Audition and Membership
Join the BCP Family – Sing with the Bach Choir!
The Bach Choir of Pittsburgh includes a core of professional, paid singers and also volunteer singers. The audition process for both categories are listed below. We welcome everyone to audition and are looking to diversify and expand our choir.
AUDITION PROCESS
Regular Member Auditions (5 Minutes in Length):
- Sing one prepared piece (bring a copy of music for the accompanist)
- Sight sing
Core Auditions (10 Minutes in Length):
- Sing two memorized songs in two different languages. (bring music for the accompanist)
- Sight sing.
- Oral testing (keys, chords, musical terms, etc.) and aural tests (scales, intervals, etc.) will also be part of your audition session
For singers whose are chosen to join the choir, an orientation session for new members will be held when rehearsals start in September. All choir members must re-audition for each season.
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
To join the Choir is an opportunity to participate in making great music together with the conductor and your fellow singers, and a expectation to attend the rehearsals and the concerts for the entire season. The Choir’s rehearsal and subscription season runs from late August through early May.
Rehearsals are held each Tuesday evening from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm at Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Avenue in Oakland. Rehearsals usually begin the first Tuesday after Labor Day and end in early May following the last scheduled season concert. There are two dress rehearsals, typically the Thursday and Friday evening before each concert weekend, which all members are required to attend. Concerts are typically Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. A half-day, Saturday choir retreat may also be required during the fall or spring, depending on the difficulty of the music and concert schedule.
Choir members are expected to pay dues to the organization each year. Dues for this season are $195 ($165 for students and seniors [65+]). Dues help cover a small portion of expenses related to music purchase and copying, artistic and administrative staff, liability insurance, and concert venue rental. If paid prior to September 3d there is a $10 discount ($185 and $155). Payment schedules can be arranged and there is a small scholarship pool for those needing help.
Concert dress is a solid black one-piece dress or two-piece top/skirt combination or a black tuxedo with black bowtie and a white shirt.