By those who are thinking about singing with us.

Will there be auditions? If so, what will they be like? When and where will they be?

Simply speaking the word “audition” puts fear in the hearts of many people. Sometimes, the words “Voice Placement” are substituted. We might be better served to use a song title, “Getting to know you” (and your voice). 

Portland Sage Singers is in the business of inclusion. We want to create a place for Q+ elders and allies to come and sing and find joy in doing it. That said, since we are a brand-new chorus, it is critical that everyone sings for the brand-new Artistic Director.

We will make it as user-friendly as possible. Initial auditions were on February 9th. However, we will have some make-up auditions on February 16th (after rehearsal) so it’s not too late! The auditions will take place in a separate room. 

There are two audition options:

1. Sing in an SATB octet with 2 people on a part. It will be a simple SATB song that we will rehearse February 2, the week before the audition date. The octet will sing the piece and then each part will sing alone. Octets will be formed at random on the 9^th. 
2. Sing a solo. We are more than happy to hear a prepared piece. Because of time constraints, we will hear only about one minute of your piece. We will provide a pianist should you need that. 

We may do some simple scales to determine your voice part.

You’ll be notified on the following week of acceptance into the group.

When and where are rehearsals held?

Rehearsals are on Sundays from 3:00pm – 5:00pm. 

They will be:

All rehearsals will be at Grant Park Church, 2728 NE 34th Ave, Portland, OR 97212.

There may be an extended rehearsal on one of the Sundays in June in preparation for the concert. There will be a Tech/Dress scheduled once the concert date has been set. 

We are hoping to give our concert the last week in June.

How will communication of chorus related issues be handled?

The chorus will use a platform called Chorus Connection. In your acceptance email on Feb. 10^th there will be a link to sign up for Chorus Connection. This is the repository for all things you will need: music, rehearsal tracks, a calendar, and “Who to ask” when you have questions, etc.

How do we get our music?

Music will be provided to singers via Chorus Connection. The cost for music will be between $20 and $25 per singer. The music can be downloaded to an iPad or tablet or printed to hard copies at home, work, public libraries (free) or a print shop. If anyone is unable to print their own music, please contact accessibility@portlandsagesingers.org for assistance.

Will there be rehearsal tracks?

Rehearsal Tracks for all concert repertoire will be provided at no cost. It is hoped all will be completed by February 23.

How much are dues?

Dues are $125 per term. These are paid through Chorus Connection beginning on February 10. No one will be turned away for lack of ability to meet this requirement. If you need assistance, please contact president@portlandsagesingers.org.

What are attendance requirements?

For the Spring 2025 concert session, there will be 17 rehearsals beginning with the first official rehearsal on February 16. There will be 3 allowed absences. Upon missing 3 rehearsals, you will need to communicate with the Artistic Director. Regular attendance at rehearsals is essential for the music and the community. Our policy allows for accommodation of age, health and disability-related needs. Should you need to miss more than 3 rehearsals, it will be up to the Artistic Director to determine if you are ready to perform. This will be a conversation near the end of the term.

Will we be memorizing our music?

The chorus will perform an 80-minute concert with no intermission. There will be approximately 10 – 11 pieces. Of those, it is expected that 2-3 will be memorized. The remainder will be on book.

Will there be “choralography”?

Author and GALA friend Joan Garry says she doesn’t believe choralography is a real word. That’s what choruses call movement. There will be very limited movement on the 2-3 pieces which are memorized.