1. I haven't sung in a choir of this type before, should I still audition?
2. I am nervous to audition - what should I expect? Do I need to bring a solo?
3. I sang in high school choir, can I audition?
4. Can I come with a friend?
5. I love to sing but haven't taken lessons, should I audition?
6. What if I can't afford dues?
7. Why do you sing so much sacred music? I'm not religious, can I still join?
8. What if I don't know what part I sing?
9. When do you rehearse?

I am nervous to audition - what should I expect?  Do I need to bring a solo?  «🡅 top»
Auditions are more of a vocal check so that the director can hear your voice type, tone color, pitch matching and assess what voice part is most appropriate for you to sing.  You do not need to bring a prepared solo, but if you have something you'd like to sing you are welcome to bring it.

I sang in high school choir, can I audition?  «🡅 top»
Yes, anyone with prior choir experience is a great candidate to audition.

Can I come with a friend?  «🡅 top»
The more the merrier - please bring a friend!  We even have a 2-for-1 new member discount, so you and your friend will pay ½ price for dues!

I love to sing but haven't taken lessons, should I audition?  «🡅 top»
QCCS has singers of a wide range of abilities, from amateurs to young professionals, including music majors at the Aaron Copland School of Music.  As long as you are willing to practice, learn and try your best, and you can match pitch within your section, you are a good candidate for QCCS.

What if I can't afford dues?  «🡅 top»
We have an equity fund that is available to support singer with dues and/or music purchase as needed.  Singers can donate to the equity fund each year to support their fellow QCCS members.

Why do you sing so much sacred music?  I'm not religious, can I still join?  «🡅 top»
A lot of the great choral-orchestral masterworks are sacred because they were composed during times in history when religion had power and money!  We have members from all different backgrounds and we aim to celebrate and honor everyone's experience.  Our music director strives to put works in their historical context by explaining the story, the meaning and delving into the text but from a place of historical understanding, not religious affiliation.

What if I don't know what part I sing?  «🡅 top»
As part of the audition process, the music director will assess your vocal range and determine what voice part is best for you to sing in QCCS.

When do you rehearse?  «🡅 top»
Rehearsals take place in the music building at Queens College on Wednesday evenings (7:30-9:45pm).  During concert week (concerts are held in December and May each year), there is an additional dress rehearsal, usually on Thursdays.

Concerts are held on weekends.  We follow the semester schedule, so there aren't rehearsals during summer or during the month of January.