Auditions

Why audition for our choir?

  • River City Chorale group photo in Hallstatt town center

    Build community and friendships

  • River City Chorale performing during Pops Concert performance

    Sing a diverse range of musical styles

  • River City Chorale female soloist performing

    Unlock your full vocal potential

  • Landscape image of Czech Republic

    Embark on an international tour

  • River City Chorale choir performing during a holiday concert

    Preserve the art of live choral music

Join the River City Chorale for our upcoming 2026-2027 season!

To schedule an audition or have questions about the process, please contact Artistic Director David Vanderbout at david.vanderbout@rivercitychorale.org.

Audition & Rehearsal Location:

Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3235 Pope Ave, Sacramento, CA 95821

Rehearsals:

Mondays, 7:00 pm-9:30 pm from late August 2026 through May 2027 (break in Dec after holiday concert)

The River City Chorale has been bringing fine choral music to the greater Sacramento region for five decades. Founded in 1976, the Chorale's mission is “to inspire and enrich our community through high-quality and diverse choral performances.”

What to expect

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

  1. Prepared Excerpt

  2. Solo

  3. Vocal Assessment

Part 1 - Prepared Excerpt

Prepare and perform measures 1-21 of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

Practice Resources

Sheet Music: Handel’s Messiah

Part Recordings:

Soprano Rehearsal Aid - Handel's Messiah
Download
Alto Rehearsal Aid - Handel's Messiah
Download
Tenor Rehearsal Aid - Handel's Messiah
Download
Bass Rehearsal Aid - Handel's Messiah
Download

Sample Recording - All Voices:

All Parts Rehearsal Aid - Handel's Messiah
Download

Part 2 - Solo

Length: 1 to 2 minutes.

Memorization: Must be fully memorized.

Genre: Any style that best highlights your vocal ability (e.g., musical theater, pop, opera, jazz, etc.).

What to Bring:

  • An Audio Backing Track (Required for Everyone): Live accompaniment is subject to availability. Please have a backup track cued and ready to play on your device.

  • Physical Sheet Music (Optional): Bring a printed copy if you would prefer to use our live on-site accompanist (if available).

Need help choosing a song? Reach out to David Vanderbout (Artistic Director) for guidance and support at david.vanderbout@rivercitychorale.org.

Part 3 - Vocal Assessment

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