Auditions - Princeton Pro Musica

Would you like to join PPM?

Princeton Pro Musica includes a 100-voice symphonic chorus of volunteer singers and professional section leaders; a fully-professional orchestra; and a 25-voice chamber chorus drawn from the symphonic chorus.

Our singers come from all walks of life, range in age from recent college graduates to retirees, and bring a rich variety of musical experiences and perspectives to the ensemble. We are happy to be an ensemble home for some singers who are, or who have been, music educators. Some singers have training as instrumentalists, and some study voice privately as a complement to their participation in PPM. Most, though, have careers in fields other than music and enjoy the opportunity to sing, as part of a group, at a high level.

Auditions are usually scheduled in the late Summer and early Fall. For more information email info@princetonpromusica.org or call 609-683-5122

Rehearsals and Performances

What level of training is necessary?

What kind of voice are we looking for?

No two voices in Princeton Pro Musica are the same; its members’ voices are as varied and distinctive as the members themselves. The most beautiful choral sound is one that balances a variety of colors rather than blends all voices into a single hue. The bulk of the music that Princeton Pro Musica sings comes from the symphonic choral-orchestral repertoire of the 17th through 21st centuries, and we seek voices with the range and flexibility to bring that music to life. We strive in rehearsal and performance for all voices, from the biggest to the smallest, to sing with clear pitch, colorful resonance, good rhythm, and palpable musicality.

Covid-19 vaccination requirement

Any PPM staff, singer, or volunteer wishing to participate in in-person PPM-sponsored activities must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The board has resolved to prioritize the health and safety of our singers, staff, and community above all else. This new requirement is a direct result of that commitment. Continued Covid restrictions such as masking and distancing will be enforced on a situational basis.

Rehearsal Attendance

Each Member is expected to sing every scheduled performance. Each Member is expected to attend all rehearsals in their entirety. Two missed rehearsals per concert period are permitted, after which participation is at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Attendance at the dress rehearsal for each concert is mandatory. Poor rehearsal or concert attendance may result in the termination of Membership.

Dues

Payment of dues is a condition for participation in any activity of Princeton Pro Musica. Dues for new members joining at the start of the season and for all returning members regardless of return date are $300. At least one installment payment is due at or before the first rehearsal. Dues are not pro-rated based on which concerts you sing.

Dues can be paid in full or via monthly installments over 10 months. There is a discount for music educators, and a limited number of scholarships are available.

In accordance with IRS rules, dues are not tax-deductible. Your dues are a “participation fee” that helps defray the cost of rehearsal space, accompanist fees, and salaries—a small percentage of our general operating expenses.

Volunteering

Audition Components

Solo

We ask that you sing a short solo piece. Your selection can be chosen from any genre (art song, aria excerpt, musical theater or operetta, folk song, etc.) and be in any language. Ideally your selection will be a piece you’re comfortable with that will give the Artistic Director an opportunity to hear your vocal quality and get a sense for your musicality.
An accompanist will be provided. Please bring sheet music for the accompanist. You are encouraged to sing an accompanied piece, though it is not required.
Memorization is not expected or prioritized. If your selection is longer than three minutes, you will likely be asked to stop in the middle of the piece (having nothing to do with your performance and everything to do with the audition schedule!)

Vocalization

Depending on the range and nature of your solo, the Artistic Director may or may not lead you through a few vocalises/scales, from the piano. Repertoire Excerpt
You will be asked to sing (with accompaniment) your part on the first twenty-two measures of the “Hostias” from Mozart’s Requiem.
The Artistic Director will play a series of four pitches and ask you to sing them back, two or three times.

Sight Singing

You will be asked to sight sing a passage from a piece of choral music. The accompanist will play all four parts as you sing. The selection will be tonal and mostly diatonic.
Members of Princeton Pro Musica have a range of sight singing abilities. This activity is one component of a broader assessment.

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