Audition

The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington holds auditions for new singers each season, generally in August. We welcome all singers — regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or musical experience — who can sing in the lower vocal register (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass) to audition. Potential singers must be at least 18 years of age at the time of the audition and not in high school.

The current round of auditions (for the 2025-2026 Season) are closed. However, we recommend submitting your interest NOW for the next round of auditions. We will reach out to you when it’s time to start preparing.

If you would like to schedule an audition, please fill out the audition form HERE. After filling out the form, if you have any further questions about the audition process or joining the Chorus, please contact our audition coordinators Marcus and Shawn at auditions@gmcw.org.

In the meantime, please read below to learn what to expect at your audition. Because the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington strives for artistic excellence, acceptance as a singing member is determined by an audition. We understand that the idea of an audition can be intimidating, and we do our best to make the audition process as informal and friendly as possible.

What to Expect at the Audition: The only people in the room will be you, GMCW’s Artistic Team (usually 1-3 people), and an accompanist. Please bring a prepared piece to sing. If you plan to use sheet music for the accompanist, bring a printed copy of the music (front and back) in the key in which you plan to sing it. You may also use a tablet or sing a capella. You will also be asked to sing some scales and possibly do some sight-reading. (Don’t worry if you aren’t great at sight-reading, as it’s not a requirement.)

No need for a resume or headshot, just bring your talent and good vibes! We can’t wait to hear you sing!

TIME COMMITMENT

GMCW presents three main concerts each year – usually in December, March and June. Attendance at rehearsals and performances is mandatory.

Regular Rehearsals: Our rehearsal time is valuable. We learn a great deal of music for each concert. Members are expected to arrive to rehearsals on time. Special Rehearsals: There are also special rehearsals (sectionals, dress rehearsals, etc) and the dates and times are announced as these are scheduled. Two or three extra rehearsals are often scheduled in the days before a main concert.

Absences: Because we strive for the best artistic product possible, GMCW has an attendance policy which requires attending at least 75% of rehearsals during each concert period. Sectional rehearsals can be used as make-up rehearsals.

Personal Responsibility for Learning Music: You are expected to review your music at home, so you will be fully prepared for each rehearsal. Music is memorized for our concerts.

Retreat: In October we hold a weekend long retreat at a nearby facility. The retreat counts as one regular required rehearsal and one make-up rehearsal and is also a great opportunity to get to know each other.

Schedule: You will have access to the complete schedule of rehearsals, performances, and other important dates as soon as you join, so you can mark your calendar accordingly.

Volunteer Teams: GMCW involves more than just music. To keep the Chorus running smoothly, we rely on members to volunteer extra time. The majority of jobs require relatively little time individually. As a whole, they represent a tremendous amount of effort, without which the Chorus would not be able to function. Please consider helping with one or more of these support team efforts.

Season Break: We take a break from mid/late June until the Sunday after Labor Day.

FINANCIAL COMMITMENT

Dues: The annual dues for new GMCW membership is $150.00 at the beginning of each new season. There are prorated dues for new members who join later in the season. As a volunteer membership organization, we raise all of our own funds from membership dues, advertising, ticket sales, etc. to pay for music, rehearsal rental space, costumes, performance space, and all operational expenses. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Performance Attire: Members are responsible for procuring their own black long-sleeved top, black pants/long skirt, and black dress shoes. There are times you may be asked to wear a tux jacket with a white shirt/blouse. Chorus “baubles” are also worn for many shows and will be explained during orientation. There are sometimes other incidental expenses for minor costume items. For most outreach gigs we wear a standard t-shirt that costs about $10.

Concert Travel: Chorus members are financially responsible for the cost of our optional concert tours. Efforts are made to provide low cost options, including community housing when available.

Retreat and Other Incidentals: Our annual retreat in the fall (late September-October) costs about $195 per person for weekend room and board in western MD or western PA.