Auditioning for Chorus Niagara

AUDITIONS! Please read Audition Requirements section below.

Chorus Niagara invites singers with a passion for great choral music to join us!

Our 2022-2023 season is filled with a variety of dramatic, exciting music! We draw singers from Buffalo, Niagara Falls, St.Catharines, Grimsby, Dundas, Ancaster, and Oakville, Brantford and everywhere in between.

Mission Statement

To be a cornerstone of the Niagara Arts Community through creative and passionate programs that entertain and enthrall.

Rehearsals and Other Performance Commitments

Rehearsals are every Monday night (including holiday Mondays) from 7:00-10:00 p.m. at Beacon School in St. Catharines with an expectation that choristers will arrive at approximately 6:45 to pick up music, get seated, and be ready to sing at 7:00 sharp
Regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts is expected and choristers are asked to communicate with their Section Head if they will be absent
There is an expectation that chorus members work on music at home between rehearsals in order to maintain the high standard for which Chorus Niagara is known
Approximately four times per season, extra Saturday morning rehearsals are scheduled (you will be given a full-season rehearsal schedule in September)
Chorus Niagara performs in four or five concerts per season (usually Saturday evenings - one event in month of November, December, March, and May) with occasional additional opportunity to perform
Repertoire may include classical works, contemporary compositions, commissioned works, Christmas favorites, Handel's Messiah (alternate years), spirituals, operetta, opera choruses and more
Concert weekend rehearsals are normally on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings
Singers are also requested to sing at Singathon - Chorus Niagara's annual fundraising event
Auditions are held in late August/early September and on occasion throughout the year

Other Membership Commitments

Annual fees will be paid in full by November 10 (unless an installment plan or financial assistance has been requested)
Choristers will promote concerts by encouraging friends and family to attend, distributing flyers and posters, and liking and sharing posts on social media
Choristers will participate in fundraising for the annual Singathon by obtaining $350 in pledges
Caring for music and other materials provided by Chorus Niagara (and returning music in a timely fashion after concerts)

Fees and Other Costs

Annual fees are $375 per person (paid in full or in instalments). CN also offers a student rate. Financial assistance can be requested. No one will be turned away due to financial barriers. For all fee inquiries, please email Managing Director Elise at chorusniagara100@gmail.com.
Music is provided
Concert Attire is required for performances
A black music folder is required for performances
A black CN shirt and black pants are required for Singathon and other informal performances

COVID-19 Policy

At this time, masks are to be worn in rehearsal.

Audition Requirements

Prospective chorus members may sing a piece of their own choosing that features their musical ability and vocal range to the best advantage. During the audition, prospective chorus members will also be asked to sing back a short sequence of notes and to sight-read a short piece.

Singing with Chorus Niagara is wonderful, challenging, tremendous fun and a great chance to get together in pursuit of making beautiful music! We welcome your interest! Contact our audition coordinator, Lolly Pettigrew, if you have further questions lollypettigrew@gmail.com.

Updated August 2022