Mendelssohn Club is a welcoming group that encourages experienced choral singers who appreciate the challenge of learning new material to consider being part of our Philadelphia-based chorus.

Now scheduling auditions for our 2010/2011 season -- Wednesday, August 25 and Tuesday, September 7.

When and where auditions are held
Auditions are held three times a year—usually in January, May and August/September. Auditions and weekly Wednesday evening rehearsals are held at the Settlement Music School, 5th and Queen Streets, in Queen Village, Philadelphia. Free secure parking.

Signing up for the audition
If you know that you could, if accepted, attend weekly rehearsals (Wednesday evenings, at 5th and Queen Streets, in Queen Village, Philadelphia), and are interested in auditioning, please click here to be considered for an audition. The information will be sent to the Auditions Committee, and you will be contacted by a member of the committee. Even if you are visiting this site well before one of the audition months, we encourage you to send in your information so we know how many new singers are interested in auditioning.

Preparing for the audition
Singers are expected to have prior choral experience and possess some degree of sight-singing ability. Prepare a work of your choice that demonstrates your vocal range. Any genre of classical music is acceptable such as an art song, an aria from an opera or oratorio, or your voice part from a choral work. An accompanist will be provided. Please bring a copy of your music for the accompanist. The audition will also include some sight-reading and tonal memory exercises.

Professional Core of Paid Singers
Mendelssohn Club has a professional core of paid singers. Core singers experience exciting seasons with masterworks, commissions, premieres, and adventurous programming (e.g. 2008-9: Verdi REQUIEM, David Lang, Jennifer Higdon, Pauline Oliveros, Mendelssohn, Bach, etc.). Excellent competitive pay for combination of musical and vocal leadership. Solo opportunities. To audition as a paid core singer, email info@mcchorus.org

As an intern of Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia, you will work as an ambassador for choral and live performing arts in Philadelphia. In addition, you will be cultivating an active interest in Mendelssohn Club's groundbreaking productions in Philadelphia’s premier performance venues, such as the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Mendelssohn Club offers up to two development and marketing internships per year. The development or marketing intern is under the general supervision of the Mendelssohn Club’s Executive Director. These positions are part time and uncompensated. Interested candidates should send email a cover letter, resume and the names & phone numbers of at least three references to info@mcchorus.org.

The Conducting Apprenticeship Program provides gifted conductors with education in adult chorus leadership rarely obtained through graduate conducting programs. This program provides learning experiences that complement the education obtained through traditional degree programs. In addition to the possibility of conducting, this experience includes learning about:

• season repertoire planning;
• long range artistic and organizational planning;
• an overview of fund raising; and
• other administrative necessities.

Description of Responsibilities

Artistic responsibilities:
Be prepared to conduct occasional sectional rehearsals and warm ups; assist with seating arrangements, score markings and preparation of rehearsal tapes for singers; sing with the chorus when not otherwise assigned; observe auditions and reassessments; assist with concert production; other duties as assigned. (Note: Mendelssohn Club rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-10 p.m. and on occasional Saturdays)

Organizational responsibilities:
Attend occasional Mendelssohn Club Chorus Management Council meetings (about four times a year, on the second Tuesday of a month), and meet the mentors described below and others in order to gain broad familiarity with the range of issues in chorus leadership and management.

The Mentors

The Apprentice will be associated with mentors for artistic matters (normally the Artistic Director and Associate Conductor), and for organizational matters. The mentors will help provide a coherent understanding of how the multiple areas of activity for the chorus director fit together and ensure that the program is meeting both the educational needs of the Apprentice and the artistic and organizational support needs of Mendelssohn Club. In addition to mentors, there are many individuals with special expertise who can be available for the Apprentice to learn more about a particular aspect of chorus administration. Within this structure, the Apprentice should take considerable initiative and integrate her/himself into the artistic and operations aspects of the chorus.

The Selection Process

A Selection Committee will review all applications and will invite a small number of applicants, based on qualifications, for interviews and auditions. The audition consists of conducting Mendelssohn Club for approximately 10 minutes at a Wednesday evening rehearsal in early September. Repertoire to be conducted in the audition will be assigned by Alan Harler.

Criteria for selection include:

• strong artistic background appropriate to choral conducting
• initiative and energy
• interpersonal skills
• leadership ability
• organizational skills such as persistence, practicality, vision, and reliability

Remuneration

The annual stipend for the Apprenticeship is $1,000. The Apprentice should expect to spend an average of 4-6 hours per week on this project (including rehearsals and administrative participation).

If you have any questions regarding the application process or need more information, please leave a message at (215) 735-9922.

Application Procedure

Download an application by clicking here.

Completed applications are due by August 15