Auditions
“Going into the audition I felt nervous, but as soon as I arrived I was made to feel very welcome, and I felt surprisingly comfortable right away.”
Auditions for Aella’s 2023-24 season took place in June 2023. If you would be interested in auditioning in the future, please send an email to aellachoir@gmail.com.
FAQ
What do auditions involve?
Aella’s auditions consist of:
Blending exercises with Aella singers.
Singing two choral excerpts in 4-part harmony with Aella singers. The score excerpts will be sent to you in advance so that you can prepare.
Sight reading exercises.
An optional solo (to be sung a cappella).
A brief conversation with the Aella singers present at your audition.
When does Aella rehearse?
Sunday afternoon. Every month, we usually get one Sunday off -- usually the Sunday during a long weekend, if the month has a statutory holiday.
How many concerts does Aella perform in a season?
We usually perform two or three full (self-presented) concerts per season. In addition, Aella makes a few (shorter) appearances on other programs: at choral festivals, church services, or special events. We generally sing already-learned repertoire (i.e. taken from our full programs) during these extra performances.
What is your rehearsal attendance policy?
While we do not have a formal attendance policy, we ask that singers prioritize rehearsals. If you are required to leave town frequently on weekends, or if your job requires you to be on-call on Sundays, Aella may not be a good fit for your schedule. Since we are a small ensemble that sings mostly without a conductor, we often spend rehearsals working on togetherness and ensemble, and we frequently sing 1-3 voices a part. Absences have a significant impact on our rehearsal process.
What is the time commitment outside of normal rehearsals?
Aella holds two Ottawa-based "retreats," during which we spend one weekend together introducing ourselves to new repertoire and, if possible, doing a session with a clinician. (Retreats are usually scheduled for early autumn and early spring.) Apart from these retreats (and dress rehearsals) we rarely schedule extra rehearsal time. We do expect choristers to practice outside of rehearsal time.
What is the fee for the year? Do singers buy their own scores?
We are committed to making our choir accessible to all potential singers regardless of their financial situation. Aella has tiered membership fees, meaning that singers can choose to pay one of three amounts ($25/year, $100/year, or $250/year) based on their ability to pay, i.e. regardless of student status, etc. Fees can be paid in installments, and a singer’s membership in the choir will be the same, regardless of which fee they select. Aella singers aren't required to purchase scores.
What are Aella’s public health protocols?
Masking is currently optional during Aella rehearsals, performances, and social events. This means that anyone who is more comfortable remaining masked is welcome to do so. However, masking is not required — except when singers are ill or experiencing symptoms of illness.
The board will continue to monitor public health guidance and may update these protocols at any time. Any changes will be based on information from public health authorities and input from singers.