This December, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus will continue to hold auditions for its 40th season. The Rocky Mountain Arts Association and its member choruses have maintained a passionate commitment to the lives and wellbeing of LGBTQ+ individuals and strive to be welcoming and respectful to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, and/or gender expression. In other words, we don’t care who you are as long as you love to SING!
We firmly believe in the transformative power of music to change and improve lives. We select choral music that ignites our creative spirit and produce high-quality choral performances that appeal to diverse audiences. We look at each concert performance as an opportunity to educate ourselves and our audiences about LGBTQ history and the challenges that remain as we continue to strive for equality and full inclusion in society. We entertain, educate, inspire, and empower. Become a singing member of DGMC! Please note: All individuals attending in-person auditions, rehearsals, meetings, or other RMAA organized and sanctioned events must show proof of vaccination and wear a Singer’s or N95 Mask.
Auditions for Fall 2022 -When: August 23 and 25 -Where: Christ Church United Methodist, 690 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206
About singing with the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus When are rehearsals? What if I have a conflict? Rehearsals are held on Sunday evening from 6:00-9:00 pm at Christ Church United Methodist (CCUM), 690 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80206. Members are expected to attend all rehearsals (typically 10-12 in a cycle) and may not miss more than three rehearsals in a cycle. Members must sing at least two out of the three concert cycles (Holiday, Spring, and Pride) to remain an active member of the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. All Dress/Tech rehearsals are mandatory.
What are the financial obligations? Membership dues are a major part of the operating budget of the chorus. Members are required to pay annual dues of $360/year. For your convenience, you may initiate $30 monthly payments in August for all 12 months, make three payments of $120 at the start of each concert cycle, or pay the annual fee in full with one payment. Dropping out of a concert cycle does not stop a member’s obligation of their yearly dues. Wardrobe cost is approximately $150.
What If I Cannot Afford The Costs Of Membership? Am I Still Able To Join? Come to auditions and talk to us! DGMC offers scholarships for members who seek financial assistance.
What is a DGMC retreat? We hold two out-of-town retreats each season where we leave the city behind and enter into intense, fun and entertaining concentrated 12 hours of rehearsals. We share meals, have engaging activities, a non-talent show, parties and sing! For 2021-2022, we had have an in-town retreat in the Fall and we will have a second retreat in the Spring in Fort Collins, CO. Retreat costs are paid by members and determined by the choice of accommodations at the camp location. Rates typically vary from $125-$140 for the weekend.
What will the COVID-19 protocol be for the upcoming season? The RMAA Covid Taskforce continually monitors local, state, and CDC guidelines and will provide recommendations regarding required social distancing. As of this time, singer masks or N95 masks are required. Nobody experiencing symptoms will be permitted into the rehearsal space to avoid any potential exposure. Health assessments may be requested. All individuals attending in-person auditions, rehearsals, or other RMAA organized and sanctioned events must be fully vaccinated against and will be required to show proof.
Who Is Allowed To Join As A Singing Member Of The Chorus? DGMC welcomes singers who can sing within a Tenor, Baritone, or Bass vocal range.
I’ve Never Sung In A Chorus Before. Should I Still Audition? Yes! We have members who only sang in the shower before joining; some who have advanced musical degrees and everything in between. Our chorus is a mix of singers with diverse experiences in music. In addition to singing, we also need members with skills in many other areas.
Do I Need To Prepare A Song For The Audition? Yes. Please come prepared to sing a portion of a song no more than 2 minutes a cappella (without accompaniment). There will also be vocal exercises geared toward blending, harmonizing, and voice placement. We make you feel completely comfortable!
What Genre Of Music Should My Audition Song Be? How Difficult Should The Song Be? Be comfortable with your song choice! Your song can be classical, choral, pop, opera, Broadway show tunes, etc. When in doubt you can also sing The National Anthem, My Country Tis of Thee or Happy Birthday! Choose one that you are comfortable singing. If you know you cannot hit a high note in a song, don’t try to impress the panel and fail. The audition is not about impressing the panel; it’s about showing that you have the skills to be a great addition to DGMC.
Can I Sing In A Different Language? Yes! You can sing in any language you choose.
What Should I Wear To The Audition? Whatever makes you feel comfortable.
What Should I Bring To The Audition? Bring your completed audition form and a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination record, an N95 mask, and please bring your voice fully warmed up to sing.
Who Will Be Present At My Audition? DGMC’s Artistic Director James Knapp and Assistant Artistic Director Raul Dominguez.
How Do I Find Out Whether Or Not I Made It? The audition results will be delivered immediately following your audition.
What Happens If I’m Not Accepted? We would love to accept everyone; however, it is unfortunately not possible. Please do not be discouraged! You are always welcome to audition again in the future. Many members auditioned more than once before joining DGMC. You may also consider joining DGMC as a non-singing volunteer. We are a volunteer-driven organization, and we always welcome new members who wish to contribute time to our organization. Please email us at info@rmarts.org.
What is Off Kilter!? Off Kilter! is a dynamic a cappella troupe comprised of singers from the larger Denver Gay Men’s Chorus. This 16-member ensemble performs throughout the year at numerous small venues in the Denver metropolitan area, engages communities, supports causes, and entertains audiences of all ages with a repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary.
More questions for the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus? Please contact us with your inquiries at auditions@dgmc.org.
