Chamber Choir Auditions

Chamber Choir Cycle 2026:
Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem

In-Person Audition Information

Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025

Time: 6:00-9:00 PM

Location:  First Lutheran Church
                  1208 Race Street
                  Cincinnati, OH 45202

Sign up: Audition Time Slot

What to Prepare:

• Brief self-introduction

• Mvt IV of Brahms' Ein Deutsches Requiem (German)

What to Bring:

• Prepared music

• Water bottle

• Comfortable clothing

Audition includes: Introduction, vocal warm-up, prepared piece, range check, Q&A

Singer Resources

Audition Materials Folder

Audition Excerpt Practice Tracks

Audition Excerpt Sheet Music

Rehearsal and Performance Information

Rehearsal Schedule: Mondays 6:30 - 8:30 PM
January: 5, 12, 19, 26
February: 2, 9, 16

Cincinnati Community Orchestra

Dress Rehearsal #1: 
Monday, March 2, 2026 
Church of the Savior - Montgomery 
7:30 PM 

Dress Rehearsal #2: 
Thursday, March 5, 2026 
Church of the Savior - Montgomery 
7:30 PM 

Performance #1:
Saturday, March 7, 2026
Church of the Savior - Montgomery 
7:30 PM 

Sing Both Cycles!

Interested in singing more this season? You can participate in both the Chamber Cycle (Brahms' Requiem - audition required) and the Spring Cycle (Mozart's Requiem - open to all).

Who We’re Looking For:

Chamber Choir welcomes singers 18+ who:

• Have strong musicianship skills and vocal technique 

• Can learn music independently and efficiently 

• Are excited to be artistic ambassadors for YPCC

YPCC Chamber Choir In-Person
Audition Instructions

Registration

• Sign up for an Audition Time Slot

• Audition slots are approximately 5-10 minutes

• You will receive a confirmation email with your appointment time and location

What to Bring

• Prepared music

• Water bottle (to stay hydrated)

• Comfortable clothing that allows you to breathe freely

• Any questions you have about YPCC Chamber Choir

What to Prepare

Please prepare the following for your audition:

1. Brief introduction about yourself

2. Mvt IV of Ein Deutsches Requiem in German

Audition Location & Timing

Address: First Lutheran Church | 1208 Race Street | Cincinnati, OH 45202

Parking: Washington Park Garage or Street Parking

Arrival: Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time to check in and warm up if needed

Duration: Auditions typically last 5-10 minutes

Audition Components

1. Introduction & Interview

Be prepared to share:

• Your name and voice part

• Your choral background and experience

• Why you're interested in YPCC Chamber Choir

• Your availability for the rehearsal schedule (Mondays from 6:30-8:30 PM from January 5 - March 3, 2026)

• Any questions you have about the ensemble

2. Vocal Warm-Up

• We will guide you through some basic vocal exercises

• These help us hear your voice quality, range, and flexibility

• Exercises may include scales, arpeggios, and vowel patterns

• Don't worry—this is conversational and supportive!

3. Prepared Piece

• Mvt IV of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem in German 

4. Vocal Range Check

• We'll guide you through exercises to determine your comfortable singing range

• This helps with voice part placement and repertoire selection

5. Questions & Next Steps

• Time for any final questions from you

• We'll explain the timeline for audition decisions

What We're Listening For

The YPCC Chamber Choir seeks singers who demonstrate:

• Healthy vocal technique with clear, resonant tone

• Musicality and expression in prepared repertoire

• Willingness for independent practice outside of regular rehearsals

• Flexibility and blend in ensemble settings

• Positive attitude and collaborative spirit

• Commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedule

Tips for a Successful Audition

Before You Arrive

• Get a good night's sleep

• Stay hydrated (start the day before!)

• Warm up your voice gently before arriving

• Avoid dairy products immediately before singing

• Review your music

During Your Audition

• Relax and be yourself – we want to get to know the real you

• Breathe deeply and take your time

• Ask questions if you need clarification on any instructions

• Show your personality – we value authenticity

• Don't apologize for mistakes; just keep going

• Have fun! This is a celebration of your artistry

After Your Audition

• Results will be communicated within one week via email

• Selected singers will receive an invitation to join the Chamber Choir

• Rehearsals begin Monday, January 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM

• All singers will receive constructive feedback if requested

Audition Dates & Times

Audition Dates: Sunday, December 7, 2025 from 6:00 - 9:00 PM

Time Slots Available:

• Sign-up → Audition Time Slot

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I'm nervous? Nerves are completely normal! We are friendly and supportive. Take deep breaths, and remember we're rooting for you.

Can I audition if I haven't sung in a while? Yes! We welcome singers at various stages of their musical journey. Come as you are.

What if I make a mistake? Keep going! We're interested in your overall musicianship, not perfection.

Do I need professional training? Strong musical skills are important, but formal training isn't required. Many of our members come from diverse musical backgrounds.

What's the time commitment? Weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings (6:30-8:30 PM) from January 5 - March 3, plus concert dress rehearsals and performances. 

Contact Information

Questions? Contact Matthew Moquin-Lee

• Email: mml@ypccsing.org

YPCC Chamber Choir Virtual
Audition Instructions

Audition Video Instructions

Your audition video should include the following elements in order:

1. Introduction

• State your full name

• Voice part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)

• Brief background about your choral experience

• Why you're interested in YPCC Chamber Choir

2. Choral Excerpt

• Prepare and record Mvt IV of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem accompanied by the PIANO ONLY track provided. 

Technical Guidelines

Video Quality

• Use a smartphone, tablet, or camera capable of recording HD video

• Film in a well-lit space (natural light or good indoor lighting)

• Position yourself so we can see your face and upper body

• Shoot in landscape (horizontal) orientation

Audio Quality

• Record in a quiet space with minimal background noise

• Stand 3-6 feet away from your recording device

• If possible, use an external microphone for better sound quality

• Avoid spaces with excessive echo or reverb

File Format & Length

• Total video length: 5-8 minutes maximum

• Acceptable formats: MP4, MOV, AVI

• Maximum file size: 500MB

• You may submit one continuous video or compile multiple clips

Submission Instructions

1. Upload your video to:

• YouTube (unlisted or public)

• Google Drive with link sharing enabled

• Dropbox with public link

• WeTransfer

2. Email your video link to: mml@ypccsing.org

3. Include in your email:

• Your full name

• Voice part

• Contact phone number

• Email address

• Your availability for the rehearsal schedule (Mondays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM starting January 5 - March 2, 2026

Deadline

11:59 PM on Sunday, December 7, 2025

After You Submit

• You will receive a confirmation email within 3 business days

• Audition results will be communicated within 1 week of the deadline

• Selected singers will be invited to join the Chamber Choir roster

• Questions? Contact Matthew Moquin-Lee at mml@ypccsing.org