We’re so happy you’re interested in joining Key of Q!
If there is an opening in the chorus, auditions are held in late-August or early-September and occasionally in early-January. Join our audition-specific mailing list to be informed of future auditions! If you are a Beatboxer/Vocal Percussionist and would like to audition, please fill out the Beatboxer Sign-up Form at the bottom of this page.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about our group and our audition process:
Q: I’ve never heard of this chorus before. Who are you and what do you do?
A: Formed at the beginning of 2016, we are a small, friendly group of LGBTQ and allied singers who travel from all corners of the Hudson Valley to blend our voices and perform beautiful a cappella music together! We perform at least two major concerts per year as well as various smaller gigs as opportunities present themselves. For the 2023-24 season, we plan to rehearse Monday evenings 6:30-8:30PM in Kingston, NY from September through June. You can check out our mission statement, vision, and values on our home page here.
Q: What kind of music do you sing?
A: We focus on mostly-contemporary secular music in four-part harmony. Common themes within our music include equality, love, and celebration of our unique identities. We believe that music has the power to both create connections with others and celebrate our differences, which makes it a natural path toward becoming better global citizens. When we perform music from cultures that are different from our own, we do so with the goal of showing respect and appreciation. We understand that members may have varying levels of comfort with song lyrics referencing figures, symbols or practices from religious texts or traditions, and while our focus is generally on secular music, we do not necessarily exclude songs from religious sources or with religious references if they are in line with the values we strive to uphold. On that note, we may also rehearse or perform in churches, synagogues, or other places of worship that demonstrate support and affirmation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Sometimes we use movement and/or body percussion (clapping, snapping, stomping, etc.) to enhance a song. For the less coordinated among us, there is always the option of a simplified version of any such movement!
Q: Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in order to join?
A: Yes. With rare medical exceptions, all members must be fully vaccinated, including at least one booster shot. Details on this and other aspects of Key of Q’s COVID-19 policy are available here.
Q: Do I need to be able to read music in order to be successful with Key of Q?
A: No, but it will be extremely helpful if you can. We provide recordings of each part to help all members learn and practice their music outside of rehearsal. We move quickly during rehearsal time (on average, one new song is introduced every week), and some of our music is quite challenging! We recommend that members spend at least one hour every week practicing on their own outside of rehearsal. We perform most of our music memorized.
Q: Is there a minimum age to be considered for membership?
A: Yes. At this time, we are only accepting new members 18+ years of age.
Q: What time commitments are involved with membership?
A: Besides individual practice, weekly rehearsals and occasional performances, there will be “sectionals” held a few times over the course of the concert season which bring together those people who sing the same voice part for focused practice sessions. Members have the opportunity to join one or more “Teams” devoted to various aspects of running the chorus. While not a “commitment” per se, members also enjoy getting together outside of rehearsals for karaoke and other fun social activities!
Q: What can I expect for my audition and how should I prepare?
A: You should prepare a short excerpt of a song of your choice, no longer than one minute. It can be anything you like. The audition panel members will be happy to give you a starting pitch, but no piano accompaniment will be provided. If you are having trouble picking a song, we suggest anything well-known that showcases your range and abilities – feel free to reach out for more specific suggestions!
Besides singing this song, the audition will consist of the Musical Director leading you through a series of exercises designed to check your vocal range, rhythm, and ability to hold a short vocal line (which we will send to you in advance, both the sheet music and an audio recording) while other parts are being sung. There is no sight-reading component to the audition, and you may use the music for the short vocal passage if that helps (although memorizing it will definitely be considered a plus by the audition committee!) The entire audition will take about 20 minutes.
We strongly recommend warming up your voice before you arrive for your audition.
Q: What can I expect after my audition?
A: We will contact you by email within five days of your audition to let you know if we are able to offer you a spot in the chorus. If so, we will send you a Google Form link with a Member Agreement to sign (the text of which is available here) and once we receive that, we will look forward to seeing you at rehearsals! Our policy is that, for all new members, the first concert cycle is considered an “orientation period.” This gives us all a chance to get to know each other, make sure we all work well together, and hear how our voices blend!
Q: How much does it cost to be a member?
A: Dues for the entire year are $100, payable as a lump sum or in installments, with a 10% discount given for upfront payment of the full amount. Dues help to cover the cost of our music, venue-related expenses, publicity and concert materials, among other things. A sliding scale is available if cost is a barrier to membership. If you are accepted into the group in January, dues up to the end of the season are a total of $50.
Q: When and where can I see you perform?
A: Our concert schedule is here, but follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out about upcoming smaller gigs!
Q: OK, I’m ready to sign up for an audition!! What do I do?
A: If you are a Beatboxer, please fill out the short form below. Otherwise, join our audition-specific mailing list to be informed of future auditions!