NOW scheduling auditions for the
2011-12 Season
Become a member of the Elgin Choral Union!
ECU, the Fox Valley's oldest performing arts organization, will hold evening auditions for the remaining 2010-11 season.
When: Tuesday, January 10th, 4-8pm
Where: Elgin Community College Visual & Performing Arts Center
(park on west side of campus in public parking lot off of Hoffner Drive).To schedule your audition, please contact Elgin Choral Union by calling 847.214.7225 or e-mail us at info@elginchoralunion.org.
If you prefer, you may audition with the following piece of music:
Click here
Elgin Choral Union (ECU) is a 100 plus-voice adult choir of talented and dedicated volunteers and professional section leaders who come from over 30 communities. Auditions are required for all new members and every 2 years for returning members. In residence at Elgin Community College, ECU performs public performances at Elgin Community College's Visual and Performing Arts Center, is frequently hired by other organizations such as the award-winning Elgin Symphony Orchestra and also participates in numerous free community events.
Audition Process
We structure the audition to be as stress-free as possible. The entire audition will take about 10 minutes with Andrew Lewis, Music Director and Jon Warfel, accompanist. For auditions, please prepare one classical or sacred/gospel (memorization not required) and bring three copies to your scheduled audition. Your sight reading skills, musicality, intonation and tonal memory will also be assessed. You'll be notified by email or phone within two weeks of the audition.
All auditions will be conducted by the ECU Music Director, Andrew Lewis.
Time Commitment
Elgin Choral Union (ECU) is in-residence at Elgin Community College (ECC). The credit/non-credit class rehearsals are held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 7-9:30 pm. Fall session is late August through December; Spring session is mid-January through mid-May. In addition, occasional additional rehearsals, dress rehearsals and performances are scheduled throughout the year. A complete season schedule is available online at: Individuals interested in singing with ECU should review and be committed to the entire season schedule prior to auditioning.
Membership is $250 annually ($125 for ½
the year) which includes tuition, music and overhead costs.
ECU Employment Opportunities
Institutional Advancement Specialist
Responsibilities include overseeing communications to membership, donors and constituents to ensure a consistent story about past, present and future is communicated as well as supporting fundraising programs and events including calendar and resource coordination.
Position begins immediately and reports to the Executive Director. Schedule is flexible and negotiable, approximately 10 hours a week between
M-F 9am to 6pm for 20 weeks. Compensation will be at an hourly rate ranging from $12-14 per hour.
To begin immediately, apply ASAP by February 10th to: info@elginchoralunion.org
ECU Internship Opportunity
Marketing/Public Relations Intern position available through the Elgin Choral Union. For those pursuing a degree in English, Arts Management, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism or Communications. Must be available 5-10 hours per week.
We need a few good volunteers!
Would you be willing to volunteer your time for a great organization that's been in Elgin for 63 years? We need help in several areas, including Financial Development, Accountant/Bookkeeper, Marketing, Public Relations, Webmaster, and Market Research. Click on the link below for a complete listing and details.
Join our Board of Directors
Have you been told that your strength is in getting things done, being a positive change agent, or managing individuals? Do you know supporters of the arts, choral music enthusiasts or community business leaders? The ECU Board of Directors is seeking singing and non-singing members with skills in finance, accounting, communications, marketing or fundraising to serve a three-year term on the Elgin Choral Union Board of Directors. Applications can be found below. Contact Jennifer Bolino, Executive Director, at 847 214 7513 or email jbolino@elgin.edu with additional questions or recommendations.
ECU Section Leader Audition Details - Seeking Soprano for 2011-12
Auditions now being scheduled for Jan. 10th for all section leader voices for 2012-13
The Elgin Choral Union (ECU) was proud to announce it's new section leader program to develop and advance its artistic quality. We are seeking dynamic, professionally trained singers to accept leadership positions within each section of the chorus. Two singers per section will be hired. Qualified external as well as internal candidates will be considered. Compensation for any given season, which runs approximately eight months beginning in late August and ending in mid-May, is $50 per rehearsal, $70 per concert leading to an estimated $2700 for a complete season.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Music degree or equivalent experience required
- Previous experience in teaching voice, conducting sectional rehearsals, and/or singing in a professional ensemble desired
- Strong vocal technique
- Excellent sight-reading ability
- Sufficient piano skill to play a single vocal part
- Ability to inspire and support the singers in their assigned section
- Fluent diction in English, Latin, German, French, and Italian
- Ability to attend all Choral Union rehearsals and performances
- Some daytime availability for educational outreach is desired
- Thorough understanding of and ability to assist with rehearsal and concert etiquette
- Ability and willingness to maintain and extend the Music Director's vision within and outside the chorus
- Comfortable in a shared leadership environment (there will be two leaders per section)
Position Description
- Assist Music Director in all rehearsals where needed
- Meet periodically with Music Director
- to discuss strengths and weaknesses of the section, review improvement plan progress, and revise as needed
- to review section leader's performance
- to make sure any questions regarding the music for the particular section are answered
- Conduct sectional rehearsals from the keyboard as needed
- Work with each singer in their respective section as needed
- Assist all singers in their section with music markings
- Spot check scores of individual singers
- Assist the Music Director in evaluating singers
- Advise the Music Director on the need for additional sectional rehearsals
- Assist the Music Director with educational outreach activities and opportunities