NYC Gay Men's Chorus Auditions Sept 2 & 3; Non-Singers Also Wanted

 The New York City Gay Men's Chorus is auditioning for new members to join their 29th season! Also looking for non-singers interested in joining the NYCGMC family.

Auditions will take place on Tuesday, September 2 and Wednesday, September 3 from 7-10PM at Shetler Studios (Penthouse 5, 939 8th Avenue at 55th Street). Auditions are by appointment only and may be scheduled by calling 212-344-1777 ext. 4 before Monday September 1, 2008.

For more information visit www.nycgmc.org

Looking For: a passion for singing, musicality, a good voice, openness, teamwork and a positive attitude, some level of reading skill and/or good musical memory, a commitment to the NYCGMC mission of fighting homophobia through song.

Clearly, not everyone will have all of these attributes - don't worry, you do not have to be the perfect 10. More often than not, a healthy mix of most of the above qualities will be enough to qualify for the Chorus. Whatever your skills, all we ask is that you embrace singing in all styles and we can guarantee you'll find people in the Chorus who share your interests and voices in the Chorus with whom you can blend.

What to Expect: The word "audition" sounds a little scary. Think of as a chance to introduce yourself to the Chorus and for the Chorus to get to know you and your vocal abilities. Auditions take only a few minutes and are as relaxed, friendly and informal as we can make them. Our main goal is to leave you feeling that you've done your best.

Before you go in, we will ask you to fill out an audition form asking for your contact details, some information about you, and your singing history (if any).

We begin with some scales and other vocalizes to determine your range and section. Then you sing a brief excerpt from a prepared solo, of which we will hear around a minute. - we'll provide the accompanist. Best to sing something you know and are comfortable singing. Bring sheet music with you for you and/or the accompanist.

Finally, we include a brief and simple music reading exercise. Whatever happens, you can be assured there will be a supportive and respectful atmosphere, and you'll get a lot of encouragement from your new friends. Current members will also be available to answer any questions you have.

Commitments: Regular rehearsals are held weekly on Monday evenings from 7:30PM -10:30PM at the LGBT Center, except in weeks where holidays or events occur on Monday. Weekend (one or two days) rehearsals generally occur roughly once a month during the concert rehearsal period. December 5-7th 2008 will be our annual out-of-town weekend retreat. There are also catch-up rehearsals and sectionals, which sometimes take place on other nights, and in the run up to a show, we can do a mid-week rehearsal too. Members are allowed 2-3 absences per concert and can make up absences by attending extra rehearsals.  There are also several outside activities, fundraisers, benefits, concerts and events that Chorus members are encouraged to participate.

Expenses: All chorus members must pay $250 in dues per year (which includes your annual dues for membership in the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses), provide their own standard tuxedo and other performance costume, and pay for travel and expenses for special performances, festivals and tours. Winter Retreat at Hudson Valley Resort is anticipated to cost approximately $225 - $400 per person, depending on your sharing situation, which covers bus transportation from NYC, room and meals. Each member is expected to participate in purchasing and/or selling tickets to our concerts and in the fundraising activities that generate financial resources for the Chorus. Financial assistance is available for those whom apply.

Most importantly, NYCGMC is a family. We take our mission seriously and aim to be one of the best choirs in New York City but with a balance of laughter and fun. The Chorus is a great place to meet people and make new friends while doing something enjoyable and worthwhile. The Chorus' year is filled with many special events, parties, and other opportunities to share with fellow members and through our Nightingale Brigade, we are there to help when members are ill, bereaved, or find themselves in trouble. We are full members of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Inc. (GALA), the world's only association committed to serving the LGBT choral movement, and our tie to other Choruses in the US and around the world.

Non-Singing Members: In addition to the singing membership, NYCGMC includes Associate Members who work with the Chorus behind the scenes. Associate Members help develop concert sets, keep track of music, help with office work, staff phones, and perform the myriad tasks that make the organization run smoothly. NYCGMC also welcomes those individuals who cannot commit themselves to a regular schedule, but are interested in helping out during concerts at Carnegie Hall and other locations as stage hands, house hands, etc. Associate Membership is a great way for the musically challenged to get involved, make friends, become a part of the family, and help out in a significant way.