Calliope is an inclusive Treble choir whose members have a wide range of musical abilities. You don’t need to be able to read music to join. We do ask prospective members to complete a low-pressure audition.

Why is an audition required?

We understand auditioning is often stressful and not something many look forward to. We hold auditions to get a sense of your voice, to determine your vocal strengths, and to assess whether our chorus would be a good fit for you.

What does an audition look like?

Auditions are no longer than 15 minutes (please arrive 10 minutes early) and will involve four musical components.

1. A prepared short solo piece (1-3 minutes) of your choice,
2. A vocal range check, (how high and low can you sing?)
3. A pitch matching check, (if a note is played, can you sing that note back?)
4. An aural recall check (if a set of multiple notes is played, can you sing them back?)

You will also have the opportunity to introduce yourself and ask any questions you may have about the choir.

What should I choose for a solo piece?

The piece you choose can be of any genre or style– we want you to sing something you’re comfortable with that showcases your voice.

You are encouraged to bring a prepared piece with accompaniment (karaoke backing track) but are welcome to sing a selection a cappella if you prefer. 

When do auditions take place?

Auditions take place twice a year, once in late summer/early fall before the Fall season and once in late winter before the Spring season.

A link to sign up will be made available via our social media and sent out via email to our newsletter (sign up here!).

As we have limited spots for auditions each season, please notify us at least 24 hours in advance if you’re unable to attend your audition so we can release your spot to someone on the wait list.

Where do auditions take place?

Audition locations vary depending on the season. Locations will be provided on audition sign-up forms and via newsletter email in advance of the auditions.

What should I know about membership before auditioning?

Calliope rehearses in the Macalester Groveland neighborhood of St Paul every Thursday from 6:45-9pm. Our year consists of two concert seasons: September through December and January through May with a break in December between the two.

We love to have fun singing, but also want to deliver strong musical quality to our audiences. For this reason, members may miss no more than three rehearsals per concert season.

There are additional (optional but highly encouraged) sectional rehearsals, which are coordinated by section leaders based on availability and necessity.

Email board@calliopewomenschorus.org with any questions about the audition process.