ChoralSounds Northwest FAQs

Interested in finding out if ChoralSounds Northwest is right for you? Here are the answers to some common questions.

Who are we?

ChoralSounds Northwest (CSN) is a community chorus based in Burien, one of the ensembles of Northwest Associated Arts (NWAA), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing choral and artistic experiences to members ages 19 and up, providing an environment for personal growth, professional performances, and community spirit. If you are looking for a place to sing that will challenge you while providing you with fun and fellowship, CSN might just be the chorus for you.
CSN is an auditioned mixed-voice community chorus of approximately 90 singers. Members are encouraged to audition for solo and small ensemble opportunities throughout the year, including in our mainstage holiday and spring concerts, our annual Cabaret, and for our two smaller auditioned ensembles:

• VocalSounds Northwest (VSN) is a smaller mixed-voice auditioned group of 21 to 32 singers designed for more experienced singers who are committed to more advanced repertoire associated with a chamber ensemble.
• Smamblettes is an all-treble ensemble that sings fun and interesting repertoire that takes advantage of the library of music arranged for women’s voices.

What types of music does CSN sing?

CSN performs an eclectic variety of music, including sacred literature, secular choral pieces, spirituals, world music and show tunes. The focus of the chorus is on developing choral technique and presenting polished and engaging performances.

How often does CSN perform?

The typical season features two concerts: a holiday concert in mid-December and a spring concert in mid-May. Additionally, NWAA holds a Cabaret/auction fundraiser in mid-February. The Cabaret is normally the Saturday night nearest Valentine’s Day and features sit-down dinner, silent auction, and live entertainment provided by the singers of NWAA. Occasionally, an additional concert will be scheduled, with additional repertoire (such as “Masterworks” concerts that occur in June or March every other year).

Where does CSN perform?

Do members need to have trained voices and the ability to sight-read music?

Some of our singers are excellent sight-readers while many others learn by ear. The ability to read music is desired but not required. Some chorus members have no previous experience and some have extensive musical training. Other members are somewhere in between. Practice tracks are provided for chorus members to practice on their own in between Tuesday rehearsals.

When are rehearsals?

The full chorus rehearses Tuesday nights, 7:00 – 9:15 pm in the sanctuary of John Knox Presbyterian Church, starting in early September. Additionally, there are usually 1-2 all-day Saturday rehearsal/retreats during the preparation cycle for each concert. Singers are typically required to be at the theater for technical and dress rehearsals several evenings the week before each show opens. VocalSounds Northwest (VSN) and Smamblettes will typically rehearse before or after the full–chorus rehearsal time on Tuesdays. Detailed schedules are published in the rehearsal and performance calendar which is distributed at the beginning of each term.

During each rehearsal there is a brief break for announcements.

What are the costs?

Annual membership dues are as follows:

• CSN: $350
• VSN: $200
• Smamblettes: $50

For those who may need it, NWAA offers full and partial financial aid to help with the cost of dues. We ask that every singer pay whatever they can afford, but we never want anyone excluded due to the cost of membership. If you need help with your dues, contact our Administrative Director Virginia Wright privately (she will handle your request confidentially).

For those who are able, there is also the option on the dues payment form to contribute toward the financial aid fund. We thank these members for helping to ensure that every voice will be heard!

What do we wear?

For performance, we wear “concert black”: either dress shirts (ties will be provided), black slacks, shoes, and socks; or black slacks/skirts with black tops or dresses, black or skin-colored stockings or tights, and black close-toed shoes. Skirt length is below the knee or longer, and sleeves are 3/4 length to full-length. Jewelry should be minimal. Cabaret attire will vary, depending upon the theme (but it’s sure to be something fun!). For rehearsals, come as you are!

What are my responsibilities?

CSN continues to grow and flourish through the commitment and dedication of its members and friends. We are a friendly, active, inclusive community. To get the most out of your experience and to contribute to the well-being of the group, we ask the following of our members:

• Be on time. Having everyone in place and ready to rehearse promptly at the scheduled start time makes a big difference.
• Come to rehearsals consistently. Our development as an ensemble and the morale of our organization depend upon the timely and regular attendance of all members. Choir members with four absences per term may be asked to meet with the Artistic Director to demonstrate their knowledge of the music in order to perform in the concert. Attendance at all performances in a term is expected; exceptions must be approved by the Artistic Director. Leaves of absence may be granted at the discretion of the Artistic Director. Should a member miss a term, they will need to meet with the Artistic Director to renew their membership.
• Care for your music. Put your music into a black binder or choir folder. Be sure to bring a pencil to mark your music with notes from the Director, or to indicate areas needing further practice. Some of our members prefer to use an iPad or tablet along with a music-reader app like ForScore in rehearsal and/or performance. Your section leader will be able to give you more information. Digital copies of the music will be made available by the Artistic Director, and an additional “how-to” tablet information sheet is also available.
• Practice at home. Most of our members find they need to spend independent time rehearsing their music in between rehearsals. Practice tracks are made available by the Artistic Director. The rehearsal schedule will give specifics on which pieces will be practiced at each rehearsal.
• No scents please. We have members who are very allergic or sensitive to any kind of scent. We ask that you refrain from using perfume/cologne or strongly-scented personal products when coming to rehearsal or during a performance.
• Get involved. We are a non-profit, volunteer-run organization. There are numerous ways to participate, such as hanging concert posters, procuring or donating items for the annual auction, or serving on the NWAA Board, to name a few. Many hands make light work!
• Promote performances! Spread the good word about CSN through social media, email, and word of mouth; sell tickets to your friends and family!
• Keep your information current: If you move, change email address or phone number, decide to leave the chorus, or change your name, please email Virginia Wright, Administrative Director at virginiaw@nwassociatedarts.org so that we can keep our records accurate.
• Check your email regularly! Most of our communication with our singers, apart from that at rehearsal, is conducted via regular emails. If you are not receiving our emails, please double check your spam/junk folder. Please let Virginia or your section leader know if you are not getting our emails.

Who supports CSN?

Member dues, governmental and corporate grants, and individual fundraising helps to cover the administrative expenses and cost of producing concerts.

How do I get answers to my questions?

• The Northwest Associated Arts website (nwassociatedarts.org) is a great resource. Look here first to find the answers to some questions. Much of our communication with our members is handled through Choir Genius.
• Our Administrative Director Virginia Wright is available to answer questions, collect dues, sell concert tickets, etc. She can be reached any time at virginiaw@nwassociatedarts.org.
• Each section has a leader who is happy to answer any questions about rehearsals and music. Contact information for each section leader is found in the choir directory which is distributed in early October. Your section leader will also communicate with you frequently about schedule information, volunteer opportunities, etc.
• Members are always welcome to attend Northwest Associated Arts Board meetings, or to contact the Board with questions: president@nwassociatedarts.org.
• NWAA has an active Social Media presence, including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Members of CSN are also encouraged to join our private Facebook group.

Sounds great! How do I join?

Auditions are scheduled by appointment by emailing info@nwassociatedarts.org or filling out this form. Excerpts of prepared pieces (with or without accompaniment) are welcome, but not required. The audition will be in a private session with the Artistic Director, who will check the singer’s vocal range for placing each voice in the appropriate section of the choir.

Auditions are typically scheduled at the start of each term (e.g., early September or early January). In order to keep the necessary balance between sections, there may be times that particular voice part(s) (soprano/alto/tenor/bass) are specifically recruited.