Singer Auditions for 2013 - 2014
The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is the chorus of choice of the Pittsburgh Symphony, and as such we hold ourselves to the highest musical standards.    All members are expected to be able to read music and sing expressively, in tune, and with a tone quality appropriate to classical choral music. If you are an experienced choral singer we encourage you to audition!
 
There are two categories of membership, Volunteer and Professional Core. All members are expected prepare their music before each rehearsal.
 
Auditions are held every May for the following season.   Occasionally additional auditions are held in August and at other times during the season.
 
All members of the Mendelssohn Choir audition annually.
 
Members of the Mendelssohn Choir are expected to sing the full complement of concerts in any given season. A full list of concerts for the upcoming season will be available at your audition appointment.
 
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a legible copy of your music for the pianist.
 
Call MaryColleen Seip at 724-263-5259 for an appointment and further information.
 
     
Volunteer Member Auditions

You will be asked to:

1)      sing one solo in any language (5 minute maximum length), preferably from the oratorio, art song, or opera repertoire. Memorization is not required, though your ease and expression will be directly related to the depth of your preparation. Choose something you’re comfortable with and that you enjoy singing—don’t try to learn something new that’s “impressive."  Your solo selection should be in a 3-ring binder for our accompanist.
2)      vocalize (to show range and intonation)
3)      sight-read a choral excerpt with accompaniment
4)      sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales
 

**For the 2013-14 season you will also be asked to prepare “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem  (quarter note at 104 bpm).

Sops: m. 4-16 and m. 36-50

Altos: m. 1-12 and m. 35-50

Tenors: m. 5-18 and m. 34-50

Basses: m. 1-13; m. 33-50 

 
     
Professional Core Auditions

Singers interested in auditioning for the professional core are asked to submit a resumé before scheduling an audition. Headshots are not needed. 

 
If invited to audition, new auditionees for the Core will:
1)      sing 3 solos in contrasting languages, styles, and tempi (maximum total length 12 minutes, memorization is not required).  Your solos should be in a 3-ring binder for our accompanist.
2)      vocalize (to show range and intonation)
3)      sight-read a choral excerpt with accompaniment
4)      sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales
5)      sing major/minor/diminished/augmented triads
6)      perform tonal memory exercises (sing/echo short phrases played on the piano)
7)      take a short written music theory exam
8)      read aloud short texts in Latin, German and French
9)      Sing 3 excerpts from standard choral repertoire:
 

**For the 2013-14 season you will be asked to prepare “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem  (quarter note at 104 bpm).

Sops: m. 4-16 and m. 36-50
Altos: m. 1-12 and m. 35-50
Tenors: m. 5-18 and m. 34-50

Basses: m. 1-13; m. 33-50

 
Letter G to start of 6/8 section 
m. 313-330
 
PLUS
S m. 2-10
A m. 84-100
T m. 84-100
B m. 10-17

 

 
 
Returning Members of the Professional Core
 
If you have sung as a Core member in the 2012-13 season, please prepare:
1)      2 solos in contrasting languages. (maximum length 8 minutes, memorization is not required).  Your solo should be in a 3-ring binder for our accompanist.
2)      vocalize (to show range and intonation)
3)      sight-read a choral excerpt with accompaniment
4)      sing chromatic and/or whole tone scales
5)      sing major/minor/diminished/augmented triads
6)      Sing 2 excerpts from standard choral repertoire:

 

**For the 2013-14 season you will also be asked to prepare “Kyrie” from Mozart’s Requiem (quarter note at 104 bpm).

Sops: m. 4-16 and m. 36-50
Altos: m. 1-12 and m. 35-50
Tenors: m. 5-18 and m. 34-50

Basses: m. 1-13; m. 33-50 

Beethoven 9, opening of the Choral fugue

Allegro energico, 16 meas before O (m. 655)

Sops: m. 655-692
Altos: m. 679-700 (14 m. before P)
Tenors: m. 671-708

Basses: m. 595-618 (Andante maestoso, 16 m. before N)
 
     
Membership Policies

“The Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh is dedicated to performing at the highest musical standards.”


Commitment and Preparation

A choir is more than an assembly of individual singers, it’s an ensemble. “Ensemble” is the French word for “together”; we need, by definition, to work together, regularly. Membership in the MCP therefore reflects a commitment to attending all rehearsals. Rehearsals are not about learning notes, they are about creating ensemble (that word again) and above all, making music. Singers are expected to learn their notes and rhythms before rehearsal.

Rehearsals are held Wednesdays from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Heinz Hall, with additional rehearsals during the week of a concert.


Additional Policies for the  PROFESSSIONAL CORE

Members of the professional core are compensated for four instructional rehearsals, the conductor’s piano rehearsal, orchestra rehearsals and performances. They are expected to attend all instructional rehearsals held during the season for each concert period.
 
     
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