Audition to Sing with Us

Join a dedicated group, united by a shared passion.

Fall 2026 Auditions

Thursday, September 3, 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Friday, September 4, 4:00-7:00 p.m.

at the Municipal Arts Center, 1119 5th St. SW, Charlottesville

(please email tosvachoruschair@gmail.com if the available times do not suit your schedule)

Sign Up to Audition

Please download and fill out the Audition Form and bring it to your audition time (extra blank copies will be also be available when you arrive if you are not able to print it at home).

Download Audition Form

Call for Choral Section Principal – Tenor and Alto/Mezzo

Auditions: Saturday, September 5, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m. at the MAC, 1119 5th St SW, Charlottesville (these are separate auditions from regular chorus auditions above and are open to current and new chorus members)

Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B084CAEA62CABFA7-65261273-section

Position: Paid Section Principal with the full chorus (SATB) of the Oratorio Society of Virginia ($500 annual stipend in 2 payments in December and May). Section principals serve as strong leaders within their respective sections in weekly (Monday evening) rehearsals and concerts, and also take the lead in a small quartet or octet (including for outreach opportunities). In addition, section principals occasionally sing solos in the normal concert cycle, including in major works repertoire with orchestra, at the conductor’s discretion.  

Process: Singers should prepare two solo contrasting selections (ie, contrasting in style, and also possibly in language – ie, one in English, and one in a foreign language.) An accompanist will be provided. The audition may also include some vocalizing for characteristics of range, a brief test of sight-reading, and/or a follow-up callback with other singers to determine best pairings for ensemble sound.

Sign Up for Section Principal Audition

Please print, fill out and bring the TOSVA Section Principal Audition Form with you to the audition:

Download Section Principal Audition Form

What to Expect…

  • Join our chorus and become a member of a close-knit group dedicated to providing excellent and joyful music to our community. Auditions are held in the fall and winter and by appointment in the spring.

    Auditions typically consist of the following, with an accompanist present:

    • Vocalizing to determine range and voice part

    • A brief rhythmic sight-singing excerpt

    • A brief melodic sight-singing excerpt

    • Singing a prepared piece of your choosing, or a familiar song

    • Dues: annual membership dues are collected at the start of each season. The Individual Membership rate is $100 annually. A discounted Family Membership is available for two singers residing in the same household ($150 total, or $75 per singer). A discounted Student Membership rate of $50 is available to high school, college, and graduate students. Membership dues are not prorated; singers who join mid-season pay the full annual rate. Financial Assistance is available (see below).

    • Music: chorus members purchase the music scores needed for the concert season from The Oratorio Society in order for everyone to be working from the same editions. Music is yours after purchase! Some pieces are re-programmed in the same season or in another year. Total expense depends on the music programmed. Financial Assistance is available (see below).

    • Concert Dress: new singers are provided information regarding concert dress requirements, including discounts for purchasing or renting tuxedos (men) or concert dresses (women), after joining the choir. Financial Assistance is available (see below).

  • The Oratorio Society of Virginia believes that financial hardship should not be a barrier to participation. Requests for assistance are submitted confidentially to the Executive Director, who makes a recommendation to the Finance Committee for review. All requests are reviewed using an honor-based system (i.e. singers do not need to supply documentation or financial records of any kind to request support), and any personal information shared is kept strictly confidential. Financial assistance is available to singers who are invited to join the chorus following an audition. Funds may be used to help cover membership dues, required music purchases, and/or concert attire (tux or dress).

  • All dates and times may be subject to change! Always read the weekly chorus announcement emails for the latest.

    • First Rehearsal + Music Distribution: Monday, September 14, 2026, 7:00-9:30 p.m.

    • Extra Saturday Rehearsal (Dec concert cycle): November 7, 2026, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

    • Mandatory Dress Rehearsal for Christmas at The Paramount: Thursday, Dec. 17, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

    • Christmas at The Paramount: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. concerts

    • Weekly Rehearsals Resume: Monday, January 11, 2027

    • Extra Saturday Rehearsal (March concert cycle): February 13, 2027, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

    • Mandatory Dress Rehearsal for Together in Song: Thursday, March 11, 7:00-10:00 p.m.

    • Together in Song - Music from Hungary: Saturday, March 13, 2027; 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Community Choral Workshop; 4:00 p.m. Concert (venue TBD)

    • Extra Saturday Rehearsal (May concert cycle): Saturday, April 24, 2027, 1:00-4:00 p.m.

    • Mandatory Dress Rehearsals for Carmina Burana with Charlottesville Ballet: Tuesday, May 11, 2027 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 13, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

    • Carmina Burana with Charlottesville Ballet: Friday, May 14, 2027, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 15 at 4:00 p.m. at MLK Jr. Performing Arts Center

Sign up to audition!

“Singing Elijah was a breath of fresh air and an inspiration for my soul!”

— current singer, 2025-2026

Image: Robert Garland Photography, Mendelssohn’s Elijah at Old Cabell Hall, May 2026