Audition FAQs

 

What distinguishes 21V from other adult treble choirs?

 

A catalyst for change through a new choral sound, 21V is a professional ensemble of soprano and alto voices of all gender identities that performs 21st century music of the Americas. Inclusivity, artistic excellence, and a focus on exploring a new, broad identity of contemporary American music are our core values. Founded by Martín Benvenuto, 21V aims to serve as a beacon for a new generation of treble music lovers, while at the same time inspire awareness and advocacy for underrepresented American continent perspectives. 

 

What kind of music does 21V perform?

 

21V performs a wide variety of quality repertoire in the continuum from innovative and experimental to more traditional choral writing, in addition to new takes on folk material from the Americas. Performances are generally shorter than traditional choral concerts, and venue selection is driven by interactivity and collaboration. 21V intends to be an active commissioner of new works, as well as bring its new choral sound to literature written since the year 2000. 

 

Here’s a behind the scenes view of our first season, “The Making of 21V.”

 

What are you looking for in a prospective singer?

 

21V is seeking female, male, and non-binary advanced soprano and alto singers who are looking for a professional ensemble experience. Prospective singers should have classically-based vocal training, extensive choral experience, and a high level of musicianship. We seek singers with a collaborative spirit, an adventurous outlook, and an interest in working with new music and a wide variety of musical styles. Singers are expected to learn music independently and be committed to perform at the highest level of vocal ensemble singing. Ultimately, 21V aims to bring together a gender and racially diverse group of humans unified by their passion for excellence and engagement with the Mission, Vision, and Values of 21V.  

 

Where and when are the rehearsals?

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Weeknight rehearsals take place at venues located between the East Bay and the Peninsula on Tuesday evenings at 7:30-10:00 pm. We prioritize rehearsal venues to create an equitable compromise of travel and convenience for all singers. Some travel reimbursement offered.

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Tell me about 21V’s season calendar? 

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21V aims to present two sets of concerts in the San Francisco Bay Area, one in mid-November, and the other in early April.

 

Is this a paid position?

 

Compensation for April 2024 project is $585 – 9 services including all rehearsals and two performances. Local travel reimbursements available.

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What is the audition process?

 

21V auditions qualified singers on an ongoing basis. You can submit an Audition Request Form at any time. To be considered for the Spring 2024 project roster, please submit an Audition Request Form no later than January 12, 2024. Selected singers will be contacted directly to schedule an interview with the Founding Artistic Director via Zoom or in person. The audition will consist of vocalization, singing scales a cappella, sight-reading, and a brief interview, and will take 20-30 minutes. 

 

I’m in, what’s next?

 

Upon a successful audition, 21V will add singers to its roster. 21V will then invite singers from that roster on a per-project basis. 21V envisions holding two in-person projects per season — one in the fall and one in the spring.

For additional questions, please send us a message!

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Spring 2024 Schedule ​

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• Saturday, March 2, 2024 @ 1:00-5:00 pm (opening lunch and rehearsal)

• Tuesday, March 5, 2024 @ 7:30-10:00 pm

• Tuesday, March 12, 2024 @ 7:30-10:00 pm

• Tuesday, March 19, 2024 @ 7:30-10:00 pm

• Saturday, March 23, 2024 @ 1:00-5:00 pm

• Tuesday, March 26, 2024 @ 7:30-10:00 pm (Berkeley Hillside Club)

• Tuesday, April 2, 2024 @ 7:00-10:00 PM - DRESS REHEARSAL (Old Mission Dolores SF)

• Friday, April 5, 2024 @ 8:00pm - EVENING PERFORMANCE (Old Mission Dolores SF)

• Saturday, April 6, 2024 @ 4:00 PM - PERFORMANCE (Berkeley Hillside Club)