Now Scheduling Choir Auditions in Oakland: Watch "Grandma's Hands" and Join Our 2026 Prince Tribute
- AfterGlow Chorus
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
The search is on for the voices that will define our 2026 season. While our chorus is currently deep in preparation for "Purple Reign"—our ambitious tribute to the music of Prince—we are taking a moment to look back at the emotional core of our ensemble.
At AfterGlow Chorus, we believe that high-caliber choral music has a unique power to strike a deep chord with an audience. This was the central theme of our Summer 2025 concert series, Healing & Heart, which was dedicated to patients and the tireless caregivers who support them throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Experience the Story: "Grandma’s Hands" by Bill Withers
To show you the kind of soulful storytelling we bring to the stage, we are proud to share our performance of the soul classic "Grandma’s Hands." This arrangement honors the legacy of Bill Withers and celebrates the nurturing, protective hands that carry us through life’s hardest moments.
Watch our performance of "Grandma’s Hands" (arr. Bill Withers), recorded live at the historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland in the Lake Merritt neighborhood. This performance captures the blend of gospel-infused soul and choral precision that makes our ensemble a standout in the East Bay music scene.
Why Audition for AfterGlow Chorus This Season?
We know that experienced singers in Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco have many choices when it comes to joining a choir. AfterGlow offers a unique environment for the advanced vocalist:
A Diverse and Challenging Repertoire: From the R&B soul of Bill Withers and Prince to the complex contemporary classical works of Jake Runestad and Betty Jackson King, we push our singers to master multiple styles.
Professional Standards: We move quickly through our scores. Our singers learn their music independently so that our rehearsals at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland can focus on artistry, emotional expression, and a unified ensemble blend.
Inspiring Performance Spaces: Performing in the soaring, warm acoustics of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland is a highlight for our members. It is a historic space that perfectly complements the depth and power of the choral sound.
Audition Details for East Bay Singers
We are currently seeking vocalists for all voice parts—Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass—who want to sing music that carries real meaning.
Rehearsal Location: Our rehearsal home is in Uptown Oakland at the First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, conveniently located near BART.
The Schedule: Consistency is key to our sound. Please review our Spring 2026 Rehearsal Schedule to ensure the commitment fits your calendar.
The Audition Process: We keep the process professional and welcoming. You will be asked to sing a short piece of your choice, followed by a range check and a brief sight-singing exercise.
How to Join Our Ranks
If you are a singer looking for a chorus that values both technical excellence and genuine emotional connection, we want to hear from you. Singer auditions are being held now on a rolling basis. Join us as we prepare for "Purple Reign" and bring the music of Prince, Duke Ellington, and Richard Smallwood to life.
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