We are an accomplished mid-size chorus widely recognized for its ambitious and interesting repertoire. And we have a great time singing together. You might, too. We rehearse from 7 to 9:45 PM on Tuesday nights at Broadway Presbyterian Church at 601 West 114th Street in Manhattan and perform at venues all around New York City. We’re planning our first in-person rehearsal for Tuesday, September 7, 2021, assuming we feel able to maintain the safety of our singers, audience, and community. We will require all singers and staff to show proof of vaccination to attend in-person rehearsals in the fall. Plus, we will require that singers wear masks and adhere to other safety protocols. Our priority is to keep everyone safe!
Music Director Clara Longstreth invites singers with choral experience and sight-reading ability to audition. Our 2021-2022 season will feature choral classics as well as works by composers who have often been underrepresented in American concert halls. Plus, we’ll present a newly commissioned work for chorus and marimba and two New York City premieres. In May 2022, we’ll perform a joint concert with The Harlem Chamber Players. The composers we are scheduled to sing include Samuel Barber, Uzee Brown, Aaron Copland, Adolphus Hailstork, Philip Lasser, Robert Paterson, Rosephanye Powell, William Grant Still, and Dale Trumbore. For a full list, see the Concerts & Events section of the website.
To arrange an audition, please contact Clara Longstreth at info@nasingers.org.
Frequently Asked Questions about Auditioning
What happens at an audition?
Your audition will be private; one-on-one with Music Director Clara Longstreth. At your audition, Clara will have you sing some scales to test your vocal range, will play series of notes for you to sing back to her, to test your listening and pitch, and will ask you to sight-read some music. You will also sing one prepared piece of your own choosing.
Do I need to be able to sight-read?
It is expected that all members of New Amsterdam Singers have at least basic sight reading skills.
When are auditions held?
Most auditions take place in August, prior to the beginning of the new season. There are occasionally openings during the course of the year, however, so singers are encouraged to inquire about openings at other times of the year as well.
Do you have an opening in my voice part?
We have some openings in all voice parts each year, so singers are always encouraged to audition if interested.
Can I hear a sample of New Amsterdam Singers in performance?
We’ve provided some excerpts of New Amsterdam Singers in performance here.