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Comox Valley’s Premier Male Chorus
Mission
The Quarantones Male Chorus is a small auditioned group singing both a cappela and accompanied choral works, promoting and singing male choral music from a variety of genres and styles; music that touches the hearts of its listeners, and lingers in their memory. We sing music that is diverse, warming, and infectious.
COME AND SING WITH US!
Do you have a passion for singing and choral music?
Are you interested in joining a supportive community of like-minded individuals?
Do you want to challenge your mind, develop your singing voice, and improve your choral skills?
The Quarantones Male Chorus has some limited openings for singers in the Baritone and Tenor ranges. We are a welcoming community of singers from many backgrounds and professions who sing within the tenor-bass range.
You’ll join a tight-knit group of people with similar interests, who are growing together as musicians and friends, who find joy in singing at a high level, and who share the sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with every performance. See the YouTube example following.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hn5iO_EU3NU
If you are interested, please fill out the Singer Interest Form below and return it to us with any questions. Send to rbtudell@gmail.com.
Unsure? Come visit an open rehearsal and see if the Quarantones Male Chorus is for you!
Have questions? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions below.
Singer Interest Form
Name
Phone
Preferred Vocal Range
What choirs have you been a part of?
Other musical experience (education, bands, musical theatre, etc.)
FAQ about Singing with the Quarantones Male Chorus
When and where are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are Thursday afternoons from 1:30 – 3:30 at Weird Church in Cumberland, led by Artistic Director Denise Marquette and with the collaborative piano stylings of Kelly Thomas. The standard choral season is from Sept-early June each year.
What is expected of me as a singer?
Like any team activity, success takes practice and dedication. Singers are expected to attend rehearsals, prepare material prior to rehearsals, and improve their own musicianship and abilities through regular practice. We are at our best when YOU are at your best, and we share that responsibility equally as a collective.
Must I be able to read music?
Yes, members of the choir must be able to read music. We recognize and accept there are varying degrees of abilities to exercise this skill and we have most of them within our existing choir membership. Some of us are experts, others are enthusiastic amateurs but everyone has at least rudimentary skill in reading music.
What sort of music does the Quarantones Male Chorus perform?
We love the kinds of music we sing - a wide range of musical genres with varying degrees of complexity. Classical, jazz, swing, spiritual, sea shanties, musical theatre – we do them all. We pride ourselves - and are best known for - our robust sound and great harmonies!
Is there a membership fee?
Yes, however singers will not be turned away due to financial barriers, and we are happy to work with you to find a path that works. Membership for each of our two semesters (fall/winter, winter/spring) is $125.
Can I visit a rehearsal?
Absolutely! Every Quarantones rehearsal is open to anyone who would like to attend and watch. If you are interested, please send us an email to let us know you’re coming! This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the rehearsal process, meet fellow singers, and experience what our male chorus is all about.
How many performances?
Typically a season will consist of two concert series, one mid-winter and one in late May/ early June. A series consists of 3-4 concerts in select communities over a weekend. This year we will also do a Remembrance Day concert with the Canadian Military Wives Choir. Occasionally we make special appearances, e.g. on the Main Stage of the Filberg Festival in 2024, and at the Maritime Heritage Centre in Campbell River in 2023.
What does a singer audition look like?
We aim to make the audition process as pain-free as possible.
1. Your audition will just be you, our Artistic Director, and our Accompanist. The whole process will take 15 minutes or less.
2. Please prepare one song of your choice. Any genre you wish, and something that features your best voice!
3. An accompanist will be available, please bring an extra copy of your music.
4. There will be a range check to see what section of the choir your voice best fits.
5. Finally, there will be a short sight-reading assessment. Don’t worry if this isn’t your best skill, it’s just for reference!
Our Artistic Director, Denise evaluates each candidate based on criteria including technical and vocal skills, tone quality, musical interpretation, etc.
Do I need to buy/rent special performance outfits?
No! Our performance attire is likely something you have in your closet already.
Other questions?
Please contact us at rbtudell@gmail.com with any questions you may have!
Thank you
Bob Udell, President
Quarantones Male Chorus
2667 Rydal Avenue
Cumberland BC V0R 1S0
rbtudell@gmail.com
780-740-5477