Oakland Choir Auditions Extended: Join AfterGlow Chorus for "Ring Dem Bells"
Auditions Extended: A Final Opportunity to Sing With AfterGlow
If you've been searching for an advanced singing group because you miss the musical rigor, rich harmony, and close-knit community of your college choir or a cappella group, this is your sign!
AfterGlow Chorus specializes almost exclusively in unaccompanied a cappella singing—a challenging, highly rewarding format reserved for dedicated musicians who love pure vocal harmony. Due to strong interest across several voice parts, we are extending singer auditions for "Ring Dem Bells," our December holiday concert series in Oakland.
If you missed our initial deadline, you still have time to submit an audition request. We invite experienced sopranos, altos, tenors, and basses from across Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, Alameda, Emeryville, and the broader East Bay to apply—auditions are open now across all voice parts, but spots are filling quickly as our October start date approaches.
Audition Status: Open Now (Finalizing Roster)
Rehearsals Start: Monday, October 26, 2026 (Sheet music sent upon acceptance)
Rehearsal Location: St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave, Oakland, CA 94610 (Near Lake Merritt)
Concert Dates: Sunday, December 6 & Saturday, December 12, 2026
What Singers Are Saying
“Finding a choir that balances high artistic standards with a warm, welcoming community is rare. At AfterGlow, everyone around you is an exceptional musician who cares deeply about the details. It makes every single rehearsal feel inspiring.”— AfterGlow Chorus Singer
New Performance Release: Watch "Come Sunday" by Duke Ellington
To give you a window into our sound and repertoire depth, watch our newly released performance of "Come Sunday", recorded live at our "Purple Reign" concert series in Oakland:
Composed by Duke Ellington for his 1943 suite Black, Brown and Beige, this iconic piece is featured here in a soulful, rich arrangement by the late Oakland composer and arranger Greg Murai. It showcases AfterGlow’s commitment to expressive dynamics, vocal warmth, and celebrating rich local musical traditions.
Repertoire Highlights for "Ring Dem Bells"
Our full 17-piece holiday program spans fiery spirituals, sacred masterworks, jazz standards, and modern choral gems:
High-Octane Spirituals: "Little Innocent Lamb" (arr. Stacey V. Gibbs), "Peter, Go Ring Them Bells" (arr. Roderick Williams), "Ain't That a Rockin'" (arr. Stacey V. Gibbs)
Timeless Masterworks & Sacred Classics: "O magnum mysterium" (Victoria), "Bogoroditse Devo" (Rachmaninoff), "Es ist ein Rose entsprungen" (Praetorius), and "O Nata Lux" composed by AfterGlow's own Eric Gilbert.
Soulful & Contemporary Settings: "Light of a Clear Blue Morning" (Dolly Parton, arr. Craig Hella Johnson), "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" (arr. Robert Fountain), and "Gloria!" (Tristino Ali).
Holiday Favorites & Smooth Soul: "The First Nowell" (arr. David Willcocks), "I'll Be Home for Christmas" (arr. Mac Huff), "Silent Night" (arr. The Temptations), "What Child Is This?" (arr. Alice Parker), "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly" (arr. Brent Wells), and "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" (arr. David Willcocks).
Uplifiting Gospel: "Go Tell It on the Mountain" (arr. The Myra Walker Singers).
Designed for Busy, Advanced Bay Area Singers
Unaccompanied Excellence: Experience the thrill of singing complex, multi-part a cappella repertoire where every voice part matters.
Condensed Rehearsal Cycle: Focused rehearsals delivering maximum artistic payoff without an exhausting four-month commitment.
Music Distributed Early: We send sheet music in advance so rehearsals skip note-pounding and focus directly on phrasing, tone, and musicality.
High-Caliber Ensemble: Sing alongside dedicated peers from Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco who come fully prepared and passionate about choral excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions (Audition FAQ)
Who should audition for AfterGlow Chorus?
We welcome experienced choral singers, university choir alumni, and former college a cappella singers across all voice parts (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass) residing in Oakland, San Francisco, Berkeley, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
Where and when are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings starting October 26, 2026, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (114 Montecito Ave, Oakland, CA 94610), near Lake Merritt in Oakland.
How do I submit an audition request?
Simply visit our Auditions Page to submit an audition request form. Our artistic leadership will follow up directly with details regarding voice section availability and submission guidelines.
Audition for Oakland's Premier A Cappella Ensemble
We are finalizing our voice sections as rehearsals draw near. Submit your audition request today to secure your spot before section rosters close.
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