Q: What are the main criteria for acceptance to the Fremont Opera Chorus?
A:  Singers must have a voice of at least moderate size and power and must be able to contribute significantly to the sound of the chorus.  They must be able to learn the music at a reasonably fast pace and have the motivation and self-discipline to learn and memorize the music outside of group rehearsals.  They must be able to stand for long periods of time, and to express the drama of the opera through physical movement and facial expression.

Q: Do I need to be a good sight-reader to be accepted?
A:  A reasonable level of sight-singing proficiency is needed in order for you to keep up with a comfortably brisk rehearsal pace.  Perhaps even more important is the ability to retain the work done in rehearsal, and to meet deadlines for music learning through independent practice outside of rehearsal.

Q:  Do I have to have previous opera experience to be in the Chorus?
A:  No, although significant experience singing in a choral group of some sort is a must, and previous experience singing on stage (either in opera or musical theatre) is highly desirable.

Q: Are there any vocal limitations that might prevent me from being accepted?
A:  Vocal limitations that might prevent your being accepted include having:

• A quiet voice that can’t contribute significantly to the choral sound
• Limited range
• An unpleasant or harsh tone quality
• An inability to control vibrato or tremolo

Q:  Do I need to speak Italian or another foreign language to be accepted?
A:  No.  The ability to speak, read or understand a foreign language is not required.  What is expected is the ability to pronounce and sing texts in foreign languages or English as coached in rehearsal.

Q:  Are there any physical expectations of the chorus?
A:  Singers of all body types are welcome.  You must be able to carry out basic physical movements and tasks such as:

• Climbing steps
• Moving quickly and quietly about the set
• Standing for long periods of time
• Sitting or kneeling for long periods of time
• Getting up and moving easily after periods of sitting or kneeling

Q:  What will the audition consist of?
A:  The audition will be about 10 minutes in length.  A warm-up room will be provided for you 10 minutes prior to your audition. An accompanist will be provided. You will be heard by a panel consisting of the Music Director, the Chorus Master and possibly the General Manager. 

You will be asked to prepare a musical selection of no more than three (3) minutes’ length in Italian (an art song, a short aria, or a portion of a longer aria) that adequately demonstrates your:

• Range and tessitura
• Voice quality and flexibility
• Dynamic range
• Intonation
• Diction
• Expressive ability

This selection need not be memorized (although memorization is always welcome), but you should prepare the music thoroughly even if you use the sheet music to refer to.  You must provide two (2) additional copies of the music, one for the accompanist and one for the panel.  

Following your selection, you may be asked to sing a few simple scales or other exercises.  The panel may also ask you demonstrate your ability to move by repeating a portion of your selection as you move about the stage area.

You will not be required to sight-read at the audition; however, the panel may ask about your music-reading ability and training.

Q:  When will I know if I’ve been accepted?
A:  The chorus will be cast after all auditions are concluded.  We anticipate this will most likely be in early-to-mid April.  You will be notified by e-mail.

Q:  How many rehearsals will chorus members be expected to attend?
A:  While the number of rehearsals varies according to the difficulty of the music, the amount of music and staging for the chorus, and the ability of the chorus to learn pre-assigned sections of music for each rehearsal, you can normally expect to have two (2) music rehearsals per week. Traviata chorus rehearsals will begin in early June and continuing through early August.  A week of intensive staging rehearsals for Traviata will begin on August 19th.  During this period, you can expect to be rehearsing almost daily (weekends) or nightly (weekdays).

Q:  When will I have to have my music memorized?
A:  Deadlines for memorization of each section of music will be announced after auditions have been completed.  Chorus members will be expected to do some score preparation and learning on their own before the first rehearsal.  All chorus music must be memorized at least one week prior to the start of staging rehearsals.

Q:  Where will rehearsals be held?
A:  Rehearsal venues will be announced as they are scheduled.  Information will be posted on the Chorus page of the Fremont Opera website at www.fremontopera.org.

Q:  If I’m accepted into the Fremont Opera Chorus, what will be expected of me at rehearsals?
A:  All singers are expected to:

• Arrive at rehearsals on time
• Have assigned sections of music learned and ready to rehearse
• Have a positive attitude and the ability to concentrate during rehearsal

Q:  Are there any reasons I may be asked to leave the Chorus once I’ve been accepted?
A:  Singers may be dismissed for reasons including, but not limited to: ongoing/frequent schedule conflicts, unexcused absences, inattentiveness or inappropriate behavior in rehearsals, failure to meet music-learning deadlines, or inability/unwillingness to meet any of the physical expectations listed above.

Q:  Do I get paid to sing in the Chorus?
A:  The Fremont Opera Chorus is a volunteer chorus.  However, there may be a small number of positions that will receive a modest stipend for their participation; in the performing world, these individuals are sometimes known as “ringers.”  Ringers will be expected to assist their sections with superior vocal quality; accurate pitch, rhythm and diction; and knowledge of the other vocal parts.  If you are interested in being considered for one of these paid positions, please be sure to sign the “Ringer list” on the welcome table at your audition. Decisions about paid positions will be made after all auditions are concluded. 

Q:  How do I get my music for the Opera?
A:  You may either:

• Provide your own score (Schirmer edition)
  or
• Borrow a score from Fremont Opera.  You will be asked to pay a $15 deposit.  This deposit will be refunded when you return the score in the condition it was issued to you.  If you keep the score, your deposit will not be returned.