Monday 14 September · 7:00–9:00 pm
Our season begins with an open house
Faith Lutheran Church, 2576 Browncroft Blvd, Rochester
September 14th is our first rehearsal of the season, and we've opened it up.
It won't be a normal full rehearsal — we'll shape the evening around people who are new — but you'll be meeting and singing with the choir members for the first rehearsal of the season, which tells you far more than a demonstration would.
You'll sing alongside us rather than in front of us. Nobody sings alone and nobody is put on the spot. We'll talk about what a season actually involves, and you can ask us anything you like.
No audition that night, and no obligation afterwards. Come, sing, and see how it feels. If you want to take it further, we can arrange an audition then or later.
Our singers are adults of all ages, and every voice part is welcome. Just turn up — or tell us you're coming, at c.e.gates83@gmail.com
When
Mondays, 7:00–9:00 PM
September through May
Where
Faith Lutheran Church
2576 Browncroft Blvd, Rochester
Who
Adult singers of all voice parts - soprano, alto, tenor, and bass
Who we're looking for
If you’ve sung in a church choir or all the way through school — then stopped for 20 years — you already have the background we're asking for. What matters more is that you'll learn your part between Mondays, and you relish learning challenging music.
Our members range from very experienced singers to folks who have some experience, but have not sung in a choir for years. While singers’ training and experience may be quite different, the love of choral singing is what unifies us all.
Our choir prides itself on singing expressively with stylistic integrity. These details are what defines us and attracts singers to The Lyric Chorale.
Questions people actually ask
How good do I have to be?
Good enough to hold your own part in four-part harmony without leaning on the person beside you. You don't need a solo voice or a music degree — but you should have a willingness to learn and an enthusiastic spirit.
Do I need to read music?
You need some background in choral singing or in an instrument — enough that a vocal line on the page isn't foreign to you. You don't need to sight-read fluently. Most of our members learn their parts with some practice between rehearsals.
What actually happens at the audition?
It's just you and Chrisanne, our director — not a panel, and not in front of the choir.
She'll start with some vocal exercises to hear your pitch, range and phrasing. Then you'll sing a piece: bring something you like, or she'll have one ready if you'd rather not choose. After that you'll simply talk — what the group sings, what a season involves, and what we ask of members.
That's the whole thing. There's no sight-reading test and nothing to prepare beyond turning up. It's as much your chance to work out whether we're a good fit for you as ours to hear your voice. If you'd rather not audition yet, come to a Monday rehearsal first — that's a perfectly normal way to start.
What does it cost?
There are dues each semester, and you'll buy the formal attire we wear at concerts. Your first semester's dues are waived, which is meant to offset that. We'll go through the exact figures with you before you commit to anything.
How much practice is expected outside rehearsal?
Whatever you need to keep up with the group and learn the music. This will depend on your individual skills and experience. We often provide additional rehearsal materials for your use outside of rehearsals.
What's the time commitment?
Rehearsals are Mondays, 7:00 to 9:00 PM, September through May, at Faith Lutheran Church, 2576 Browncroft Blvd, Rochester. On top of that there is usually an additional rehearsal with instruments in the week before a concert. We typically perform two or three concerts a season.
Life happens and we know it. But if you're heading for three or more missed rehearsals in a semester, we’ll want to talk over your readiness to sing the concert.
Can I come and watch a rehearsal first?
Yes, you can come and watch or take part in a Monday rehearsal with no obligation. Just let the director know at c.e.gates83@gmail.com.
I haven't sung in years. Is that a problem?
It's one of the most common ways people arrive here. Come and audition, and let us be the judge of where your voice is now — you'll almost certainly be harder on yourself than we will be.
Why our members sing here
"I wanted to to keep singing alongside a full-time job. This is the right-sized commitment."
John — tenor, joined 2003
"Amateurs and professionals sing side by side here. It lets me make music at a level I couldn't reach on my own."
Katherine — alto, joined 2003
"I was looking for a musical family and got welcomed with open arms."
Katrina — alto, joined 2019
Request an audition
Still deciding?
Contact Chrisanne at (585) 478-0778 or c.e.gates83@gmail.com, or request an audition using the form and someone will be in touch.