Chorus Section Leaders/Soloists
Newtown Presbyterian Church
Newtown, PA
Chancel Choir Section Leaders/Soloists
(Alto/Tenor/Bass)
Newtown Presbyterian Church will hold auditions for Alto, Tenor, and Bass Section Leaders/Soloists for their Chancel Choir. The positions will begin in September 2022.
Newtown Presbyterian Church has a strong musical heritage and regards vibrant and compelling music-making an essential element of regular worship. The Chancel Choir is an accomplished volunteer mixed chorus that joyfully rehearses and sings in traditional worship services from September through the first week in June each year. Typically, the Chancel Choir sings two Sunday services (9am & 11am) three to four Sundays each month (the Bell Choir leads worship one Sunday each month). Additionally, the Chancel Choir leads worship services on Christmas Eve and Good Friday; performs two “Cantata” services each year; as well as occasionally presents evensong or other special musical services. Rehearsals are Thursday nights from 8:00-9:30pm from September through early June. Sunday call time is typically 8:30-11:30am each week with occasional earlier calls (8:15am) and later dismissals (12:00pm) as needed.
The Section Leaders are expected to proactively lead their respective sections in the Chancel Choir in both rehearsals and services through outstanding musicianship skills and vocal modeling. Therefore, excellent musical reading skills are essential. Individual practice outside of rehearsals may be required. Section Leaders also serve as the principal soloists of the choir in both regular Sunday services and in special worship services such as “Cantata” services which feature large sacred choral works. Other solo and vocal chamber opportunities frequently occur and are expected during services. Section Leaders may be called upon to lead sectionals during rehearsals. Additional rehearsals may also occur in preparation for “Cantata” services.
Section Leaders are expected to attend every rehearsal and service. They are responsible for providing a substitute with commensurate abilities when they need to miss a rehearsal and/or service. As professionals, Section Leaders are expected to be on time for every call and communicate any changes to the Music Director as far in advance as possible. Section Leaders are also expected to maintain a professional-looking appearance on Sunday morning’s as appropriate for a traditional worship service.
Essential Qualifications:
- Outstanding solo and choral vocal abilities
- Outstanding sight-reading abilities, sense of pitch, & the ability to lead their respective section from within the choir and in sectionals
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, communication skills, and a joyful disposition
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.M. or B.M. in Vocal Performance or Vocal Music Education
- Strong working knowledge of English, Latin, French, and German diction for singing
- Strong working knowledge of vocal pedagogy
- Strong knowledge of both solo and choral sacred repertoire
Section Leaders are paid as Independent Contractors. The fee is $90 per call, or typically $180.00 each week from September to early June:
- $90/rehearsal and $90/Sunday (2 regular Sunday worship services equal one call)
Any solo work during the regular services is included in the fee. Leading worship as a soloist in a service that do not include the choir is also paid as a single $90 fee. Fees for weddings and funerals at the church are negotiated and paid separately.
Auditions will be held on Wednesday, June 29 and Wednesday, July 6 from 7-9pm at Newtown Presbyterian Church, 25 N Chancellor St, Newtown, PA 18940. The audition will consist of singing an aria or art song of the applicant’s choice, vocalizing, and sightreading. Additional audition dates may be added as necessary.
To schedule an audition, please complete the audition request form here or contact the Music Director, John Leonard, at [email protected].
For more information about the positions or further questions, please contact the Music Director, John Leonard, at [email protected] or 215-968-3861.