Serenades CHORAL TRAVEL
Connecting Lives Through Music & Cultural Experiences
What type of choral singers does the program accept?
The SERENADES Choral Travel program accepts on average 34-38 passionate and discerning choral singers, who have time in their busy schedules to learn the program's repertoire thoroughly and in detail before arrival in Puglia, Italy. These singers have the drive to give their best and are committed to choral excellence. Singing participants come from various choruses and ensembles from all over the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. In addition, 60% of the ensemble of participants are made up of program alumni who choose to return for another unique SERENADES summer experience. The group consists of both enthusiastic amateurs who have good choral experience as well as professional musicians. Participants also have the ability to endure the moderate level of physical demands Italy's terrain. Above all, "Serenaders" possess a positive attitude and the ability to get along with others, which is part of the SERENADES culture. Absolutely no curmudgeons are allowed.
Do I have to have a solo quality type of voice?
Not at all, on the contrary, all singers must be able to blend within an ensemble.
Straight tone or vibrato?
Either is acceptable as long as one’s voice is easily produced and sung in tune with head voice. A free and spun tone is preferred, as opposed to a wide, slow, heavy wobble. The ability to sing straight tone, too, is appreciated, but, not required. We like having different types of voices in the ensemble for a better blend. All must be able to sing a healthy piano tone. We also like flexible people who can sing in whichever style is required, as well as singers who are willing to sing different voice parts and sectional divisi to help achieve a better ensemble balance.
Do I have to sight-read?
There is no sight-reading required as the repertoire is learned thoroughly ahead of time, before arriving in Puglia.
Do I have to sing a solo piece during the application process?
No solo piece is necessary. After receipt of the application fee and filled out online form all first time program participants and all alumni who did NOT submit a recording or did NOT have a live Zoom interview for summer 2022 will be contacted to schedule a Zoom interview. Alumni who did submit a recording or had a Zoom interview for summer 2022 are released from this season's Zoom interview. At your Zoom interview you will be vocalized in your middle, lower, and upper registers on different vowels, and be asked to sing a simple vocalise and then modulate up and down by half steps, without accompaniment. It should last no more than 10 minutes. More information about this on the APPLY page.
Are there any rehearsals in the USA prior to being in Puglia?
There are no in person rehearsals in the USA before we head to Italy. We will have a couple of online Zoom meetings to talk about the repertoire with both guest conductor, David Hayes, and founder and artistic director, Paulo Faustini, in the spring of 2023. These meetings will be recorded. Dates and times to be determined some time in February of 2023. Study and learning audio files will be available to all participants who would like the help.
Does the music need to be memorized? How well do I need to know the music?
It is advised to have the music memorized so that the singer can feel confident and have a positive performing experience. There are no rehearsals in Puglia for note learning, but, only to bring the ensemble together, run-through the repertoire, and to check sectional balance. Rehearsals are very fast-paced, roughly 3 hours a day. While the program does not expect perfection, we do expect all singing participants to know their voice part, be able to imagine and hear their part as well as sing the part alone, demonstrating a deep familiarity with notes, rhythms, intervals, words, diction, and execute given score markings. This is vital to the artistic integrity of the ensemble.
Does the program provide scores for its participants?
Some of the repertoire will be provided in pdf format and participants will need to download and print, or upload to their tablet. Other scores will need to be purchased by participants. All score information including where and how to purchase will be provided in February of 2023 or sooner. As said above, participants must arrive in Puglia with all the music organized in a black folder or uploaded to a tablet, all pdf's downloaded, printed, etc., and, obviously, with all the markings and notes that will be given during online meetings prior to arriving in Puglia. The order of the program will be finalized during our rehearsals in Italy.
What is the 2023 program repertoire? How long are concerts? Are concerts free to the public?
The program repertoire will be confirmed and finalized after the program payment deadline of January 13, 2023. We do like to program a wide variety of a cappella pieces dating from the Renaissance up through the 21st century choral repertoire, including Spirituals. To view our repertoire history click HERE. Concerts usually last no longer than an hour, including audience clapping. All concerts are free to the public.
What is the concert dress? Do we use black folders? Tablets?
The concert dress is all black, summer comfortable for all singers. No colorful labels. Comfortable and sturdy black performing shoes. All singers must bring an all-black folder OR use a tablet for their scores. More detail to be discussed with 2023 participants in the spring of 2023.
Will we need to wear masks during the program or during concerts?
Depending on government safety regulations, both US and Italy, we may wear black masks. Please visit our Covid, Insurance, & Terms and Conditions page for more information regarding this important topic.
