Sing with Us
All experienced singers are welcome to apply to join the Choir. You do not need to be a graduate of The University of Sydney or any other university to join the choir. We offer various forms of support for choristers to improve their singing skills. Membership requires an audition with the Music Director. More information on how to join can be found below.
Application Process
New applicants, and former choir members whose membership has lapsed, are required to audition so that the Music Director can assess voice quality, previous musical and choral experience, and ability to read music. Auditions take 5-10 minutes and are conducted privately before or after rehearsal, generally at the commencement of a musical term, in an informal and friendly atmosphere. Applicants can bring along the music of any song or piece that they would like to sing. If you do not have any music or you have not previously sung with a choir, then you will be asked to sing some scales or vocal exercises so that the Music Director can determine your vocal range.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals are held at the Forest Lodge Primary School in Glebe from 7.30 –10pm every Monday, with periodic sectional rehearsals for voice parts from 7–7.30pm. Some parking is available on the primary school grounds and street parking is also available. For some concerts,there is also a compulsory weekend workshop. Copies of the score are distributed by the librarian at the beginning of each rehearsal term. Using scores not recommended by the Music Director is not optimal, and it is recommended that members avail themselves of copies through the choir library.
Performances
The Choir stages up to three concerts a year and sings mainly large-scale choral works. Performances are accompanied by a chamber orchestra of professional musicians. Recent performances have included Brahms’ A German Reqiuem, Puccini’s Messa di Gloria, Beethoven’s Mass in C and Bowen’s An Australian War Requiem. The choir also joins the Central Coast Chorale and the Sydney Community College Choir in the annual ‘Christmas at Sydney Town Hall’, performing a program of readings and carols conceived by the Sydney City Organist Robert Ampt.
As the Choir is an affiliate of The University of Sydney, and in appreciation for the University’s support provided to the Choir, membership applications by University of Sydney graduates and staff are given priority, and the Choir will waive the New Member Joining Fee for successful applicants.
Membership
fees
Annual singing membership $500
Joining fee $30
Members'
Commitment
Anyone joining the choir or renewing their membership agrees to be bound by the choir’s policies
Apply here
Please contact the New Member Liaison Officer at newmembers@sugc.com.au if you have any further questions.
