PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS  ach season we have limited openings for new and returning singers ... always for tenors, often for basses, sometimes for altos and not so often for sopranos!We seek singers who have good intonation, can blend with the group, are able to meet or exceed the current BBS vocal standard, and will commit to the BBS rehearsal and concert schedule. Since we learn some of our music by ear, being able to read music is helpful, but not required. More crucial to your/our success is being able to follow musical directions and remember parts, both harmonically and melodically. The music we make is our way of giving to the outside and BBS community and having fun. Singing isn't the only qualification for audition success. It's undoubtedly a given that you can and want to sing and that's a major reason to join the chorus. We do judge you on how you sing, but we're also factoring in how you blend with others, how much room we have in our sections, your willingness to commit to BBS, and the composition of our chorus (race, age, gender, ethnicity, etc.). So if you're not asked to join, it may be due to factors other than singing ability. And feel free to try again! For the audition, you should bring the sheet music and two copies of the lyrics for one song to be sung as a solo and accompanied by the Music Director on piano. Pick something you like to sing and can sing comfortably and well. If you need lyrics, search for them online. If you can't find the sheet music and think the Music Director might have it because it's a well-known song, email us and we'll check. We rehearse every Thursday from 7:15p - 9:30p at St. Ambrose Church on Gilman Street at Cornell (three blocks east of San Pablo Avenue). There's also a section-only rehearsal (for each section) that will be scheduled during the season. Attendance at the first rehearsal, the last two rehearsals, and the two major public concerts is required. Attendance at all other chorus rehearsals, the section-only rehearsal and two benefit concerts is expected (barring absence for illness, emergency, etc.). BBS strives to be 100% fragrance-free. Members need to leave their perfumes, colognes, smoke odor, etc. at home so that they don't harm or disturb any other chorus member. Especially when you're singing, this is an important issue. BBS' registration fee is currently $160. It includes a participation fee (covering rehearsals, concerts, etc.), sheet music or lyric sheets and a concert music binder. There are no other costs except if you want to purchase a CD of the Sunday major concert performance ($15, to be paid later) or attend a techniques workshop (when offered). If finances are a problem, you may ask for a payment plan, and we also have a limited number of reduced-fee memberships for singers in need. These are determined and managed by the BBS Board of Directors. BBS is a non-profit organization run by the members. Some do more than others (like any other volunteer organization), but everyone is asked/expected to do something! Still interested? Please fax the completed form (download the form here; no cover sheet necessary) to 510-280-7242, or scan and email it as an attachment to singbroadway@yahoo.com. |
