The Downers Grove Choral Society is always eager to welcome new singers! Our members have a wide range of musical experience, from high school and university choral programs to church choirs to professional engagements. We come from all over Chicagoland — Downers Grove, Lisle, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, Woodridge, Darien, Lemont, Wheaton, Naperville, Oak Brook, Western Springs, Burr Ridge, Lombard, Hinsdale, Bolingbrook, Elgin, Villa Park, Indian Head Park, Frankfort, and Willowbrook, to name a few! — to be a part of this dynamic choral ensemble.
As we begin a new season with our Artistic Director, John Patrick Rakes, all new members need to schedule a voice hearing (some preparation required). Please see the additional information below. If you share our love for performing great choral music and making new friends, please join us!
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Members of the Downers Grove Choral Society meet to rehearse on Monday evenings in the Chapel of the Downers Grove First United Methodist Church from 7:30-9:30 pm.
Members are required to attend Monday evening rehearsals prior to the performances, including additional dress rehearsals the week preceding a performance.
Dues for members are $150 for the three-concert season (or $75 per concert). Members are responsible for purchasing their music (available for purchase at the first two rehearsals for each concert) and for purchasing required concert attire.
Members are also expected to assist with operational functions including set up and take down for rehearsals and concerts, fundraising, publicity, and ticket sales.
VOICE HEARINGS
The Downers Grove Choral Society is always eager to welcome new singers! Our members have a wide range of musical experience, from high school and university choral programs to church choirs to professional engagements. If you share our love for making choral music together, discovering new repertoire, and meeting new friends, please join us this season!
Voice hearings are required for new members and can be scheduled throughout the season. Voice hearings for our next season will be held by appointment with Dr. Rakes. To schedule your voice hearing, click here. You can also email info@dgcs.org or call 630.515.0030.
Voice hearings involve the following:
- Arrive five to ten minutes early so you have time to fill out this form —
or print out and complete the form ahead of time. - Range check
- Pitch memory
- Sight-reading (accompanied)
- Sing a prepared piece. This can range from “America, the Beautiful” to your latest Mozart Aria.