Auditions for 2008-09 Season

Auditions for this year’s NYC Gay Men’s Chorus season have been completed. Please check back in the future for audition dates for next season.

What We Are Looking For

Clearly, not everyone will have all of these attributes – don’t worry, you do not have to be the perfect 10. More often than not, a healthy mix of most of the above qualities will be enough to qualify for the Chorus. Whatever your skills, all we ask is that you embrace singing in all styles and we can guarantee you’ll find people in the Chorus who share your interests and voices in the Chorus with whom you can blend.

What to Expect

The word "audition" sounds a little scary. Think of as a chance to introduce yourself to the Chorus and for the Chorus to get to know you and your vocal abilities. Auditions take only a few minutes and are as relaxed, friendly and informal as we can make them. Our main goal is to leave you feeling that you’ve done your best.

Before you go in, we will ask you to fill out an audition form asking for your contact details, some information about you, and your singing history (if any).

The audition usually goes like this:

Whatever happens, you can be assured there will bea supportive and respectful atmosphere, and you’ll get a lot of encouragement from your new friends. Current members will also be available to answer any questions you have.

What Happens Afterwards

We will be in touch by phone or email within a few days to let you know the outcome. If you are accepted to the Chorus, please keep Monday evenings free and watch the website for details of New Member Orientation, parties, etc. If you don’t make it, please do consider trying again.

New Member Orientation

New Member Orientation will take place on Saturday, September 6 at the LGBT Center, 208 West 13th St (between 7th and 8th Avenues), starting at 10 AM. The first rehearsal will be on Monday, September 8th from 7-10:30 pm at the LGBT Center.

Rehearsals

We do work hard and joining the Chorus involves making a real commitment. Regular rehearsals are held weekly on Monday evenings from 7:30 p.m. -10:30 p.m. at the LGBT Center, except in weeks where holidays or events occur on Monday. Weekend (one or two days) rehearsals generally occur roughly once a month during the concert rehearsal period. December 5th -7th 2008 will be our annual out-of-town weekend retreat at Hudson Valley Resort in the Catskills. There are also catch-up rehearsals and sectionals, which sometimes take place on other nights, and in the run up to a show, we can do a mid-week rehearsal too. Members are allowed 2-3 absences per concert and can make up absences by attending extra rehearsals.

Expenses

All chorus members must pay $250 in dues per year (which includes your annual dues for membership in the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses), provide their own standard tuxedo and other performance costume, and pay for travel and expenses for special performances, festivals and tours. Winter Retreat at Hudson Valley Resort is anticipated to cost approximately $225 - $400 per person, depending on your sharing situation, which covers bus transportation from NYC, room and meals. Each member is expected to participate in purchasing and/or selling tickets to our concerts and in the fundraising activities that generate financial resources for the Chorus.

Financial Assistance

NYCGMC realizes that its members come from different financial circumstance and may experience temporary hardships. The Chorus provides full and partial scholarships to help members in need. All dues reduction/retreat aid requests are treated confidentially and all reasonable requests are met within budget guidelines. Members receiving financial assistance are asked to repay the Chorus through donation of time and services (volunteering on projects and at events).

Resources

Each new Chorus member will be assigned a "buddy" for your first concert period. Your buddy will be a current member of your section and will sit with you during rehearsals. They will be your primary resource for information. A buddy coordinator will oversee the buddy program. Each section has an elected representative. Your section rep will be your primary contact for official Chorus business and will address any concerns you have with our Membership Team.

Recordings and other resources (as available) are made available to assist in the learning of music.

Our Family

Most importantly, NYCGMC is a family. We take our mission seriously and aim to be one of the best choirs in New York City but with a balance of laughter and fun. The Chorus is a great place to meet people and make new friends while doing something enjoyable and worthwhile. The Chorus' year is filled with many special events, parties, and other opportunities to share with fellow members and through our Nightingale Brigade, we are there to help when members are ill, bereaved, or find themselves in trouble. We are full members of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Inc. (GALA), the world's only association committed to serving the LGBT choral movement, and our tie to other Choruses in the US and around the world.

If You’re Just Coming Out Or Thinking About It

New York City Gay Men’s Chorus is a welcoming, friendly and supportive community, in which over the years literally thousands singers from the world over have found a safe space in which to begin to articulate their sexuality and build a first network of gay friends. Literally everyone in the Chorus is on a journey of growth and, wherever you are on yours, our mission is to help. Many of us find singing a healing activity, an uplifting one, and one that binds us together in unexpected ways. We also have a support network called the Nightingale Brigade, which supports members practically and emotionally in times of crisis.

Non-Singing Members

In addition to the singing membership, NYCGMC includes Associate Members who work with the Chorus behind the scenes. Associate Members help develop concert sets, keep track of music, help with office work, staff phones, and perform the myriad tasks that make the organization run smoothly. NYCGMC also welcomes those individuals who cannot commit themselves to a regular schedule, but are interested in helping out during concerts at Carnegie Hall and other locations as stage hands, house hands, etc. Associate Membership is a great way for the musically challenged to get involved, make friends, become a part of the family, and help out in a significant way.