Auditions
Ready to join one of the nation’s most intrepid professional choirs?
Ars Nova Singers strives to be an equitable and inclusive organization where all board members, staff, singers, and volunteers feel valued, respected, and welcomed – regardless of race; age; ethnicity; ability; national origin; religious background; spiritual practice; sexual orientation; gender identity and expression; level of education; or economic, marital, or military status. We oppose discrimination, bigotry, and bias of every kind. We are intentionally inclusive in our organizational composition, values, performances, policies, and practices. Ars Nova Singers invites and welcomes participation by all; all qualified singers are encouraged to apply.
Members of Ars Nova Singers are highly skilled musicians with extensive experience in choral singing and a desire to sing at the highest levels of vocal ensemble performance. We welcome the opportunity to hear and connect with singers who share our passion for the choral art. Auditions for the 2024-2025 season have been completed. However, we audition people on a rolling basis for openings that may arise; the next opportunity for individual auditions will be in January 2025. If you are interested in being considered at that time, please review the information below.
POSITIONS AVAILABLE and LEVELS OF COMMITMENT/EXPECTATION
1) Ars Nova Singers full chorus – up to 28-32 positions available. These singers are the essential heart of the ensemble; the expectation is that these singers will participate in all full-ensemble projects. All of these singers receive a stipend each semester (based on the number of projects in which they participate). The expectation is that full chorus members commit to a minimum of an entire SEMESTER.
2) Ensemble Singers – up to 10 Positions (paid $85 per service). This is our fully paid core of professional singers (paid for every rehearsal and performance) who serve as soloists and musical leaders; these singers may also occasionally lead a choral sectional. The professional singers in these positions are expected to blend and balance as an independent ensemble singers who will perform together throughout the season. The expectation is that these persons have professional vocal experience and/or advanced degrees in music, and demonstrate a high level of vocal proficiency. Ensemble Singers must be able to commit to all projects in a SEMESTER. Ensemble Singers have a few additional rehearsals outside of the full chorus schedule. They are also expected to come 45 minutes ahead of selected full chorus rehearsals.
3) Divisi Ringers – contracted as needed; number of positions is variable by project (paid $85 per service). These are professional singers who assist the ensemble by filling out the divisi in particular voice parts. These singers must have superior reading and vocal skills. These singers are contracted, and paid for every service they attend (both rehearsals and performances). They must attend a minimum of 5 rehearsals, including the final two dress rehearsals for a project. Pay scale for 2023-2024 season is $85/call.
4) Full Group Extras – variable number of positions available per project. These are singers who wish to participate in the ensemble, but can only commit to certain projects during the season. These singers receive a stipend on a per-project basis.
AUDITION PROCEDURE
REVIEW – Please review the information on the 39th Season Preliminary Singers’ Schedule, which lists our projects and planned rehearsal and performance dates. NOTE: this information is subject to revision until August 15. Preference will be given to singers who are able to commit to the full schedule.
FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW – when submitted, your information will be reviewed and you will receive further information about scheduling an individual audition.
AUDITION – The 30-minute audition will include one prepared song (any language; can be an excerpt from a choral piece; selections from art song, oratorio, or opera repertoire preferred), and short exercises in sight-reading, tonal memory, vocal color, range, and intonation. An accompanist is provided. Auditions are held at Mountain View United Methodist Church, 355 Ponca Place in Boulder; free on-site parking is available.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR FULLY PAID POSITIONS
To be considered for fully paid Ensemble Singer or Divisi Ringer position, please submit the following materials on the form below:
a) A current vocal resumé or curriculum vitae.
b) An audition recording, demonstrating current or recent solo work; may include either excerpts or complete pieces.
c) A written description of your voice, including your strengths and weaknesses, your comfortable solo range, and preferred voice part in 8-part choral divisi.
d) Two references, including phone numbers and email addresses.
Questions? Email Artistic Director Tom Morgan.