All singers volunteer their services and are selected by audition. Most of the OCS personnel hold degrees in music or have extensive choral experience. They are professional singers who volunteer their efforts towards the success of the organization. Normally, singers are provided music about six weeks prior to a performance. The first four weeks provide the singer time to learn and prepare the music on their own. Within the remaining two to three weeks, seven rehearsals take place. Singers are expected to arrive to rehearsals with music learned and ready to rehearse ensemble issues rather than note-learning. Requisites for auditioning include previous choral experience, music-reading competency, ability to learn and prepare repertoire individually, and availability to attend rehearsals and performances. The audition lasts about 15 minutes and consists of: 1. A prepared solo of the auditionee's choice. (An art song, baroque opera aria, or oratorio aria in a foreign language is preferred, but anything appropriate to display the quality and ability of the singer's voice is fine. The piece need not be memorized.)
2. Vocalise exercises to display range and agility.
3. Sight reading exercise. 4. A review of the auditionee's past choral and solo experience. (A printed resume is helpful to provide.) An accompanist is provided. Auditionees should provide printed music for their solo.
To schedule an audition, please send an email of your request to
info@omahachambersingersonline.org
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