Information for Applicants
the Choir of Trinity College has built a reputation
for its fine
singing of music of the Anglican Cathedral tradition, from the
Renaissance to the modern day. Its major weekly commitment is the
singing of Evensong (6.00pm every
Sunday during term) in the College Chapel, a wonderful Anglican service
of praise and
reflection through music. From time to time, the Choir is required
to sing for other important College services and events (some, such as
the Carols Services in December, are outside term time), in
concerts, and at weddings, funerals and memorial services.
For one week in February (before semester) and another in December (before
the Carols services), members of the Choir attend residential rehearsal
workshops at no cost.
Residence in College is not obligatory, but is desirable. Some previous vocal tuition is an advantage. Choral Scholars not in residence are non-resident members of the College and, like all resident students, are expected to do well in their University studies. All choir members are encouraged to take advantage of the academic assistance the College offers.
All Choral and Organ Scholarships become vacant at the end of each year, thus there are almost always scholarships available for organists and in each voice part. They are open to students of all disciplines and will be awarded to the most talented applicants, based on their choral experience and the result of their audition.
Auditions: The Director of Music is happy to receive applications from prospective choral or organ scholars at any time. The main round of auditions is held in the first two weeks of December each year, with results advised before Christmas. You sing one song or aria which shows your voice to its best advantage, then we give you some musicianship and sight-singing tests. An accompanist is provided.
First year: Acceptance of a scholarship relies solely on a place being offered to you by Melbourne (or another nearby) University. Punctuality for all engagements, regardless of distances traveled, is essential. Before you decide to audition, you should hear the Choir either on a CD recording or, preferably, live in a service or concert; please consult the schedule.
Sight-reading: We cover a lot of repertoire quickly, and you must be able to read the notes reasonably fluently. We will assess your reading ability during your audition, but we strongly recommend that you do not consider auditioning if you have little or no sight-reading experience.
Commitment: We ask a lot of our scholars in terms of time, energy and commitment: the commitment involved in being part of such an ensemble is not for everyone, and you must decide whether you can undertake it, based on what you hear and the list of engagements. Please do not think that your singing or playing is not good enough, that is for us to decide at your audition. The commitment is equal for both choral and organ scholars.
Benefits: You will be treated like a professional musician from the outset. We teach and expect the same team-playing skills that are required in any sports team, and we will give you the opportunity to develop considerably your singing, playing and musicality. You will also be part of any recordings which the Choir may make and you will take part in any regional, national or international touring which the Choir undertakes.
Weekly commitments during semester are as follows:
Sunday
4pm Rehearsal College Chapel
6-7.15 pm Evensong College Chapel
Wednesday
4.30pm Rehearsal College Chapel
5.15pm Eucharist College Chapel
(Small groups of choral scholars are rostered to provide music for this service: you can expect to be 'on call' for 2 or 3 services per semester.)
6.30pm Dinner Dining Hall
7.30-10pm Rehearsal College Chapel
Friday
4.45-6.15pm Rehearsal College Chapel
(Scholars are notified of additional commitments at the beginning of each semester on the Choir Schedule. Changes are advised as soon as possible, and the schedule is updated regularly.
If you wish to audition for a scholarship, please complete the online audition application form.