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. The music librarian lends music for the evening, and no commitment is required. We ask for a $20 refundable deposit (either cash or check made to Bel Canto Chorus). If you choose not to join, the deposit is refunded when you return the music. If you choose to audition, you can apply the deposit to your member dues.
TIYLI Rehearsal Dates
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Try It, You'll Like it. |
August 30th September 6th |
October 18th 25th |
January 10th 17th |
March 14th 21st |
TIYLI Audition Dates
|
TIYLI Auditions |
September 10th |
October 28th |
January 20th |
March 24th |
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:
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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 22
SAT September 23 |
FRI November 10
SAT November 11 |
FRI February 9
SAT February 10 |
FRI April 20
SAT April 21 |
There are four regularly scheduled concerts in a season
This season's concerts
October 15th |
December 8th
December 9th
December 10th |
March 11th |
May 16th |
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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