BE PART OF THE CHOIR
New Members Welcome
It’s true – joining a choir is good for the soul, and the Calgary Bach Choir is always on the lookout for new talent to bring their unique sound and fresh energies to the choir. If you are looking for a new challenge, are a passionate singer, and think you have what it takes, we’d love to hear from you.
REASONS TO SING
WITH THE
CALGARY BACH CHOIR
New Members Welcome
Our Choir Members:
Our choristers come from a variety of backgrounds, and are united by their love of singing great classical music!
Our Instrumentalists:
Our choristers have the privilege of singing three concerts with professional orchestral players drawn from the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra or Red Deer Symphony.
Our Concert Collaborations:
We have sung with choristers from many of Calgary's other major choral institutions, church choirs, as well as with Altius Brass and Kensington Sinfonia.
Our Artistic Director:
Terry Edwards is now in his fifteenth season of presenting inspiring and creative programs with the Calgary Bach Choir.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
New Members Welcome
Why sing with the Calgary Bach Choir?
Are you looking for a choir which sings classical music with orchestra (with a focus on Baroque music), but your time commitment is limited, then the Calgary Bach Choir is for you! We produce three choir and orchestra concerts each year (generally in mid to late November, late March/early April and early June). If you love to sing great music by the greatest of Classical music's composers, then the Calgary Bach Choir is your choir! Check out our reasons to join us.
Do I need to have previous singing experience?
Yes, the Calgary Bach Choir sings challenging music with multiple parts. Most of our choristers have had previous experience singing Classical music in other choirs.
Do I need to be able to read music?
Yes.
What kind of vocal training does the Calgary Bach Choir provide?
Our Artistic Director has had vocal training, and provides instruction and direction at every rehearsal. He also speaks French and German, and knows how to coach pronunciation in many languages, including Latin.
Is there an audition?
Yes. Contact our Artistic Director for details about our audition process.
When and where are rehearsals?
During our regular season (September through June) we rehearse every Monday evening, 7:00 - 9:30 pm at the Temple B'Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47th Avenue SW (one block west of Elbow Drive). We also offer Saturday workshops prior to each concert. There is one dress rehearsal on the Saturday of any weekend in which we perform (in mid to late November, late March/early April and early June). If you'd like to observe a rehearsal, please contact our Artistic Director.
What kind of music does the Calgary Bach Choir perform?
We perform a wide variety of music from the Baroque period (approximately 1600 - 1750) as well as from both pre- and post-Baroque times. We have also performed Classic, Romantic and 20th Century works. We sing many pieces in Latin and in German, and some in English as well. Sometimes we sing a cappella (without accompaniment) and sometimes we sing with pipe organ accompaniment, but most of our concerts are accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra drawn from members of the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra or Red Deer Symphony. Attend one of our three annual concerts (mid to late November, late March/early April or early June) or check our past choral concert archives on our website to discover the kinds of music we sing.
What is the financial commitment?
Membership dues are $200 / season. We ask for a music deposit cheque of $100 / season. We have a performance dress code which you need to supply.
Ladies: black dress or black pants and blouse with black shoes.
Men: Black jacket (tuxedo preferred) and pants with white shirt, black bow tie, black socks and shoes.
How many members does the Calgary Bach Choir have?
Our membership ranges between 30 and 50 singers. We are looking for experienced choristers to expand our ranks to 50 singers.
How many times each season does the Calgary Bach Choir perform?
Our three annual choir and orchestra concerts are held generally in mid to late November, late March/early April and early June.
Could I observe a rehearsal?
Yes! Our rehearsals are every Monday, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm (September through March) at the Temple B'Nai Tikvah, 900 - 47th Avenue SW (one block west of Elbow Drive). Arrive just before 7:00 pm, enter using the east parking lot door (the door closest to Elbow Drive) and let our Artistic Director know that you're there to observe. You may leave at the break, or you may stay until the end of the rehearsal.
When can new members join?
Generally we audition for and accept new members in September, January and April, but if you're an experienced singer you may be able to join us at other times. Please contact our Artistic Director to discuss this.
Are there any other volunteer roles which do not involve singing?
Yes, we need volunteers of all kinds to assist with the production of our concerts, to sit on our Board of Directors, and to assist with media and public relations. Please see our Volunteer page for more information about how you can assist us.
FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES OR TO REQUEST AN AUDITION
For general enquiries please type your question in the message area. We will contact you.
To request an audition, in the message area please describe your voice part (SAT or B), your musical or vocal training and in which choirs you have sung. We will then contact you to set up an audition.
We look forward to hearing from you!