We’re so glad you are interested in joining the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus.
Our audition cycle for Season 45 has ended and will open again in Fall 2025. If you are interested in auditioning with us in the future, be sure to follow NYCGMC on social media and join our newsletter for up-to-date information and announcements!
Note that our rehearsals are every Monday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
We are more than just a chorus. We are a community dedicated to creating an inclusive space where all feel welcomed and affirmed, regardless of race, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, or any other identity. We promote diversity and are devoted to reflecting the multicultural palette of NYC in our membership and repertoire. We believe in the power of music to bring all people together
Things to know about being an NYCGMC member
Why join?
Some people join NYCGMC simply because they love to sing and perform. Others join because they strongly believe in our ongoing mission for acceptance, equality, and individuality. For all of those who do join, NYCGMC is a family—a great place to meet people and make new friends while doing something enjoyable and worthwhile. All members are on an individual journey of growth and, wherever you are on your journey, the NYCGMC family is always there for support.
Along with our annual season of concerts and array of other special performances and appearances, there are also many special events, parties, and other social opportunities to share with fellow members. We also have our cherished Nightingale Brigade, who are there to help when members are ill, bereaved, or find themselves in a difficult or crisis situation.
What musical knowledge or experience do you need?
First and foremost, we’re interested in your raw singing talent—even if you’ve had no formal training or any other musical experience. The ability to read music in some form is, however, highly desirable. We move relatively quickly through rehearsals and you may struggle to keep up if you can’t read music. Experience or study in singing—particularly choral music—is also highly desirable. We pride ourselves on the quality of our sound, which is produced by people with a wide variety of backgrounds. There are plenty of talented people out there who have not had the opportunity to showcase or develop their natural talents. If that’s you, NYCGMC certainly invites you to audition!
What to Prepare When You Audition
When you enter, we'll ask you a few questions (why you want to join, some recent singing experiences, etc.) and then have you sing some scales to determine your range. Then, we'll listen to you sing 30 seconds to a 1 minute of a solo song of your choosing (can be anything in any language, we just want to hear you *shine*). We will have an accompanist on hand who can play from sheet music you bring if you so choose.
Time commitment
We do work hard and joining NYCGMC does involve making a commitment. Below is our general rehearsal schedule during the months leading up to a performance. Members are allowed to miss a specified number of rehearsals per concert and can make up absences by attending extra rehearsals.
Weekly rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Chelsea. Occasionally, we rehearse on other evenings when Monday rehearsals are not possible.
All-day Saturday rehearsals occur roughly once a month.
Catch-up rehearsals take place on a weeknight every few weeks.
In March each year, all members attend an out-of-town weekend retreat from Friday evening to Sunday evening.
How we welcome and support you
We intake new members twice per year, usually in January and September. Before starting rehearsals, we hold an orientation session for new members. We then host a new members’ party shortly after rehearsals begin. Each new NYCGMC member will be assigned a “buddy” for your first concert period. Your buddy will be a current member of your section and will sit with you during rehearsals. Each section has an elected representative. Your section rep will be your primary contact for official NYCGMC business and will address any issues you may have. We use an intranet for communicating with members, distributing music and recordings, as well as making available other useful resources.
Financial commitment
For the 2024-2025 season, dues are $350. This money goes towards the purchasing and licensing of sheet music, rehearsal space, staff, and venue rental. There will also be costs associated with costumes for the upcoming concert and out-of-town concert retreat ($350-$800). We ask members to participate in the Membership Fundraising Drive by raising at least $300 every year and to sell about 10 tickets to every concert. Finally, every four years we attend the GALA Festival and will do so again in 2024 in Minneapolis, MN. This festival is expected to cost approximately $1,250 per person and we will be holding several fundraising opportunities for members.
Scholarships
NYCGMC does not want cost to prevent anyone from participating. Scholarships are available for semester dues, retreat costs, costuming, and the GALA Festival. We are dedicated to making our choral family accessible to everyone and taking away barriers that would prevent someone from joining us. More information will be available at auditions and rehearsals.
Non-singing members
In addition to singing membership, NYCGMC also offers associate membership for those who work with NYCGMC behind the scenes. Associate members help develop concert sets, keep track of music, do admin work, staff phones, work as stagehands, and perform the many tasks that make the organization run smoothly.