Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why does the Jacksonville Symphony Chorus require auditions?

A. JSC is dedicated to excellence in performance. Such standards demand that our members exhibit at least a basic capability for ensemble singing and pitch formation.

Q. What are you looking for in an audition?

A. Mostly your vocal qualities (timbre, shading, range, etc.) and how well you can perform in an ensemble. Skill and expertise are a plus, but are often not requirements. Ability to sing on and maintain correct pitch, pitch memory and some sight reading skills are checked in the audition process.

Q. What do I have to do in the audition?

A. The auditionee will be asked to sing arpeggios, scales, tap a rhythm, repeat some melodic fragments by memory, sight read a line of a Bach chorale on your voice part and sing the melody of America unaccompanied.

Q. Am I expected to sing from memory?

A. Only to repeat short melodic fragments played on the piano to test your pitch memory.

Q. What if I am nervous and "mess up"?

A. Everyone is nervous at their audition, and we expect candidates to have "the butterflies". Remember that we are only using the audition as an opportunity to learn about you and your voice.

Q. What if I can’t read music?

A. Many times, audition candidates can read music at only a basic level. Your job as a member of the chorus will be much easier if you can read music for notes, rhythms and dynamics, but it will not be a hard-and-fast requirement at your audition.

Q. What do I need to bring to my audition?

A. Nothing really except a joy of singing.

Q. Must I sing by myself? Can I sing a duet for my audition?

A. We prefer to hear your voice alone to best gauge your timbre, range, and other vocal qualities.

Q. How long is an audition?

A. A symphonic choir candidate can expect an audition to last at least five to seven minutes.

Q. Who will hear me audition?

A. Auditions are heard by the Choral Director, and the Symphony Chorus Manager.

Q. Will my audition be taped?

A. The auditioner may record your audition as a reference tool when writing notes about your skills and experience.

Q. Are there only so many places that you can fill, especially among sopranos?

A. No, we try to accept as many qualified people as we can.

Q. When will I know if I am accepted or not?

A. In some cases audition candidates will be notified at their audition whether they have been accepted. We reserve the right to notify you by mail after the final audition date in September.

Q. When and where are rehearsals?

A. Rehearsals are held Tuesday nights from 7:30 to 10:00 pm in P-1, the Orchestra Rehearsal Room in the Phillips Fine Arts Building (basement) of Jacksonville University. On performance weeks rehearsals are held every evening in Jacoby Hall in the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts.

Q. Is there an application fee?

A. No.

Q. Do I have to purchase my music?

A. Singers are given the option of using library scores from the Jacksonville Symphony Choral Library or of purchasing their own scores.

Q. Are there any recorded helps for learning the music?

A. Singers are encouraged to purchase professional recordings of the works we perform. In addition, rehearsal tapes or CD’s are provided, either complimentary or for a nominal cost of a few dollars. In addition, singers can go on the internet and access The Silvis Woodshed http://www.channel1.com/users/gsilvis/ and access the most choral works in midi to help in learning the music.

Q. Is there an application form? what will you ask me?

A. We have an application form and ask for basic background information, including your choral history, instrumental skills, education, and so forth. This helps our director get a better picture of you, and will not be shared with other organizations or businesses. A Polaroid picture is taken and attached to your application to enable the staff to get to know you by name.

Q. If accepted, will I have to audition every year?

A. No. If you sing any concert during the year, you will probably not be required to audition next year. Some singers may be asked by the director to audition again even if they sing at concerts during the year. Singers who are inactive for one year must re-audition. The director may systemically re-audition each section of the chorus.

Responsibilities of Chorus Members:

Part Learning:

Notes, rhythms, pronunciation, and phrasing need to be learned before rehearsals. Prior to the second rehearsal, all measures should be numbered starting with the first complete measure, and written score markings, pronunciation guides and translations should be entered into the score. In sectionals, we solidify parts and work on balance, blend, tone quality, contextual problems, and interpretation.

Practice Discipline:

Maintain a regular practice schedule outside of rehearsal. Even if you don't play piano or sight-read well, a daily score review of 20 minutes will help you mentally practice things like diction, rhythm, pronunciation, and dynamics.

Rehearsal Attendance:

Weekly piano rehearsals are where we become a choir. Final rehearsals are ultimately important for the gel of all forces. Thus, chorus members should place a high priority on regular rehearsal attendance. Attendance is recorded at all rehearsals.

Absence:

While no absences are encouraged, it is understood that a volunteer, community-based ensemble such as the JSC needs to have some flexibility in attendance policy. At the same time, our professional mission makes a rigorous and fairly administered attendance standard necessary. Thus, a maximum of two absences is allowable (for certain rehearsals) during a concert preparation schedule (typically 9-12 rehearsals). Should you need to miss a rehearsal, you should notify the Chorus Manager in advance. Final orchestral rehearsals should be considered mandatory. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director of the JSC. Extenuating circumstances such as family emergency, TDY, illness, bereavement, etc., will be handled flexibly on a case-by-case basis. Should you miss a rehearsal, get rehearsal notes from another member of your section, mark your music, and practice your part accordingly before the next rehearsal so that your absence will only minimally affect the group's progress.

At Rehearsals:

It is important that you come to rehearsal on time, and not miss the warm-ups. During this initial 5-10 minute period, we focus mentally, physically prepare the vocal mechanism for singing, and emotionally prepare for full expression of the composer's intent. Listen: A good general rule is to listen to yourself 20%, and to others 80%. This includes listening 20% to other members of your own section, and 20% each to the other three main sections (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and/or Bass).

Concentration and Focus

These are necessary for optimal rehearsal pacing and efficiency, and to train ourselves for the intense mental, physical, and expressive demands of high caliber, professional-quality performances.

General Advice

Work for uniform vowels, rhythmic consonants, and tone quality which is natural, free, and vibrant. Resist the temptation to competitively sing louder than your neighbor. Avoid excessive vibrato and blatant, uncontrolled singing. Listen and make slight adjustments in tuning, vowel, and balance. Count. Bring a pencil to every rehearsal and mark all instructions in your score. Use pencil only.

Concert Dress

Black, formal, conservative, blending. No jewelry, cologne, perfume, or beeping watches. Minimum unscented hairspray if necessary.

* Women: Long, black, dress or outfit. At least quarter-length sleeve. No frills, decoration, sheer sleeves or bodices, slit skirts, or material that draws attention to itself.

* Men: Black tuxedo, white shirt, black bow tie. Black cummerbund optional, but desired. Jackets buttoned on stage. Black socks and dress shoes that take a shine.

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