Want to Sing?
As with everyone affected by the Coronavirus, we're having to make changes to how we can come together and continue to sing. So, we're trying virtual rehearsals with the Artistic Director, Aaron Howe, using Zoom meetings. On Monday nights, the Baritone and Base sections meet first and rehearse together. Then afterwards, the 1st and 2nd Tenors rehearse. During the virtual rehearsals, everyone is muted except for the Artistic Director, while we all follow Aaron's direction and sing along at home. Please continue to read further, as we've adapted some of the information below as it pertains to the "new normal" for NMGMC.
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When?
Rehearsals occur every Monday night starting July 6 for this upcoming season |
What Time?
Basses and Baritones rehearse from 6:30 to 7:15 pm All sections socialize 7:15 to 7:30 pm 1st Tenors and 2nd Tenors rehearse from 7:30 to 8:15 pm |
Where?
Because of COVID, we are holding virtual rehearsals using Zoom meetings. Login information is provided to the singers. |
About Singing
Seasons and Semesters
During COVID, we're playing it by ear! So we are going to rehearse to prepare for the next concert we can have (whenever that is). We are also recording and posting on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Dues
Because of COVID, we are not charging members dues for the upcoming semester. However, normally, members are asked to pay dues to be a singing member of the Chorus. Dues can be paid either annually or per semester. Annual dues are $120 for the year and only available as an option at the beginning of the Fall semester. Semester dues are $75 per semester and available as an option for either semester. Our policy is that no one should be prevented from singing by inability to pay dues. Scholarships are available if you need to make other arrangements for dues. If you have such a situation, you may speak with the Chorus President.
Wardrobe
Once we can perform in front of an audience again, we'll need our wardrobe ready! For most performances, a tuxedo or suit-equivalent is required and consists of a black jacket, black trousers, white business shirt with collar, blue tie (provided by the Chorus), black socks, and black dress shoes. Other occasional wardrobe requirements are announced for concerts as necessary, but in most cases, members already have these other items in their closets. Members are responsible for purchasing the needed wardrobe items.
Music
A Chorus member will download the music electronically, as a PDF file. Many members prefer to download the music to their tablet or smartphone and read off of that, rather than dealing with printed copies. For those who prefer to use paper, the Chorus asks that, if possible, the member print his own copy from the supplied PDF.
All music is expected to be memorized for the concerts. This often requires spending a small amount of time outside of rehearsal to learn your music. Practice tracks are also made available for you to download so you can practice in your car or listen on a digital music player (.e.g iPod, smart phone, etc).
During COVID, we're playing it by ear! So we are going to rehearse to prepare for the next concert we can have (whenever that is). We are also recording and posting on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Dues
Because of COVID, we are not charging members dues for the upcoming semester. However, normally, members are asked to pay dues to be a singing member of the Chorus. Dues can be paid either annually or per semester. Annual dues are $120 for the year and only available as an option at the beginning of the Fall semester. Semester dues are $75 per semester and available as an option for either semester. Our policy is that no one should be prevented from singing by inability to pay dues. Scholarships are available if you need to make other arrangements for dues. If you have such a situation, you may speak with the Chorus President.
Wardrobe
Once we can perform in front of an audience again, we'll need our wardrobe ready! For most performances, a tuxedo or suit-equivalent is required and consists of a black jacket, black trousers, white business shirt with collar, blue tie (provided by the Chorus), black socks, and black dress shoes. Other occasional wardrobe requirements are announced for concerts as necessary, but in most cases, members already have these other items in their closets. Members are responsible for purchasing the needed wardrobe items.
Music
A Chorus member will download the music electronically, as a PDF file. Many members prefer to download the music to their tablet or smartphone and read off of that, rather than dealing with printed copies. For those who prefer to use paper, the Chorus asks that, if possible, the member print his own copy from the supplied PDF.
All music is expected to be memorized for the concerts. This often requires spending a small amount of time outside of rehearsal to learn your music. Practice tracks are also made available for you to download so you can practice in your car or listen on a digital music player (.e.g iPod, smart phone, etc).
Auditioning
Auditions & What to Expect
Because the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus strives for artistic excellence, acceptance as a singing member is determined by an audition. We understand that the idea of an audition can be intimidating, and we do our best to make the audition process as informal and friendly as possible. Overall, the whole process should not take more than 5-10 minutes. The Artistic Director will help you feel comfortable and at ease for your audition.
Because the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus strives for artistic excellence, acceptance as a singing member is determined by an audition. We understand that the idea of an audition can be intimidating, and we do our best to make the audition process as informal and friendly as possible. Overall, the whole process should not take more than 5-10 minutes. The Artistic Director will help you feel comfortable and at ease for your audition.
- Auditions are conducted on non-rehearsal dates at the beginning of each semester. Auditioners must choose a date and time to schedule their audition after they've signed up. If joining mid-season, the Artistic Director will email you about an audition time.
- Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, auditions will be held via a Zoom meeting. You'll be provided with the login information ahead of time.
- Auditions consist of:
- An Audition Song. We encourage you to bring your own prepared song to audition. But you may also choose any of the commonly known songs listed below to audition.
- A Tonal Memory Test (singing back a series of notes that is played beforehand on the piano).
- A Music Reading Test (a simple piece of music that auditioners must attempt). Auditioners do not need experience in reading music (only show a willingness to attempt it).
- Auditioners will be informed of their membership status before the first rehearsal.
- Auditioners who cannot make the audition dates must schedule an audition outside of rehearsal at the discretion of the audition team.
- If a member goes on leave of absence, he may be asked to re-audition to regain his spot in the chorus.
We encourage you to audition with a song of your choice or select from these commonly known songs listed below. The audition song can be a capella, with piano (bring sheet music), or pre-recorded. However, we do not have a way to play the pre-recorded music, so you will be responsible for bringing a device to play it.
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May I sit in on a rehearsal prior to my audition?
Normally the answer would be yes. However, because of COVID, we are having our rehearsals virtually using Zoom meetings. So we don't have any opportunity for a "regular" rehearsal right now for you to sit in.
Do I have to “re-audition” if I have sung in the chorus before?
Yes, even current chorus members may be asked to re-audition from time to time. Why? In order to make sure that everyone is in the correct section and singing well, the Artistic Director periodically needs to hear everyone in an audition setting.
Normally the answer would be yes. However, because of COVID, we are having our rehearsals virtually using Zoom meetings. So we don't have any opportunity for a "regular" rehearsal right now for you to sit in.
Do I have to “re-audition” if I have sung in the chorus before?
Yes, even current chorus members may be asked to re-audition from time to time. Why? In order to make sure that everyone is in the correct section and singing well, the Artistic Director periodically needs to hear everyone in an audition setting.
Sign Up to Sing
To Get Started
Sign up by clicking the button below to sign up. If visiting this page during the middle of a semester, the link will gather your contact information and place you on our Wait List. We will contact you later about auditioning. You'll also receive an email with helpful information from the membership team.
Sign up by clicking the button below to sign up. If visiting this page during the middle of a semester, the link will gather your contact information and place you on our Wait List. We will contact you later about auditioning. You'll also receive an email with helpful information from the membership team.
Click below to sign up to sing with the NMGMC!
