EMPIRE HARMONY
Auditioning Process
Welcome to Empire Harmony!
We’re a group of singers who come together to make great music, build meaningful connections, and share the joy of singing with one another and our community. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about joining us. When you visit in person, please feel free to ask questions — we're happy to guide you through the audition process and get to know you along the way.
ABOUT OUR SEASON (COMMITMENT & COST)
Commitment:
We meet on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 10:00 PM. Our season is divided into two sets each year, with each set lasting approximately 17 weeks and a 6–8 week break between sets.
Each set is finite and clearly defined, which allows members to plan ahead and participate with intention. We ask members to aim for a 75% rehearsal commitment per set, so everyone can sing, grow, and perform together as a cohesive ensemble.
For clarity, our structure looks like this:
- Rehearsals take place once per week on Wednesdays
- Each set runs for approximately 17 weeks
- There is a 6–8 week break between sets
- A 75% rehearsal commitment is requested per set
The repertoire and full rehearsal schedule for each set are shared about two months in advance, giving members time to learn their music and plan their calendars thoughtfully.
Members are welcome to participate year-round or on a set-by-set basis. If you choose to sit out a set, you do not need to re-audition. A re-audition is only requested after sitting out two consecutive sets, simply to ensure voices remain well aligned with the ensemble.
Schedule and Repertoire:
Our sets typically run:
- Late July through mid-November
- Late January through late May
Each set concludes with a public concert.
As a performing ensemble, we ask each member to actively support our concerts by helping sell a set number of tickets per performance. This shared responsibility allows us to present accessible live vocal music to the community.
Our repertoire includes barbershop, modern a cappella, and classical music (think King Singers or Chanticleer). Each set will typically include 7–9 songs performed from memory.
Auditions are held between sets, approximately in June and January.
Cost:
Member dues are paid annually and will not exceed $300. We do not offer per-set dues.
Member dues support the core needs of the ensemble, including:
- Rehearsal space
- Sheet music and learning tracks
- Insurance and organizational needs
- Artistic leadership and direction
Your dues include all music and learning materials needed for the season.
STEPS TO JOINING
Step One – Visit Us (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Come sing with us. Our upcoming open house dates are April 15, May 13, and June 17, 2026, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. We rehearse near Lincoln Center.
At the open house, you’ll receive the audition song and learning tracks, and we’ll work on the music together to help you feel prepared for an in-person audition.
Step Two – Video Submission
To be considered for an audition slot, please complete the audition request form (See Below) and include a link to a video of you singing 60 seconds of any song of your choice.
Video guidelines:
- Perform a cappella (no accompaniment or backing track)
- Videos that include accompaniment cannot be accepted, as we want to hear your voice clearly and naturally
- A simple phone recording is perfectly fine
- Please record in a well-lit environment
- Your upper body should be visible in the frame
- Aim for minimal background noise
Your video may be hosted on YouTube or another platform and may be set to private, but please do not password-protect the video.
We welcome video submissions year-round. Submissions are reviewed to determine whether an in-person audition is the appropriate next step. When submissions are received close to an in-person audition period, singers may be invited to a future audition cycle based on review completion and scheduling availability.
Auditions are typically scheduled twice per year, in June and January.
Step Three – In-Person Audition
Once invited to an in-person audition, you'll be scheduled for a five-minute time slot on a Wednesday evening between 7:00 and 10:00 PM.
Audition song: “It's the Music That Brings Us Together” (SATB) [Download the audition song and learning tracks here]
You'll be asked to join us singing the audition song from memory, in a quartet setting. You'll choose the voice part that feels like the best fit for you. We provide the other three singers — you simply bring your voice and enjoy making harmony.
You may receive some coaching during your audition. This is a normal part of the process and simply reflects how we work together musically. We're looking for singers who are curious, engaged, and interested in growing musically.
WHEN WILL I KNOW THE RESULT?
After your audition, please allow approximately one week for our Artistic Director and team to review all auditions. You will hear from us within a week regardless of the outcome.
If you have not heard from us after one week, please feel free to reach out at: EmpireHarmonyChorus@gmail.com.
Ready to submit your video? Use the audition form below:
