You are not just a Bel Canto Chorus singer, you are an AVID member
When you join Bel Canto Chorus, you become a member of a talented group of AVID singers from all walks of life. While we have each discovered Bel Canto in our own unique way, the common thread that binds us all is our commitment to the success of the organization and our love of singing.
Be sure to read the "Things to Know" section below and to be aware of these membership requirements:
Attendance - While perfect attendance is always the goal, we ask that singers commit to at least 75% of the rehearsals, not only to assure adequate preparation but to refine and build Bel Canto’s choral sound.
Attendance at dress rehearsal is required in order to sing the corresponding concert
Volunteer - Bel Canto offers members a variety of opportunities to share their time and talents in addition to singing. These include, but are not limited to, administrative office support, canvassing for concerts, cabinet membership, and rehearsal set-up.
Invite - To help fill the concert halls we ask singers to recruit appreciative audiences by selling or buying two tickets to each concert.
Donate - Members can invest in the growth of Bel Canto by making financial gifts to both Bel Canto and UPAF, by soliciting or making items for the annual Gala fundraiser, and by participating in other painless fundraising opportunities (e.g., Amazon Smile and Scrip gift cards).
Attendance at dress rehearsal is required in order to sing the corresponding concert
Volunteer - Bel Canto offers members a variety of opportunities to share their time and talents in addition to singing. These include, but are not limited to, administrative office support, canvassing for concerts, cabinet membership, and rehearsal set-up.
Invite - To help fill the concert halls we ask singers to recruit appreciative audiences by selling or buying two tickets to each concert.
Donate - Members can invest in the growth of Bel Canto by making financial gifts to both Bel Canto and UPAF, by soliciting or making items for the annual Gala fundraiser, and by participating in other painless fundraising opportunities (e.g., Amazon Smile and Scrip gift cards).
Things to know:
Bel Canto Chorus is an auditioned group
Auditions are held four times per year, typically on a Saturday at Mequon United Methodist Church, a week or two after rehearsals have begun for the corresponding concert.
In order to audition on one of these dates, first you need to:
Auditions are held four times per year, typically on a Saturday at Mequon United Methodist Church, a week or two after rehearsals have begun for the corresponding concert.
In order to audition on one of these dates, first you need to:
- Attend the Try It You'll Like It (TIYLI) rehearsals for a given concert series (colored below).
- Make an appointment to attend an audition (see Auditions below).
Try It, You'll Like it (TIYLI)
These are the rehearsal nights potential new members are welcome to sing with us to see if Bel Canto is a good fit.
TIYLI Rehearsal Dates
|
Try It, You'll Like it. |
August 22nd 29th |
October 17th 24th |
January 9th 16th |
March 13th 20th |
TIYLI Audition Dates
|
TIYLI Auditions |
September 4th |
October 27th |
January 19th |
March 23rd |
Auditions:
What are auditions like and where do I get the materials?
There is a fee to join
The annual chorus fee is $135 ($67.50 if joining after the December concert). This fee is used to purchase and rent music (members keep non-rental music), and pay for rehearsal-related expenses, including retreats.
Scholarships are available on a limited basis and are confidential.
Concert Dress
Members must purchase their own concert attire.
The annual chorus fee is $135 ($67.50 if joining after the December concert). This fee is used to purchase and rent music (members keep non-rental music), and pay for rehearsal-related expenses, including retreats.
Scholarships are available on a limited basis and are confidential.
Concert Dress
Members must purchase their own concert attire.
Rehearsals and Concerts:
We rehearse on Wednesdays from 7:00pm-9:30pm
Rehearsals are typically held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Rehearsals are typically held at the Milwaukee Youth Arts Center, 325 W Walnut, Milwaukee, WI 53212
Retreat weekends are on a Friday and Saturday
We have an extended rehearsal weekend for each concert cycle:
We have an extended rehearsal weekend for each concert cycle:
|
Friday 7:00pm to 9:30pm
and Saturday 9:30am to 3:30pm (lunch included) |
Note: Missing a retreat weekend in its entirety will make it very difficult to meet
the attendance requirement of 75%
the attendance requirement of 75%
Retreat Weekends:
|
FRI September 21
SAT September 22 |
FRI November 16
SAT November 17 |
FRI February 15
SAT February 16 |
FRI April 26
SAT April 27 |
There are four regularly scheduled concerts in a season
This season's concerts
October 14th |
December 14th
December 15th
December 16th |
March 10th |
May 17th |
Watch and Listen |
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Access the YouTube "Bel Canto Concerts" playlist from top left corner of this video. Mobile users: Click on the video (play) and then use full screen mode (bottom right square). |
Locations to Know:
Bel Canto Chorus has administrative offices in the Third Ward, but as a chorus does not have a permanent home. This gives us the unique opportunity to perform in many different venues throughout the season, including the iconic Basilica of St. Josaphat.
Rehearsals are typically held at MYAC
MYAC325 W Walnut, Milwaukee, 53212
Milwaukee Youth Arts Center |
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