SCS Auditions

South Coast Singers is a dynamic choral group made up of about 40 musicians from Southern Orange County, California. Under the musical direction on Raymond P. Woods, we are proud to carry on our tradition of presenting people-pleasing music at pops concerts twice yearly (December and June). We draw an audience of approximately 1400 from all over Orange County, and from around the nation. We also perform at local community and civic events, sometimes as a community service, as well as at private bookings.

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THE AUDITION PROCESS

The audition is an opportunity for our director to meet you, to hear your voice, and to explore your skill with sight reading. The audition atmosphere is very friendly.

Sight reading is done with accompaniment. The director will be looking for you to be able to read your part in a choral piece, and for rhythm. There may also be a test of tonal memory, i.e. the ability to sing back a phrase that was just played on the piano. You may also be asked to pick out the middle note in a three note chord.

You may prepare one song for the audition. If you do not prepare a song, then the director will play a simple tune for you to sing along with, such as "America" (better known as "My Country Tis of Thee").

Choose a song that is “pops” in nature—jazz, swing, pop, broadway, blues, standards, latin, and so on. You can use your music during the audition. We provide an accompanist. Please bring a second copy of your music for the accompanist to use.

We will send you a form in advance of your audition asking you to indicate your prior singing experience. Please bring the completed form.

The process takes about 5-10 minutes per person auditioning. Auditions for this fall will be held on – Monday, August 30th, 7:00 PM at Dana Hills High School Choir Room, auditions will be held on a first come, first served basis. Other candidates may be present to view your audition.

You will be notified generally within two weeks of the results of the audition.

LEVEL OF COMMITMENT

South Coast Singers typically has a concert schedule that includes four performances in June and December, respectively, and approximately one to two guest appearances throughout each season. Rehearsals begin in March and September, respectively.

Singers are asked to commit to being available for all concerts.

Rehearsals take place generally every Tuesday evening from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at Dana Hills High School in Dana Point. Sectionals take place once a month, from 9:00 pm to 9:30 pm following the regular Tuesday rehearsal. During the three weeks prior to a concert, there is usually a Saturday rehearsal and two dress rehearsals (all about three hours long). The dress rehearsals usually fall on weekdays, in the evenings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Although musical and vocal abilities are certainly important as a singer with South Coast Singers, you do not need to have a voice of professional, solo quality to be a member. If you feel you could contribute your talents, we encourage you to audition.

That being said, rehearsals are fast-paced. We expect singers to work on difficult passages prior to the next rehearsal. Recording rehearsals for practice during the week is encouraged. The Singers also provides downloadable learning MP3s for self study, often by part, on it's webpage.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS

South Coast Singers is a nonprofit corporation, and all singers are members. Singers pay a membership fee of $100 every season (twice yearly). New singers also pay a one-time deposit of $40 for music to cover any damaged or lost scores. This deposit is returned upon a singer leaving the organization. All fees are subject to change.

Singers are expected to sell ten tickets per season. Singers are also asked to sell advertisements for concert programs and participate in other fundraisers for South Coast Singers. Numerous volunteer opportunities are available (board leadership, ticket coordination, fundraiser coordination, equipment set-up and take-down, venue coordination, wardrobe coordination, section leadership, and so on), and the board strongly encourages all members to contribute their time in this way.

If costs are a concern, we will provide a contact within the organization with whom you can discuss the matter.

CONCERT ATTIRE

All singers wear concert wardrobe for South Coast Singers concerts. Women must purchase the choir’s standard black outfits (approximately $120) and are required to wear black close-toed shoes, black stockings, and rhinestone or pearl jewelry (necklace and earrings). Men wear black dress shirt, black pants, black dress shoes and black socks which they must purchase on their own. They will purchase a silver necktie and an alternate color tie for fall season (approximately $10 per tie).

Purchasing of choir folder, ties, ladies outfits and any tailoring will be arranged through South Coast Singers and must be paid for by individual members.

All wardrobe fees and wardrobe are subject to change.

CONTACT SOUTH COAST SINGERS

For more information about auditioning, please call our SCS infoline: 949/613-7840 or email info@southcoastsingers.org. Please include your name, telephone number, email address, choral part, and an overview of your prior singing experience. We will contact you about audition date and times.