Why audition for our choir?

  • Build community and friendships

  • Sing a diverse range of musical styles

  • Unlock your full vocal potential

  • Embark on an international tour

  • Preserve the art of live choral music

The River City Chorale is thrilled to hold auditions for our upcoming 2024-2025 season!

The River City Chorale has been bringing fine choral music to the greater Sacramento region for over four decades. Founded in 1977, the Chorale's mission is “to inspire and enrich our community through high-quality and diverse choral performances.”

Membership is open to anyone aged 18 years and above, subject to audition and the needs of each vocal section. The purpose of the audition is to ensure appropriate placement and proficiency for all members in order to create a quality experience for all participants.

The audition will take approximately 10 minutes and consists of three simple parts:

Part 1 - Prepared Excerpt

  • You will be expected to prepare and perform measures 1-21 of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

  • The sheet music is included below as well as links to part recordings and a sample recording to aid in the learning process:

Sheet Music

Handel’s Messiah

Part Recordings

Sample recording - All Voices

Part 2 - Solo

  • You will perform a short, 1-2 minute memorized solo piece from any musical genre or style of your choosing. The selection can range from an operatic aria or musical theater number to a jazz standard or pop song - anything that best demonstrates your vocal ability. The solo should be performed with an accompaniment (either piano or a pre-recorded music track). An accompanist will be available if needed. If using our accompanist, please bring a copy of your sheet music for him to use during your audition. If you are using a pre-recorded music track please have the audio file properly cued and ready to play. If assistance is needed in selecting a piece, please contact David Vanderbout (Artistic Director) and he is happy to support.

Part 3 - Vocal Assessment

  • There will be a short vocal assessment of range, ear training, and reading ability, for which no preparation is needed.

Auditions are held on Mondays at Northminster Presbyterian Church (3235 Pope Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821)

To schedule an audition or for questions about the audition process, please contact David Vanderbout (Artistic Director) at:

david.vanderbout@rivercitychorale.org