Auditions
Choral Arts Ensemble (CAE) has established a reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the region. Now in our 40th year, we perform a wide range of vocal ensemble repertoire, from historical and modern classical repertoire to world musics to contemporary styles like pop, jazz and musical theatre.
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We have two choirs - the Ensemble Singers, a mixed choir of approximately 60 singers (SATB), and the Treble Singers, a group of 20 high-voice singers.
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Any interested adult singer in the SE MN region with a musical background (preferably with experience in choral singing) may audition. All singers must audition annually. Please see the Requirements and 2025-26 Dates sections below for more information.
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There are two steps to scheduling an audition:​
1) Complete the Singer Interest Form
2) Go to the Scheduling Page to select an audition time​​​
Audition Preparation
Auditions will consist of:
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Warmups
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America the Beautiful or a piece of your choice, sung in traditional, classical style. Please bring sheet music if you'd like to sing your own song and plan to sing 90 seconds or less.
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Sight-reading
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Optional/Encouraged: 90 seconds of a song of your choice in a jazz, pop, R&B, musical theatre, or other contemporary style.
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please bring sheet music or be ready to sing with a karaoke track off your phone
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note: the more contrast with traditional, classical singing, the better!
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Singing with CAE
Singer Requirements
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Experience in choral singing
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Ability to learn music quickly and independently
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Conscientious advanced preparation before rehearsals​
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Concert Attire
Our standard dress code for concerts is black clothing, either a black shirt, tie, coat and pants, or a black dress, or black skirt, or slacks with a black top.
Expectations of Singers
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Be on time and be prepared for a great rehearsal
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Attend all regular rehearsals. If necessary, one absence per concert series is allowed – more than that needs to be discussed with the conductor
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Make a season-long commitment
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Assist with the success of the annual A Singing Valentine event in February
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Make a concerted effort to participate in as many extra performances as possible
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Be an advocate for the Choral Arts Ensemble and all arts within the community
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CAE does not request any dues, but we would appreciate any financial donation you can give
Benefits to Singers
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Opportunity to perform with a professional conductor, accomplished peers, and professional instrumentalists
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Opportunity to perform a variety of challenging repertoire - from Renaissance masterworks to newly commissioned pieces
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Educational opportunities/enrichment to other musical pursuits
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Soloist opportunities
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Music provided in sheet or .pdf format
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Congenial environment and opportunity to befriend those with similar interests
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Rehearsal & performance space, office support, and publicity provided​
2025 - 2026 Dates
Both Choirs rehearse on Tuesdays. Treble Singer Rehearsals are from 5:15 to 7:30 p.m., and Ensemble Singers rehearse from 7:30 to 9:45 pm. There will be three regular concert series in the 2025-26 season, plus several other performance opportunities.
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2025-26 Season Performances
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Sept. 18-19 (optional, by audition)
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Oct. 25, 2025 Concert (Treble only)
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Oct. 31, Nov. 1-2, 2025 Concerts*
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Dec. 11, 12, 13, 14, 2025 Concerts*
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Feb. 14, 2026 Fundraising Event
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March 14, 2026 - H.S. Festival
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May 1, 2, 3, 2026 Concerts*​
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* the first day of each concert weekend is a dress rehearsal, followed by a Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon performance. There is also a Friday evening performance in December.