*Please review the attendance and performance policies before auditioning.

The Silver Winds

Multi-Level Choir

No audition is required; however, you will find the experience most rewarding if you know fingerings and understand key and time signatures. (Minimum of two years experience recommended.) This is the ideal choir for individuals who are new to the ensemble experience, as well as intermediate and advanced players who wish to play in a flute group but have limited time for rehearsals and individual practice.

This group typically rehearses from 1:45– 3:00 p.m. on the 1st, 3rd (and 5th if there is one) Sundays of the month. Check the rehearsal schedule for more details.

Direct questions to Sonja Noykos at (616) 634-3292 or sonjsen@hotmail.com.

The Silver Pipes

Intermediate Level

Requires audition, strong attendance, and individual practice.

This choir is an excellent ensemble for intermediate-level musicians who desire more challenging music and who wish to make a serious, semester-long commitment to a performing ensemble. Musicians who are accepted into the Pipes need to agree to the ensemble policy. At least two service or performance opportunities (possibly more) will be available each semester.

The Silver Pipes typically rehearses from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd (and 5th, if there is one) Sundays of the month. Check the rehearsal schedule for more details.

Auditions for new members will be held on January 17th at 12:45 p.m. Please note that no walk-in applicants can be auditioned. To schedule an audition into the Silver Pipes for the 2010 spring semester contact Sonja Noykos at (616) 634-3292 or sonjsen@hotmail.com.

Silver Pipes Audition requirements:

1. Two 2-octave major scales of your choice, demonstrating steady pulse, clear tone and clean tonguing.
2. Chromatic scale from low C to high G (tongued or slurred).
3. Sightreading - in simple meters (4/4, 3/4, 6/8), including eighth, sixteenth and dotted rhythms.
4. Rhythm sheet (download pdf) played with a metronome setting of 120 without stopping.
   

Note: You do not need to bring a prepared solo piece to the audition. The audition will focus on counting; tone quality; correct notes and good intonation; movement from one note to another with consistent tone and breath support. Practice playing music in different meters, and use a metronome so you develop a good solid sense of rhythm and subdivision. Be aware of dynamics and articulation and be able to demonstrate contrast in both of these.

Direct questions to Sonja Noykos at(616) 634-3292 or sonjsen@hotmail.com.

The Silver Fantasy

Advanced Level

Requires audition, strong attendance, and individual practice.

This choir provides the best opportunity to play challenging and complex musical pieces. Because of the difficulty level of the material in this choir, musicians who are accepted are expected to make a serious, semester-long commitment to the ensemble. Musicians will need to agree to the ensemble policy. At least two performance opportunities (possibly more) will be available each semester.

The Silver Fantasy typically rehearses from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. See rehearsal schedule for more details.

Auditions for new members will be in January 10 at 1:30 p.m.. Please note that no walk-in applicants can be auditioned. To schedule an audition into the Silver Fantasy, contact Sonja Noykos at (616) 634-3292 or sonjsen@hotmail.com.

Audition requirements: Scales & sight-reading to demonstrate:

1. Rhythmic accuracy in various meters
2. Vibrato
3. Clear, focused tone in all registers (3 full octaves)
4. Double-tonguing

Direct questions to Sonja Noykos at(616) 634-3292 or sonjsen@hotmail.com.