Symphonic Chorus Member Information

Joining the Chorus

The Stanford Symphonic Chorus is open to all students, faculty, staff and any other residents of the community interested in singing wonderful music.

Members who are not students or faculty pay a modest (currently $40) participation fee. This money helps to offset expenses, the largest of which is hiring orchestras.

Auditions

New members are accepted by audition at the beginning of each academic quarter. You can sign up for an audition at the first rehearsal. Auditions take place in Braun Music Center, room 120. Please contact the director, (650-723-1570), to schedule a specific audition time.

Auditions take about ten minutes, are very "user-friendly," and consist of:

Expectations

Learning the Music

Each singer is expected to learn the music assigned for each rehearsal on his or her own. Beyond the first reading of a work, rehearsal time will be devoted to the development of ensemble sound, interpretation, and other musical matters. It is further expected that each singer will make a reasonable effort to develop his or her own vocal skills, and will make every effort to contribute in a positive manner to the work of the group.

Concert Dress

Men wear tuxedos or a tuxedo-like suits (i.e., black; not grey, brown or blue), white shirt, black bow tie, black shoes and socks. Women wear all black: long dress, or long black skirt or slacks with long-sleeved (preferably) or short-sleeved black blouse, and black shoes. Please no sleeveless tops and no flashy jewelry.

Covering Your Music

For performances music must be put in a black folder or notebook, or bound with a black cover. Don't wait until the last minute to find a cover which will be practical in performance! (See Music Folders on this page for resources.)

Fragrance-Free Policy

Several people in the chorus are particularly sensitive to scented products such as perfume and hair spray; all of us have to sing in close quarters and benefit by having air to breathe which is as pure as possible. On all rehearsal days, and especially on dress rehearsal and performance days, we request you do not use any such products. For further information, including information on obtaining scent-free alternatives, see extensive guidelines.

Rehearsals

Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7:15 to 9:45 in Campbell Recital Hall in the Braun Music Building, but please be early for the first rehearsal, since it will take extra time to get everyone signed up and to distribute the music, which will be available at the rehearsal. Sign ups start at 6:30 p.m.

In addition, there are usually some optional sectional rehearsals on Wednesday afternoons from 5:30 to 6:30. Just before the performance we typically have two “dress rehearsals,” also mandatory, when we rehearse with the orchestra, usually in the hall in which we will be performing. Concert dress is not required or even recommended at these rehearsals. Other rehearsals are typically accompanied by piano only.

Members may miss up to two required rehearsals during the quarter. Members who miss more than two required rehearsals without prior arrangement with the director will not be allowed to participate in the performance. You must notify the director in advance if for any reason you must miss all or part of a rehearsal. For those participating for graded credit, every two unexcused absences may result in the lowering of the final grade by one letter.

Music

The music to be performed is always available at the first two rehearsals. It can also be purchased at the Stanford Bookstore on the Stanford Campus, downstairs in the textbook section under Music 162.

Parking

Parking for rehearsals can usually be found in the large lot on Mayfield Avenue closest to Braun (and Tresidder Student Union). There is no parking enforcement after 4 p.m. on weekdays. You may park for free in any pay or permit slot (except for disabled slots) for rehearsal.