FAQ
How many performances are there this year? When are the performances and rehearsals?
For the 2024-2025 season, Saratoga Voices has planned three performances. Rehearsals are weekly, with additional rehearsals (typically two or three) the week of the performance.
Fall 2024
Feel the Spirit!
Sunday, October 27, 3:00pm
Saratoga Springs High School Auditorium
Winter 2024
A Choral Christmas
Sunday, December 8, 3:00pm
St. Edward the Confessor Church, Clifton Park
Spring 2025
Mystical Masterpieces
Saturday, May 10, 7:00pm
Zankel Music Center, Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs
Are singers required to sing in all concerts for the performing season?
Ensemble balance is critical in the choral arts. Singers are encouraged to sign up for annual registration, and this is reflected financially in the percentage discount singers receive when signing up for the year. Musically, it not only aids the chorus in having a strong foundation in which we learn to breathe and grow as an ensemble, but it also helps determine what repertoire we may pursue.
You may choose to register to sing in any number of concerts, paying “a la carte” (per concert) registration.
When and where does Saratoga Voices rehearse?
Saratoga Voices rehearses Wednesday evenings, 7-9:30, at the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, 88 Lakehill Road, Burnt Hills NY 12027. See map rendering and zoom in for more detail.
On occasion, rehearsals may be at Burnt Hills United Methodist Church, 816 Route 50, Burnt Hills, NY 12027. Enter the front door of the church (to the left of the building from the main parking lot area on Route 50) and follow signs within the building to the practice area. This location is around the corner from the usual location. Please note that any location alterations are indicated via email.
Saratoga Voices follows the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District emergency closing schedule. The district may delay their announcement of canceling evening activities late in the day. If you wish to sign up for emergency closing notification (email or text) from the school, please visit their website for instructions on how to do so or follow this link.
When is the first rehearsal? What is the concert rehearsal schedule?
Rehearsal schedule for the spring 2025 Mystical Masterpieces concert will be available soon.
New singers: You do not have to complete a vocal placement interview (VPI) prior to registering.
Is there an audition to sing with Saratoga Voices?
There is no audition, but singers will be asked to participate in a “Voice Placement Interview.” If you can match pitch, your voice and talent will be welcome in Saratoga Voices.
The purpose of the voice placement is for our Artistic Director to get to know you and to recommend a voice part. Are you tenor or baritone? Are you soprano 1 or soprano 2? Our Artistic Director will be able to answer such questions and guide you to sing the music for which your voice is most suited.
What can I expect during the Vocal Placement Interview?
Saratoga Voices uses the Vocal Placement Interview (VPI) as a chance for our Artistic Director, Noah Palmer, to meet new singers and hear their voices to determine sectional placement and understand how each voice will fit with the whole ensemble.
The Vocal Placement Interview is not an audition — all singers are invited to join Saratoga Voices — it’s simply an opportunity for the conductor to meet you and assess your voice. All singers joining Saratoga Voices who have not done a VPI must sign up for an Interview.
The Interview will consist of a range assessment, singing “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee)”, and an ear training and sight singing evaluation. You should come to the Interview prepared to sing ‘My Country ‘Tis of Thee’ in a comfortable key with piano accompaniment. All sheet music will be provided at the Interview.
How do I schedule a Vocal Placement Interview? When and where will they be?
Vocal Placement Interviews (VPI) are scheduled in 10-minute slots, with location and time to be determined. For details or to schedule a VPI, please contact Cathie Grant-Goodman at (703) 201-4278 or email info@saratogavoices.com.
Can I use my own music?
For the sake of consistency and efficiency at rehearsals, we ask singers to purchase scores from us, with little markup.
Do you have a dress code for performances?
The dress code varies, depending on the genre performed, but is chosen with the goal that singers need not purchase special concert attire. Most likely, you will find what is needed already in your closet.
How do singers get to know each other better?
In addition to our scheduled social break at rehearsal, Saratoga Voices hosts gatherings throughout the year and over the summer. There have been events such as our Open House, which is geared toward welcoming new members and Summer Sings, which welcomes current, new, and former members to sing with us.
Further questions
You can send us an email at this link or call/text the Saratoga Voices phone: 518-416-4060.