Key Chorale Auditions
Key Chorale is one of Sarasota’s finest performing arts organizations and a frequent collaborator with the Sarasota Orchestra, The Sarasota Ballet, and The Circus Arts Conservatory. We perform a wide variety of repertoire from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions, including commissions and premieres of new and newly discovered works. Artistic Director Joseph Caulkins carefully selects music for each season that delights the audience, challenges singers, and highlights the versatility of Sarasota’s only symphonic chorus. Our dedicated 110+ singers strive for world-class artistic quality in every performance. If you are an experienced choral singer, we encourage you to audition to be a part of our dynamic ensemble.
2024 Fall Auditions are closed
Your audition is an opportunity for our team to hear your voice, evaluate your musicianship, and get to know something about you. The audition team is comprised of the Artistic Director and Section Leaders. The process takes about 10 minutes.
Singers re-audition every four years to ensure the Chorale maintains its excellence.
There are three elements to the audition:
Singing
You choose one prepared piece (classical, sacred/gospel, simple song, or hymn), no longer than three minutes in length. Memorization is not required. An accompanist will be provided (please bring a second copy of music for the accompanist). No a cappella auditions will be heard.
Sight-Reading
You will be asked to clap a short, simple rhythmic passage as well as sing several short musical phrases at sight.
Vocal Flexibility
You will be asked to perform a six-measure excerpt from Messiah to evaluate your vocal flexibility. Please review the appropriate selection for your voice part from the score sample here before your audition.
Rehearsal and Performance Requirements
Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings from September through April, plus special rehearsals and dress rehearsals as needed for each concert. Most rehearsals take place at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak Street, Sarasota, FL 34237. Key Chorale Singers are expected to commit to the full concert season of the Chorale.
Members are required to pay an administrative fee of $50 as well as purchase their own music, black choral folder, and their own concert attire. For men, a standard black tuxedo, black dress shirt with black buttons and a collar. For women, a simple or plain black boat neck, three-quarter sleeve blouse, floor length dress skirt or floor length palazzo dress trousers, and stud earrings.
Interested in Joining Us?
Fill out the form below to request an audition.