So my once-a-year audition for the Mendelssohn Choir is just fine with me. However, none of us choristers feel the pressure of auditions the way a dancer or actor does – their very livelihood depends on successful auditions. Ultimately, I believe this leads us to be stronger artists, but auditions can also be demoralizing and disempowering. Performing artists must repeatedly subject themselves to scrutiny and criticism. Most other professions will interview once for a job and that’s it – they’re set. Perfect for an audition.Īuditions can be a scary process unique to the arts. A sweet little folk song, 90 seconds long. So yes, I am auditioning this year yet again, and this time I’ve chosen an Aaron Copland ditty. I’m happy to say that I’ve been part of that “sound” for the last few years and I hope to for many more. The result, though, is a rather rigorous process that allows an artistic director of an ensemble to choose and build the sound they are looking for. Most people audition once for their choirs. It is uncommon and stressful to do this year after year.
When I mention this to non-TMC choristers, they shudder. Every year we have to audition to get back into the choir. What is surprising to some people is that we have to audition every year. I sing in the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMC) as a tenor and have for the last three seasons.