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Auditions

Choral Arts has established a reputation as one of the finest choral groups in the region. Now, in our 41st year, we perform a wide range of vocal ensemble repertoires, from historical and modern classical repertoire to world music and contemporary styles like pop, jazz, and musical theatre.  

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We have two choirs - the Ensemble Singers, a mixed choir of approximately 65 singers (SATB), and the Treble Singers, a group of 30 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.​​​​

2026-27 Season Auditions

Auditions for the 2026-27 season choirs will be held in spring and summer of 2026, beginning on May 12. Additional audition times will be added in July.  Auditions are for the full season.  Please review our season schedules here before auditioning. 

 

There are two steps to schedule an audition:

1) Complete the Singer Interest Form here

2) Schedule an audition time here. If you are new to Choral Arts, please sign up for two 8-minute slots. â€‹â€‹â€‹

Audition Process

Consists of:

  1. Warmups to hear your range and tone

  2. "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. 

  3. Sight-reading

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Optional:

  1. 90 seconds of a song of your choice in a jazz, pop, R&B, musical theatre, or other contemporary style. 

  2. Please bring sheet music or be ready to sing with a track off your phone

  3. Note: the more contrast with traditional, classical singing, the better!

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Singing with Choral Arts

Singer Requirements

  • Experience in choral singing

  • Ability to learn music quickly and independently

  • 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

  • Be on time and be prepared for a great rehearsal

  • Attend all regular rehearsals. If necessary, one absence per concert series is allowed – more than that needs to be discussed with the conductor

  • Make a season-long commitment

  • Assist with the success of the annual A Singing Valentine event in February

  • Make a concerted effort to participate in as many extra performances as possible

  • Be an advocate for the Choral Arts Ensemble and all arts within the community

  • CAE does not request any dues, but we would appreciate any financial donation you can give

Benefits to Singers

  • Opportunity to perform with a professional conductor, accomplished peers, and professional instrumentalists 

  • Opportunity to perform a variety of challenging repertoire - from Renaissance masterworks to newly commissioned pieces

  • Educational opportunities/enrichment to other musical pursuits

  • Soloist opportunities

  • Music provided in sheet or .pdf format

  • Congenial environment and opportunity to befriend those with similar interests

  • Rehearsal & performance space, office support, and publicity provided​

Requirements and Expectations

2026 - 2027 Dates

Treble Singers

 

Rehearsals

Tuesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 pm

Bethel Lutheran Church

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Twin Cities Tour

Friday, Nov. 6 - Sunday, Nov. 8

Hotel and Bus costs paid, in part, by Choral Arts

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Christmas at Assisi Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Thursday, Dec. 10, evening

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 7:00 pm

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 7:00 pm                

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, 3:00 pm

Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights         

 

A Singing Valentine

Dress Rehearsal, Friday, Feb. 12, evening

Saturday, Feb. 13, 5:30 pm                

Hilton Downtown Rochester

 

March 2027 Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Friday, Mar. 12, evening

Saturday, Mar. 13, 2027, 7:00 pm

Sunday, Mar. 14, 2027, 3:00 pm

Christ United Methodist Church

 

May 2027 Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Friday April 30, evening

Saturday, May 1, 2027, 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 2, 2027, 3:00 pm                       

Christ United Methodist Church​​

Ensemble Singers

 

Rehearsals

Tuesdays from 7:00 to 10:00 pm

Bethel Lutheran Church

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Considering Matthew Shepard

Dress Rehearsals, Oct. 19-22, evening

Friday, Oct. 23, 2026 – noon, School Matinee

Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026 - 3:00 pm                              

Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 - 7:00 pm

Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026 - 3:00 pm                                            

The Historic Chateau Theatre

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Christmas at Assisi Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Thursday, Dec. 10, evening

Friday, Dec. 11, 2026, 7:00 pm

Saturday, Dec. 12, 2026, 7:00 pm                

Sunday, Dec. 13, 2026, 3:00 pm

Lourdes Chapel, Assisi Heights         

 

A Singing Valentine

Dress Rehearsal, Saturday, Feb. 13, morning

Saturday, Feb. 13, 5:30 pm                

Hilton Downtown Rochester

 

March 2027 Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Friday, Mar. 12, evening

Saturday, Mar. 13, 2027, 7:00 pm

Sunday, Mar. 14, 2027, 3:00 pm

Christ United Methodist Church

 

May 2027 Concerts

Dress Rehearsal, Friday April 30, evening

Saturday, May 1, 2027, 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 2, 2027, 3:00 pm                       

Christ United Methodist Church​​

Dates
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This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support Grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

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810 3rd Ave SE, Second Floor

Rochester, MN 55904
507-252-8427

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