Now Scheduling Singer Auditions: Experience the Artistry of AfterGlow Chamber Choir
- AfterGlow Chorus
- Jan 22
- 2 min read
What does it feel like to stand in a circle of forty high-caliber vocalists and navigate the lush, intricate harmonies of a jazz classic?
For the advanced singer, the joy of choral music often lies in those moments of extreme musical intimacy—where the vocal ensemble breathes as one and the chords are so locked in they feel effortless. This is the hallmark of the AfterGlow experience, and it’s why we are seeking new talent to audition for our Spring 2026 chamber choir season, "Purple Reign."
Case Study: A Cappella Precision in "I Wish You Love"
To understand the artistic level we strive for in our singing, look no further than our recent performance of the jazz standard "I Wish You Love." This live recording from our Healing & Heart concert series at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland showcases the blend and precision we bring to every choir performance.
This arrangement requires more than just singing; it requires deep listening and a shared musical pulse. Notice how our chamber choir balances the lead lines with the warm, supportive a cappella textures in the background—a hallmark of our work in the Oakland music scene.
A Repertoire for the Versatile Musician
Our upcoming choir season is built for vocalists who refuse to be pigeonholed. We are currently holding auditions for a program that challenges the chamber choir to move seamlessly between radically different musical worlds:
The Prince Experience: Mastering the complex, layered a cappella harmonies and sophisticated rhythms of arrangements like "7."
Classical Brilliance: Navigating the powerful, modern choral language of Adolphus Hailstork and the structural strength of Betty Jackson King’s "Psalm 57."
Jazz Standards & Contemporary Gospel: Leaning into the sophisticated "Sacred Concert" sounds of Duke Ellington and the massive, emotive power of Richard Smallwood’s Gospel masterpiece, "Total Praise."
Why Advanced Singers Choose AfterGlow
We believe that the most rewarding part of singing is the "click"—that moment when a challenging arrangement finally locks into place and the energy in the room shifts.
Respect for Your Time: There is a genuine joy in being part of a group where you can trust the person standing next to you to have their part prepared. Because our singers arrive at our Uptown Oakland rehearsals ready to go, we skip the note-chasing and go straight to the fun part: making music.
A Community of Musicians: The "AfterGlow experience" extends beyond the risers. Whether it's the thrill of locking in a tight jazz chord or grabbing a drink together in Uptown after a productive rehearsal, we value the connection that comes from shared excellence.
Acoustic Brilliance: Performing both a cappella and accompanied works in the historic, resonant space of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland near Lake Merritt is a highlight for our members.
Join Us for the Spring 2026 Season
We are currently meeting with singers for rolling auditions (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass). If you are looking for choral opportunities in the East Bay that combine technical excellence with genuine musical joy, we want to hear from you.
Rehearsal Location: First Presbyterian Church of Oakland (Blocks from 19th St. BART)
Auditions: Currently underway for the Spring "Purple Reign" season.
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