rehearsals and sing in as many performances as they can.

Participation fee. Singers do pay a fee to participate. The fee can be paid by semester (fall and spring) or by year. There are a limited number of scholarships available for singers who cannot afford the fee.

Committees. This is a participatory choir. Members are expected to contribute time to committees that keep the choir running, such as publicity, concert or rehearsal set up / break down, or program ad sales, and lots more.

Life is a song, love is the lyrics.

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Sometimes it takes only one song to bring back 1000 memories.

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Music is the medicine of the mind.

John Logan