UCAC MEMBERSHIP AND AUDITIONS PAGE

Q: How can I become a member of the Alumni Chorus?

Per our bylaws, the majority of our members must be affiliated with the University as an alumnus of Berkeley or another UC campus, a Berkeley faculty or staff member, or a UC graduate student. We also have a provision that allows us to include a small number of "non-affiliates".

We audition potential new members twice a year, in August and early January. To schedule an audition, please email ucac-audition@ucchoral.berkeley.edu

The audition process is as non-threatening as an audition can ever be. Director Mark Sumner asks that you to prepare a short piece to sing; it can be an art song, folk song, hymn, line from a choral work you are familiar with, etc. In addition, he checks for vocal range, sight reading ability, and rhythmic accuracy.

Q: When, where, and how often do you rehearse?

We rehearse on campus in the Choral Rehearsal Hall on the lower level of the Cesar Chavez Center. Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from the end of August through the end of May or early June. Rehearsals are from 7:30-10:00pm, with sectionals every other week from 6:30-7:30.

Q: Other than rehearsals, what commitment does membership require?

Members are expected to participate in the three or four concerts we present each year between November and May (one of which is usually a joint concert with the student choral groups). In concert weeks there is a mandatory dress rehearsal in addition to the regular Monday evening rehearsal. We also have a weekend retreat early in October, and an all day retreat in February. Membership dues are currently $60.00 per semester.

Q: What kind of music do you sing?

One of the hallmarks of the UC Alumni Chorus is the diversity of music we perform -- concerts can range in both style and musical era. We have performed large concert pieces with full orchestra as well as smaller acappella pieces. Take a look at our calendar for past seasons to see the diversity of our repetoire.