Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When will the auditions take place for the upcoming season?

A: Email gvlgmc@gmail.com to schedule your time.

Q: Where are the auditions held?

A: Auditions will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville.

Q: What time should I arrive for my audition?

A: Please arrive no more than 15 minutes ahead of time, as we anticipate the day will be tightly scheduled. If you know that you will be late, contact Shelton Love at gvlgmc@gmail.com. Depending on the number of auditionees, you may not sing exactly at your selected time. There may be a wait. We recommend you request an earlier time should you need to leave at a specific time.

Q: Who is allowed to join as a singing member of the chorus?

A: GGMC welcomes singers who identify as male or non-binary. However, if you want to stay involved with the Chorus as a non-singing member, please notify us, and we can get you in touch with our volunteer coordinator. GGMC is volunteer driven, so we always welcome this part of our community with open arms.

Q: I do not have a strong musical background. I’ve never sung in a chorus before. Should I still audition?

A: Yes! We have members who only sang in the shower before joining, some with advanced musical degrees, and everything in between. Part of GGMC’s formula of success is to take a mix of singers with diverse experiences in music. In addition to singing, we also need members with skills in many other areas.

Q: I'm an alumni member from GGMC and want to re-audition. Is there a separate date and time for alumni?

A: No. All alumni and new members will audition on the same day with the same requirements, which does include singing a solo piece for the panel. Please note, if you are an “inactive member,” you do not need to re-audition.

Q: Do I need to prepare a song for the audition?

A: Yes. Please come prepared to sing 16 measures of a song. You must also bring piano accompaniment (no lead sheets) with you for the audition. There will also be vocal exercises geared toward blending, harmonizing and voice placement. The audition is very non-threatening, and you will be made to feel completely comfortable.

Q: What genre of music should my audition song be?

A: We want you to be comfortable with your song choice. Your song can be classical, choral, pop, opera, Broadway show tunes, etc. However, you may not sing a cappella. We will have a pianist who will play the sheet music you bring with you.

Q: Can I sing in a different language?

A: Yes! You can sing in any language you choose.

Q: Can I sing a cappella?

A: You may not sing a cappella. Many auditionees who sing a cappella tend to sing out of tune. Therefore, we expect you to bring sheet music for our accompanist.

Q: How difficult should the song be?

A: Not difficult at all! Choose one that you are comfortable singing. If you know you cannot hit a high note in a song, don’t try to impress the panel and fail. The audition is not about impressing the panel, it’s about showing that you have the skills to be a great addition to GGMC.

Q: Where can I find sheet music for my song?

A: The easiest way to do this is by visiting websites that provide sheet music. www.sheetmusicplus.com is a popular site that many auditionees have used. Please make sure you choose a song that is within your vocal range. The accompanist will not be able to transpose the music for you during your audition.

Q: What if I can’t find the sheet music for my song? Can I use anything else?

A: We have had auditionees play an instrument to accompany themselves. If you have a music track that you want to play, you are welcome to use that method too; however, please bring your own speaker as one will not be provided. Also, recorded music tracks cannot have other vocals singing along.

Q: What should I wear to the audition?

A: Whatever makes you feel comfortable.

Q: What should I bring to the audition?

A: Please bring printed sheet music (no lead sheets) for our accompanist in the key you wish him to play the song. Do not present a piece of music and request him to transpose it into another key. Other than this, just bring yourself!

Q: Who will be present at my audition?

A: GGMC’s Artistic Director, section leaders, and other Chorus leaders will hear each audition. In total, your panel may be about 6-8 people. You will not be asked to sing in front of other auditionees.

Q: What happens during the audition itself?

A: The audition consists of a brief interview with our New Member Committee, your song selection (or a portion of it), followed by a few exercises which will enable the panel to assess your vocal range and ability. The whole audition only takes a few minutes and will be over before you know it.

Q: How do I find out whether I made it?

A: The audition results will be delivered the day after the final audition date (via email).

Q: How many people are you looking to accept?

A: New members are accepted based on current needs to maintain balance among four sections: First Tenor, Second Tenor, Baritone and Bass.

Q: What happens if I'm not accepted?

A: Please do not be discouraged! While we would love to accept everyone, it is not always possible. You are always welcome to audition again in the future. Many members auditioned more than once before joining GGMC. You may also consider joining GGMC as a non-singing volunteer. We are a volunteer-driven organization, and we always welcome new members who wish to contribute time to our organization. The New Member Committee will be happy to put you in touch with the appropriate people depending on your interests.