Chicago a cappella will be holding auditions for all voice parts in February 2025 

AUDITION DETAILS 

The audition will consist of singing two contrasting selections.  One of your prepared selections should be a classical aria or art song, and the other a decidedly non-classical selection. One selection should be sung in a language other than English.  Together these should showcase your technical prowess and stylistic versatility.  Among other things, we’ll be evaluating intonation, diction, tone, voice size, and stage presence.  Off-book performance is preferred though not required.  An accompanist will be provided; please bring sheet music for the accompanist.  Due to time constraints, we may not hear the entirety of both prepared pieces.  You may also be asked to vocalize for range purposes and/or perform a short ear-training exercise.   

To request an audition, e-mail a note of interest and resume, indicating your voice part, your preferred audition day, relevant experience, and highlights of ensemble and solo experience, to Jason Grimm at jgrimm@chicagoacappella.org.  Requests from qualified applicants will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Auditions take place: 

• Monday, February 3rd, 2025, 4:30-6:30pm in Oak Park 

• Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, 4:30-6:30pm in Oak Park 

Successful auditionees may be asked to attend callbacks in spring 2025. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

The following musical skills are required from ensemble members: 

Strong solo technique; technical ability to sing fully-voiced with healthy vibrato, at a variety of dynamic ranges, and without vibrato; strong sight-reading skills; minimum of 2 years singing at a professional level, with experience in traditional and contemporary music, as well as a strong ear for new styles that may be unfamiliar; expertise at holding a vocal line individually within a group; strong stage presence; ability to respond quickly to instruction in rehearsal; superb language skills (knowledge of IPA strongly preferred). 

CHICAGO A CAPPELLA 

Chicago a cappella spans a repertoire from Gregorian chant to the Beatles and beyond. Under the leadership of Artistic Director John William Trotter, the group presents concerts with musical preparation by Trotter and guest music directors.  Known for creative programming and a personal connection to audiences, Chicago a cappella performs an annual series with concerts in Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, and Naperville, with occasional guest appearances in town or on tour.  Current pay rates are $240 per performance for series concerts and $39/hour for rehearsals.  Typically, our series concert programs each involve 8 rehearsals and 4 performances.   

Arts Administration Internship

OVERVIEW
Chicago a cappella is seeking an Arts Administration Intern to support the company’s operations, gaining hands-on experience in arts administration while contributing to our mission of advancing the art and appreciation of ensemble singing.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities will be based on staff needs and the intern’s skills and interests. Areas of activity are likely to include music library, concert production, artistic administration, and general office administration. Specifically, these may include:
• Attending concerts and other events, assisting staff as needed
• Spearheading online music library project, updating the database and recommending improvements to the layout and usage
• Helping prepare materials for upcoming events, concerts and programs
• Supporting communication and licensing activities by drafting materials and updating lists
• Providing administrative support, including organizing and maintaining physical and digital files
• The opportunity to observe internal activities including rehearsals and staff meetings

QUALIFICATIONS
Candidate must be between the ages of 14 and 22 when starting the position. Interest in nonprofit arts administration and motivation to learn. Excellent oral and written communication skills and general computer competence. Ability to work independently and make sound judgments.

SCHEDULE
Position is expected to begin mid-January 2025 and ends no later than Sept. 30, 2025 (can end earlier). Hours are flexible, with the expectation of a regular weekly schedule and 220 hours total during the internship. Most work will be done during office hours (10AM-6PM M-F), with the majority in the company’s office in the Ravenswood neighborhood. Non-office hours will include concerts and events, which are typically weekends and evenings. A work schedule will be arranged with the successful candidate to accommodate their availability and the company’s requirements.

COMPENSATION
$15/hour, paid on a bi-weekly basis

COMMENTS
We are an well-established arts organization, recognized by our peers for both our artistic reputation and our organizational achievements. Previous staff members have secured jobs at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, WFMT, Museum of Science and Industry, and elsewhere.

CONTACT
Email resume and brief cover letter detailing schedule availability and why you are interested in the position to Matt Greenberg at MGreenberg@chicagoacappella.org.