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About Us

Firelands Symphony Chorale

JOIN THE CHORALE

2024-2025 Audition Information

AUDITION DATES:

      • Monday, August 5, 2024 (begin at 6:30 p.m.)
      • Tuesday, August 6, 2024 (begin at 6:30 p.m.)

 

LOCATION:

Huron United Methodist Church
338 Williams St.
Huron, OH 44839

PROCESS:

      • Please prepare a vocal selection that best demonstrates your musical abilities.
      • Singers will also be given a piece to prepare in advance & go through exercises for sight reading & vocal range.

Auditionees should register in advance, by sending an e-mail to:

Jody@FirelandsSymphony.com

Jody Chaffee, Personnel Manager

Auditions are typically held in the spring or summer for the following season. Singers may be asked to re-audition. Singers not accepted into the chorale for a season are encouraged to re-audition for the following season. If at any time a singer is unable to continue with the season/chorale, auditions will be announced immediately for replacement.

About Us

The Firelands Symphony Chorale is an auditioned choir of singers that serves as chorus-in-residence for the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. Under the direction of Michael Shirtz, the chorale performs with the orchestra throughout the season, as well as presents additional concerts and choral festival performances.

Performing classical, contemporary, and American music programming, the group provides singers the opportunity for concentrated study, rehearsal, and performance of repertoire, as well as educational programs for singers and choir directors to support regional choral ensembles.

The concept of the Symphony Chorale began in 2015 with the premier of Maestro Carl Topilow’s 10th Season with the FSO. Due to the popularity of the event, the chorale is now a permanent fixture within the FSO.

Michael Shirtz

Chorale Director

Michael Shirtz is known for his versatility with jazz, contemporary, and traditional music audiences conducting, producing and performing nationally with numerous organizations, repertory theatre companies, and major festival and tribute concert productions. Credited as a “songsmith” with his interpretations as a vocalist and pianist, Shirtz has worked with such artists as Dave Brubeck, Kevin Mahogany, Melissa Manchester, Ellen Winters, Elizabeth von Trapp, among others, and currently performs and serves as music director/producer for Maureen McGovern.

Membership Requirements

Singers will sign an expectation sheet as a membership agreement for the chorale upon their acceptance. Members are unpaid volunteers, but there is no registration fee to participate in the chorale. Singers will be provided with membership benefits and meals pending program schedules. Additionally, singers may use some items as tax deductions and will be notified by the orchestra when appropriate.

The group is designed as both a self-study and group-rehearsed ensemble. It is the expectation that singers commit to working on their music away from rehearsals and be prepared and engaged in group rehearsals for performances with the FSO and independent concerts. A workshop/retreat at the beginning of the year reviews repertoire that the chorale will be performing throughout the season to introduce music and help guide singers in preparation for repertoire for rehearsals and concerts.