Singer Auditions
AfterGlow Chorus is always looking for talented, experienced singers interested in performing in a premier, chamber choir. AfterGlow has impressed audiences with its high level of excellence and musicianship.
Many of the choir's singers have studied music or sung in choirs in college, while others have significant singing experience via collegiate a cappella groups. Some of our singers include music teachers, college & graduate school students, educators, lawyers, medical professionals, tech engineers, scientists, as well as many others. All are committed to a high standard of musical excellence while also having fun in the process.
Our singers are drawn not only from Oakland, but throughout the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. Most of our singers live or work in and around Oakland (e.g., Alameda, San Leandro, Castro Valley, Richmond, Berkeley, Hayward, Emeryville, Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and San Francisco).
The Summer 2024 concert (rehearsals starting in mid-June) is a powerful program called "Giant Shoulders: Music of the Civil Rights Movement."
Honoring the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, we'll be performing inspirational music from a wide variety of musical genres including freedom songs, African-American spirituals, classical choral pieces, Gospel songs, jazz, and Motown classics.
Our very special Guest Artist will be Dr. Lynne Morrow!
Here are just a few of the pieces we will be performing:
"Oh Freedom" arr. by Brazeal Dennard
"Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around" arr. by Max Addae
"Hold On" arr. by Moses Hogan
"They Led My Lord Away" arr. by Brandon Waddles
"In Bright Mansions Above" arr. by Roland Carter
"Bring Me All Your Dreams" by Christopher Harris"
"Peace Be Still" by James Cleveland
"Living for the City" by Stevie Wonder
"None of Us Are Free" opb Solomon Burke (by Ray Charles)
"River" by Leon Bridges
"Hallelujah" from "Messiah: A Soulful Celebration" by Mervyn Warren, Michael O. Jackson, and Mark Kibble
Here is the draft YouTube playlist (subject to change): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLeLtdDKoF3VS04331gm_JDnDQQ_JKA1hv
Unlike most other choirs, AfterGlow rehearses in intensive, 4-week periods right before each concert. Prior to the first rehearsal, singers learn, study, and practice their parts on their own.
Rehearsals are very fast-paced due to the compressed schedule and high-caliber of singers. Regular rehearsals are held at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland in the popular Uptown neighborhood in Oakland. The rehearsal location is very easily accessible by mass transit (e.g., BART). Many singers also carpool with each other. Free parking is also readily available.
Here is the accelerated rehearsal schedule (ALL REHEARSAL & CONCERT DATES ARE MANDATORY):
Rehearsal #1: Wednesday 6/12 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Rehearsal #2: Monday 6/17 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Wednesday 6/19: NO REHEARSAL (JUNETEENTH HOLIDAY)
Rehearsal #3: Monday 6/24 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Rehearsal #4: Wednesday 6/26 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
NO REHEARSALS WEEK OF 4TH OF JULY
Rehearsal #5: Monday 7/8 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Rehearsal #6: Wednesday 7/10 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Rehearsal #7: Monday 7/15 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
Rehearsal #8: Wednesday 7/17 from 7 pm - 9:30 pm
DRESS REHEARSAL: Saturday 7/20 from 1 pm - 4 pm: @ First Congregational Church of Oakland)
CONCERT #1 (Call Time 1:30 pm for 4 pm concert): Sunday 7/21 @ First Congregational Church of Oakland)
CONCERT #2: Sunday 7/28 (Call Time 1:30 pm for 4 pm concert @ St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Oakland)
The audition itself is simple and straightforward. You will be asked to sing any a cappella song of your choosing that you have prepared. There will also be some vocalizing and sight singing.
Unlike many other choirs, there are no fees or tuition to sing in the chorus in order to be as economically inclusive as possible for a variety of singers.
