We encourage and welcome visitors, both singers
and non-singers. You will find an abundance of good music and fellowship,
whether you simply choose to enjoy the rehearsal by sitting in front and
listening to the chorus, or whether you chose to jump on the risers and sing
with the chorus. We are always looking for new members, men who like to sing
close, four-part harmony a cappella style, but guests are always welcome to come
and experience a Penn-Ohio rehearsal just to see what it is like.
Virtually every singer who attends his very first
Penn-Ohio Singers rehearsal or show is somewhat "awed" by the
combination of sound and choreography. However, every member on our risers had
to start from square one, learning the necessary music and
performance skills over a period of months. Developing these skills takes time
and commitment, and concentrated dedication. But when you are striving to become
the best at what you do, the rewards far outweigh the effort.
If you are interested in becoming a Penn-Ohio Singer,
you must attend three rehearsals before you become eligible to join. At that
time you will be given a voice placement, which consists of a member of the
Music Team taking you aside and assessing your ability to match pitches, your
vocal range, your ability to stay in tune and your ability to sing a harmony
part. Music reading and sight-reading skills, while helpful, are NOT
requirements of membership in the Penn-Ohio Singers. Any time after completing a
voice placement, you are eligible for the performance audition. In this audition,
you will perform a simple song in quartet style in front of the Music Team.
While you perform, the Music Team listens to your ability to carry your part.
Your performance DOES NOT have to be perfect and you DO NOT have to be a trained
singer to pass this audition. Some prospective members are unable to pass the
performance audition on their first attempt. If, due to nervousness or recent
singing inactivity, you are unable to pass this audition, you are welcome to try again.
Upon successful completion of the performance
audition, and Music Team and Chapter Board of Directors approval for membership,
a Chapter member will guide you through a checklist of steps (application
completion, dues and fees to be paid, uniform measurements, etc.) necessary to
complete the membership process. The process from initial visit to membership
usually takes a few months, during which you will take your place on the risers.