Being a member of the Philadelphia Voices of Pride (PVOP) is being a part of a family. In addition to our weekly rehearsals, there are events throughout the year for our membership and their friends. We are a fun and open group into which we welcome all members of the LGBT community with an interest in singing.
I want to Sing - but auditions give me hives!
Because the Philadelphia Voices of Pride strives for artistic excellence, auditions are necessary. We understand that the idea of an audition can be terrifying, and we do our best to make the audition process as painless as possible.
Prior to auditioning, candidates are invited to attend one or two open rehearsals to experience the rehearsal environment. Open rehearsals are held twice each year, in January and September, where prospective members share music with current members in the same vocal range. This is an actual rehearsal for current members as the chorus prepares for an upcoming concert. Open rehearsals give everyone an idea of what to expect on a weekly basis if you become a member. We strongly recommend that you come to one or both open rehearsals. Sign-ups for auditions are taken at the conclusion of each open rehearsal.
What is the audition like?
When you audition, the only people in the room will be you, the Artistic Directors and our Accompanist. You do not need to perform a prepared music piece. Based on a few questions about your musical background, the audition experience can include any of the following: (a)Scales to determine the range of your voice. (b)An exercise to test your ability to hear and reproduce different pitch sequences. (c)An exercise to test your rhythmic ability. (d)Sight reading a simple piece of music.
I don't read music, how can I sight read for the audition?
Reading music is an important skill, but lots of very talented singers can't read music. If you can't read music the Accompanist will play a your part of a piece of music you haven't seen before to see how fast you can learn it.
Can I join in the middle of the season?
Yes you can. You can arrange for an audition with the Artistic Director and pave the way for the beginning of the next rehearsal cycle. It may be too late for you to sing in the current concert, but we have many mini concerts and events that you can be a part of before the next season starts. Meanwhile you can be involved in the production, marketing, and volunteering aspects of the concert that currently is in rehearsal.
Time Commitment
We rehearse every Tuesday from 7:30 - 9:30PM at the William Way Center on Spruce Street in Philadelphia. Additional sectional rehearsals are scheduled on an as needed basis.
Financial Commitment
The dues for the singing members is $100 a year ($50 a concert season) for Performance Members and $50 a year for Associate Members ($25 a concert season). Financial considerations should not prevent you from joining us, we can work with you on creative ways to solve the problem.
Can't Carry a Tune in a Bucket, but still want to be part of it all?
Those who don't sing or can't make the weekly rehearsal commitment are invited to join our non-singing fifth section - Associate members. These unsung heroes do everything from ticket sales, advertising, programs, stage work, accounting, legal work, grant writing and lots of support work that makes the organization run. Associate members are voting members of the group, with all the same rights and privileges of performance members. These include voting, running for elected offices, chairing committees, and helping form the direction of the organization.
I don't want to be a member, just help out for a day!
We love volunteers for our events - Ushers, stage hands, crew, ticket takers. Tell us what you want to do.
Got more questions?
Let's talk, contact us at info@pvop.org or use our online form.