About Auditions

Monday, September 9, 2024

6:00 to 9:00 pm | First Presbyterian Church

For more information about auditioning, contact auditions@pschoir.org.

Audition Requirements

There are 3 parts to your audition: a prepared solo, scales/vocalises, and a musicianship evaluation.

  • PREPARED SOLO: One approximately 3-to-4-minute, piano-accompanied solo song or aria of your choice from classical repertoire. Please bring a copy of your solo that is bound in some way (original score or 3-ring binder) for the provided accompanist.  You may also bring a copy for your own use, if you like.

  • SCALES/VOCALISES: Scales and other vocalises as directed by the Audition Team for range, timbre and vocal dexterity. 

  • MUSICIANSHIP EVALUATION: Prepare this short excerpt — we’ve included the sheet music, practice tracks, and pronunciation tracks you need to be successful. If you would prefer to sightread instead, there will be a sightreading option. Our audition team is interested in knowing how you prepare music given the tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of music does PSC perform?

PSC performs choral masterworks with excellence and passion, ranging from orchestral works with partner organizations to new choral compositions. Our 100-person chorus includes musicians, students, retirees, and an assortment of working professionals. You can hear a sample from our recent Wintersong of a traditional work, the Bogoroditse Devo by Rachmaninoff, and a new work, I Feel Tired Sometimes, by local composer and educator Judy A. Rose.

When and where does PSC rehearse?

PSC rehearses on Monday nights from 7:00-9:30 p.m. Our rehearsal venues include First Presbyterian Church of Portland, 1200 SW Alder Street and St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 3228 SW Sunset Blvd. Our rehearsals are accessible by public transit and we do have member carpools.

How many performances are there a year?

PSC typically performs 3-4 times each season. Along with our annual Wintersong concert and other self-produced performances, PSC is regularly contracted by other performing organizations, such as the Vancouver Symphony, Oregon Symphony, and others.

Where does PSC perform?

PSC is proud to present concerts in a variety of places around the Portland Metro area.

Does PSC have paid positions?

PSC has a limited number of paid staff singer and section leader positions.

What kind of commitment do I need to make to sing in PSC?

Singing members of PSC are expected to attend at least 80% of all rehearsals. Dress rehearsal and performances are required and may not be missed. Each singer is allowed one leave during a performance year, at the discretion of the Artistic Director. If a singer needs to miss more than one concert cycle in a year, they will need to re-audition for the choir.

Choir members pay annual dues in the amount of $220 that may be paid in one lump sum or monthly installments. Reductions and scholarships are available if the membership dues limit your ability to participate. Members joining mid-season pay pro-rated annual dues.

Choir members provide their own performance attire.

Each choir member is expected to learn their music outside of rehearsal, and come prepared for each rehearsal.

Each choir member is expected to be an advocate for the organization – promoting concerts and encouraging excellent singers to audition for the ensemble.

Choir members are provided a membership guide with all expectations clearly explained upon admission to the choir.

Still have questions? Email us: auditions@pschoir.org