2026-2027 Bel Canto Company & Gate City Voices Auditions

Join The Choral Arts Collective for Dr. Welborn E. Young’s final season!

Friday, May 29, 6:30–9:30 PM
Saturday, May 30, 11:00–2:00 PM
Sunday, May 31, 2:00–5:00 PM
Friday, June 5, 6:30–9:30 PM
Saturday, June 6, 11:00–1:00 PM

We are seeking dedicated and talented singers from diverse backgrounds to join us for a season full of exciting music and memorable moments! Members of Bel Canto Company and Gate City Voices bring joy, healing, and unity to our community through performances that are challenging, humorous, and thought-provoking. Both ensembles are led by Artistic Director Dr. Welborn Young and provide opportunities to sing exceptional choral music while contributing to Greensboro’s vibrant arts scene.

Audition Sign-Up

Auditions for all new and returning Bel Canto Company & Gate City Voices members will take place at:

Irving Park United Methodist Church
1510 W Cone Blvd, Greensboro, NC (map)

Schedule your audition here: https://forms.gle/22P6hK3mdUkp6bsh9

Bel Canto Company Auditions

Bel Canto Company is an ensemble of 36 musicians known for its dynamic performances, artistic excellence, and distinctive sound. Members receive a modest stipend and perform a subscription concert series in Greensboro, along with regional community engagements. Our passion is to uplift and connect through diverse, high-caliber, and entertaining music.

Qualifications:

• Musical precision, demonstrating both rhythmic and pitch accuracy with consistent intonation
• Strong vocal quality and flexibility, demonstrating a beautiful and easily produced tone throughout the registers of the voice and consistent vocal resonance at all dynamic levels
• Solid music-reading and sight-singing skills
• Awareness of the vocal line in context of the score and the larger ensemble
• Ability to follow all vocal and aesthetic directives whether indicated by the score or provided by the director
• Enthusiasm for collective ensemble work and capacity to sing well with others
• Self-motivation and demonstrated ability to thoroughly prepare music in advance and practice independently of rehearsals
• Availability for all scheduled weekly rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and concerts
• Prior choral singing experience
• Background in vocal studies is advantageous, but not required

Audition Info:

At the audition, vocal range and registers will be assessed through scale singing or other vocal exercises. Singers will then sing excerpts from two works planned for the 2026-2027 Season:

1. Mozart Mass in c K. 427 (417a) the “Osanna” from the Sanctus movement, pick up to m. 18-61
2. Sing from Rutter Requiem, Agnus Dei mm. 26-42 and mm. 58-65

Please prepare the music in advance (scores will be provided upon requesting an audition). An accompanist will be provided.

In some instances, auditionees may be invited to a call-back audition on Saturday, June 6, to assess the voice in an ensemble setting. Invitation to a call-back does not necessarily guarantee acceptance, nor does not being invited indicate rejection.

Note: Returning Bel Canto Company members must re-audition and should sign up using the scheduling link above.

Gate City Voices Auditions

Gate City Voices is a 40+ voice volunteer ensemble offering a high-level, inclusive musical experience for community singers. The group performs two joint concerts with Bel Canto Company each season, one in December and one in March. We welcome singers from all musical backgrounds. If you love to sing and want to make meaningful music with others, we want to hear from you!

Qualifications:

• Ability to carry your vocal line independently, demonstrating both rhythmic and pitch accuracy with consistent intonation
• Ability to follow all vocal and aesthetic directives whether indicated by the score or provided by the director
• Enthusiasm for collective ensemble work and capacity to sing well with others
• Ability and determination to prepare music in advance and practice independently of rehearsals (rehearsal tracks are provided for GCV whenever possible)
• Availability for all scheduled weekly rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and concerts
• Love making music in community

Audition Info:

At the audition, vocal range and registers will be assessed through scale singing or other vocal exercises. Singers will then be asked to sing:

1. A cappella up and down a major scale
2. The first verse of Craig Courtney’s Silent Night. Please prepare the vocal part that best represents the part you would typically sing or have sung in previous choirs.

Please prepare the music in advance (scores and rehearsal tracks will be provided upon requesting an audition). An accompanist will be provided.

Note: Returning Gate City Voices members must re-audition and should also sign up using the scheduling link above.