Bel Canto Company & Gate City Voices Auditions

Sing with us for the 2024-2025 Season!

Friday, June 28, 6:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday, June 29, 10:30am-3:30pm

The Choral Arts Collective is seeking great singers from a wide variety of backgrounds to join Bel Canto Company and Gate City Voices. Dedicated and talented singers from the Piedmont are invited to join us in creating exceptional choral music for the 2024-2025 season. Both ensembles are conducted by Artistic Director Dr. Welborn Young and offer opportunities to perform the finest choral music and contribute as integral parts of Greensboro’s vibrant arts scene.

We are searching for talented singers of all voice parts, with a particular need for tenors and basses in both ensembles. Ideal candidates will have a rich history of singing excellence as a member of a choral ensemble and a strong desire to collaborate musically with other like-minded singers. While a background in vocal studies is preferred for those auditioning for Bel Canto Company, it is not a strict requirement.

Auditions will be held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Greensboro. *Please note that although we often rehearse and perform in church spaces for their beautiful acoustics, we are in no way affiliated with any denomination or religion.

To schedule an audition time visit: https://calendar.app.google/5PV1dT3EnC9HDtLY7. Once an audition is scheduled, applicants will be contacted with additional information.

Our mission is to create engaging, inclusive, and entertaining choral performances for all. Studies have shown that women and people of color may be less likely to apply for positions unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are seeking great singers from a wide variety of backgrounds, so if you share our vision of a community that celebrates excellence, diversity, and lifelong participation in choral music, we want to hear you!

Bel Canto Company Audition Details:

Bel Canto Company is an ensemble of 36 professional musicians renowned for its dynamic performances, artistic excellence, and signature sound. Members are paid a modest stipend and present a subscription concert season in Greensboro, as well as regional community performances.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in choral singing.
• Enthusiasm for ensemble collaboration.
• Music and sight-reading skills.
• Tenors and basses are especially encouraged to audition.
• Vocal studies background is advantageous, although not required.

Prospective Bel Canto Company members will be asked to prepare portions of three selections that represent typical Bel Canto repertoire:

• “Soneto de la Noche” by Morten Lauridsen
• “Resignation” by Florence Price
• “Clay Jug” by Edie Hill.

Music scores will be made available in advance and an accompanist will be provided at the audition.

*Please note, all returning members are required to reaudition through a group audition process TBA. Returning members should not sign up for individual auditions. New singers should schedule an individual audition on one of these dates and may also be invited to participate in the group audition process.

Gate City Voices Audition Details:

Gate City Voices is an auditioned ensemble of 40+ volunteer singers forming an inclusive performance outlet for community singers seeking musical excellence. Gate City Voices performs two concerts alongside Bel Canto Company each season, one in December and the second in March.

Qualifications:

• We are looking for singers from a variety of musical backgrounds.
• Singers do not necessarily have to be a professional or classical singer.
• We are searching for people who love making music with other singers and for voices that will help make the season’s performances exquisite.

Singers auditioning for Gate City Voices will sing without accompaniment and be asked to sing a major scale and a song of their choosing – one that allows their voice to shine and shows off what they do best. No sight-singing, no scowling judges, no pressure!

*Please note, all returning members are required to reaudition.

About The Choral Arts Collective:

The Choral Arts Collective was born out of the shared desire of Bel Canto Company and Greensboro Youth Chorus to build an inter-generational and equitable choral organization serving the Piedmont and beyond. We believe that providing excellent choral programming – ranging from music education to professional concerts – creates accessible and lifelong sources of enjoyment, fulfillment, and artistic expression for all.

Our mission is simple: to create engaging, inclusive, and entertaining choral experiences. Whether you are new to choral music, a casual listener, or a dyed-in-the-wool choir fanatic…whether you are a student, a working professional, or savoring your retirement…whether you are just learning to read music, are a serious amateur, or have been singing professionally for years…we have something for you!

We look forward to welcoming new voices to our ensembles!