2023–24 season auditions have ended

We hold auditions for all voice parts every August. To be notified about 2024-25 season auditions, please email auditions@seattlepromusica.org. See below for information about what to expect at an audition with us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What voice parts are open for auditions?

Every August, Seattle Pro Musica holds auditions for all voice parts.

What level of choral training do I need?

Choir members should have music reading skills and past experience as a singer or instrumentalist, as well as familiarity with singing in foreign languages. Choir members come from all walks of life. Some choir members are music educators or other professionally trained musicians, though the general membership's background is more diverse and includes physicians, attorneys, students, and other non-music professionals.

What are the audition requirements?

At your audition, you'll be asked to vocalize, to sight-read two short choral pieces (in a quartet with Seattle Pro Musica singers), and to repeat a short phrase by ear. Additionally, we ask that you prepare the following in advance to sing at your audition:

  • One short solo piece of your choosing, in any language. This could be an art song, aria, hymn, or folk song – essentially, we want to hear your vocal quality and musicianship. An accompanist will be provided, and we strongly encourage you to sing a piece with accompaniment, but you may sing a cappella. The solo should be no more than two minutes in length; no repeats.

  • The following three excerpts from choral works, to be sung a cappella in a quartet with singers from Seattle Pro Musica. The excerpts as PDF files can be found at the links below, and they'll also be emailed to you in advance of your audition.

You don't need to sing from memory at the audition.

Will there be an accompanist at the auditions?

Yes, an accompanist will be provided for your audition; you may also elect to bring your own accompanist.

Who will hear my audition?

Artistic Director and Conductor Karen P. Thomas hears all auditions. In addition, a quartet of Seattle Pro Musica singers will be present to sing your prepared choral excerpts with you. A board member and/or membership committee representative will be there to greet you when you arrive and to answer any questions you may have about the choir.

How do I schedule an audition?

To sign up for an audition (or to ask any additional questions about the process), please contact us by email at auditions@seattlepromusica.org.

Where are auditions held?

Auditions will be held at Epiphany Parish Seattle (1805 38th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 – map and directions). 

When and where do you rehearse?

Generally, the choir rehearses on Tuesday evenings, 6:30–9:30 pm, at Epiphany Parish (1805 38th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122 – map and directions).  Please review our 2023-24 rehearsal and performance schedule and be prepared to let us know whether you have any conflicts at your audition. Please do not consider a conflict as a potential disqualification before speaking with our Artistic Director!

What COVID-19 precautions will be taken during rehearsals?

Our board and staff are in the process of finalizing our official policies for the season, but precautions will likely include the following:

  • All singers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

  • Our rehearsal space is not equipped with an HVAC or air-filtration system, however, Seattle Pro Musica has several highly rated air purifiers that will be active at all times in the rehearsal space.

  • We will rehearse with all the windows in the space open as much as weather permits.

  • Currently, we do not plan to require masks or testing for rehearsals or concerts this season, but we retain the right to re-implement these safety measures with the guidance of our COVID safety team, a group of medical professionals who sing with SPM.

What are the financial requirements?

Dues are $75 per year, with scholarship options available. There is no requirements to sell tickets for concerts. More information is available in our 2023-24 Member Handbook; please note that this Handbook is currently in draft form and will be finalized by our Membership Committee at their next meeting.

What are the performance requirements?

For our 2023-24 season, we will perform concerts in September, October, November/December, March, and May, and there will be a short performance at the annual auction in April. There are opportunities for solos and small ensemble singing throughout the year at concerts, education and outreach programs, and holiday appearances. For the full performance schedule, please see the 2023-24 rehearsal and performance schedule and email us at auditions@seattlepromusica.org with any questions.

How many singers make up the choir and the small ensembles? How do I audition for the small ensembles?

In addition to our full choir, we have three established small ensembles: Vox sings music written for mixed voices, Chroma sings music for soprano and alto voices, and Orpheon sings music for tenor and bass voices.

The full choir, Seattle Pro Musica, is about 80 singers strong. The sizes of our small ensembles vary depending on annual repertoire needs. Generally, Vox is between 24–32 singers; Chroma and Orpheon are between 9–16 singers each. 

Auditions for small ensembles are open to all choir members and take place after full choir rehearsals begin. The small ensembles rehearse separately; Vox will rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 6:15–7:15 pm, and Chroma and Orpheon will rehearse on Tuesday evenings from 9pm-9:30pm. There will also be additional Monday rehearsals for Chroma & Orpheon – November 6 & February 5.

Want to know more about singing with SPM? Check out these videos!