Audition for the Ambassadors

What is an Ambassador?

The philosophical existence of the Ambassadors is to be just that – a visible Ambassador to the outside communities within which we perform. This means being trans/gender-expansive in public spaces, interacting with audience members and potential donors and adjusting to changes in the situation or schedule as they occur.

While our choir is centered around gender expansive voices, singers of all gender identities are welcome to join

How do Auditions Work?

Auditions are held annually in late August or early September. Participants are reviewed by an auditor panel that supports the director in selecting the ensemble.

Auditions are a group experience, in which prospective members are given a musical piece to learn prior to the audition. At the audition, prospective members will join returning members to warm-up together, rehearse the assigned piece, and sing in various configurations at the request of the auditor panel. Returning members will participate in the auditions, and will be given priority in selection to ensure the ensembles maintains continuity from year to year.

Participants will be assessed for a) preparation of the assigned piece, b) tuning, c) tonality and blend, d) ability to make musical adjustments during the rehearsal process, and e) prior history (if applicable) of timeliness, preparation and participation. All may receive feedback from panelists regarding suggestions for future development.

The Ambassador Ensemble is separate from the TRANScend Community Chorale, but Ambassadors are invited and encouraged to participate in both choirs if they wish.

How to Audition

If you are interested in auditioning, please contact the choir admin using the form on this page.

Expectations for Ambassadors

While our Community Chorale is open to singers of all levels and backgrounds, our Ambassadors Ensemble requires a higher degree of musical knowledge and comfort performing in front of a wide range of audiences. Ambassadors are required to learn more complex pieces, sing with dynamic expression, perform more frequently, and at a wider range of venues. As an ensemble we often perform piece memorized or without a conductor, at venues as small as an intimate ketamine clinic, and as big as a stadium. We also participate in additional projects, like filming our music video.

Performances outside of the metro NYC area may require travel, which will be arranged by TRANScend. Ambassadors may be asked to learn new music quickly to accommodate the needs of unique venue, and bookings can come up at any time, though we find ourselves in heavier demand during Pride Month.

Sight reading is not a requirement for our Ambassadors, but we expect members to have effective methods of learning, rehearsing, and performing music.

Gigs & booked Events

One key goal of the Ambassadors is to book gigs that help fund TRANScend Chorale & Ambassadors through our parent organization, TRANScend Choral & Community Music Foundation, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Individual members of the ensemble are not paid at this time. However, because TCCMF is a 501(c)(3), some employers will allow you to record time spent with the Ambassadors as volunteer hours, since your participation helps raise funds for a non-profit.

Rehearsals & Performances

The Ambassadors meet weekly on Sunday evenings at Columbia Teacher’s College, Horace Mann #435 (525 120th St., New York, NY) from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. Members may schedule additional rehearsals as needed. 

Performances occur throughout the season, but always include:

• Seasonal “caroling” in the park in spring, summer, fall and winter.

• Spring outreach concert

• Summer Pride concert

• Winter holiday concert