AuditionS
Auditions for the 2011-2012 season are now closed, thank you for your interest!
If you would like to submit your information for future seasons, please review the FAQ section below and fill out our online audition form and indicate your interest in the Comments section. Your information will be kept on file and a Singers' Representative will contact you when we next hold auditions. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing you at one of our concerts!
ORGANIZATION & Audition FAQs
Who are we?
In short, founded in 1997 by a group of vivacious women and headed by Dr. Iris Levine, Vox Femina Los Angeles prides itself on performing quality choral music with a commitment to community, equality and musical excellence. We are of all different ages, backgrounds but one thing we share is the love and passion for singing!
New singers should have:
- Some choral experience of having sung in a church, school or community group.
- The ability to sight-reading music of some complexity
- The ability to learn text in other languages and memorize music for performances as needed.
- Desire to perform a wide range of music - click here for a list of concerts we’ve given to give you an idea on our repertoire – it’s eclectic!
What kind of time commitment does membership require?
Our seasons run from early September to the end of June with weekly rehearsals and three major concerts. Singers are expected to commit to our rehearsal and performance schedule of a minimum of one year. Attendance to rehearsals and performances are mandatory.
Rehearsals:
- Held every Tuesday night from 7:30-9:45 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church in the mid-Wilshire district.
- A dress rehearsal in additional to the regular weekly rehearsal is held during the week prior to each major concert.
- Additional rehearsals may be required at the discretion of the Artistic Director. This is especially important during the 2011-2012 Season as we will be giving additional performances outside of our normal concert schedule.
- While not mandatory, singers are encouraged to attend Sectionals hosted by singers throughout the season typically during weekends and in singers’ homes in different parts of Los Angeles.
Performances:
- Major concerts are held in November, March and June on Saturday nights at the Colburn School of Music in Zipper Hall in downtown Los Angeles.
- To fulfill our Mission Statement, community performances are scheduled from time to time; any additional performance requests are brought to membership to determine feasibility.
- A detailed schedule of all confirmed dates for the upcoming season will be provided at the time of auditions.
- All singing members pay annual membership dues of $150 to help cover operational expenses.
- A refundable deposit of $25 for music and a black performance folder for the duration of membership.
- Other costs that members can expect are associated with, but not limited to: travel to and from rehearsals, parking at performance spaces, concert attire, touring, retreats and social events. Social events are optional and scholarships may be available for touring.
- The ability to fulfill our Mission Statement and at its core, to strive for a high quality of musical performance. Therefore, the ability to read, rehearse and learn your music in a timely manner is of the utmost importance!
- VFLA requires that each singer purchase their own concert attire. For most concerts, this will be a dressy, elegant, all black, long-sleeved or ¾-length sleeved ensemble with black shoes and hose. The Membership Handbook will cover this topic in-depth.
- Singers may be approached during the season to volunteer your talents, skills, additional time or resources into organizational events and fundraisers. While participation is voluntary, it is always welcomed and greatly appreciated!
- Singers will have the opportunity to perform at special events, past appearance have included:
- Singing the National Anthem on “Inspiring Women’s Night” for the LA Sparks.
- Singing at the Opening Ceremonies at LA City Hall to kick off LA’s Inaugural LGBT History Month
- Performances at American Choral Director’s Association National Convention
- Caroling with Tim Robbins and the Actor’s Gang in Culver City
- Performing as a part of Los Angeles County Holiday Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
- Singers will be invited to social gatherings and retreats for a chance to mingle outside of our normal rehearsal space!
The audition consists of two parts: a musical audition and an interview. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes.
During the musical audition, the Artistic Director will ask you to:
- Sing scales and warm-ups to determine tonal quality and range
- Repeat simple melodic patterns to ascertain tonal memory and pitch recognition
- Sight-read a musical excerpt to determine your reading skill level
- Perform a short a cappella piece of your choice in any style to showcase your musicality
During the interview, you will meet with a small group of singers and board members who may ask you questions such as:
- Why are you considering joining us?
- What – if any - are your expectations of the organization?
- How do you feel you can contribute toward the growth of VFLA and have you demonstrated this ability in the past with other organizations?
Also during this process, you will be given a schedule for the entire season, and the committee will review responsibilities of membership with you. This will be the perfect time for you to ask any questions!
Ready to make beautiful music with us? Fill out this online audition form and a Singer Representative will be in touch! If you are unable to join us this season or have missed the audition dates, fill out the form and we will keep you posted on any possible openings and contact you when auditions are next available!
We’d love for you to join us!
