Membership

Become a member of the vocal ensemble that has been voted “Buffalo's Best” for five consecutive years by Artvoice magazine readers.

Membership is by audition only. Auditions are held twice a year—prior to the beginning of each semester. Membership dues for the year are $75.

Auditions for the 2018-19 season will be held Saturday, August 25th from 9:30 to 11:30 am and Wednesday, August 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Ebenezer United Church of Christ, 630 Main Street, West Seneca, NY 14224.

Click here to access our Audition Form and schedule your audition or call our Audition Coordinator at 716-856-1357 evenings and weekends or at 716-847-6930 weekdays.

Audition requirements

BCAS members are expected to demonstrate some level of sight-reading ability even if basic, to be able to sing in tune and possess a mostly unencumbered, blending tone quality. Your audition will include:

• Prepared solo—Prepare a solo that demonstrates your individual vocal abilities. The solo should come from any published source. Be sure to bring an extra copy of this music to your audition for our accompanist.
• Sight reading—You will be asked to sight read a piece of music that the conductor has selected.
• Vocal exercises and pitch matching

Rehearsals and expectations

Mandatory rehearsals are held each Wednesday evening from 7:00 to 9:30 PM from September through early June. Exceptions are the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. You are expected to contact the conductor regarding possible conflicts in rehearsals and for individual concerts.

Rehearsals are typically held at Sweet Home High School on Sweet Home Road, near exit 2 on the I-990.

Members are expected to work individually outside of weekly rehearsals to learn the required music as needed and to arrive at rehearsals on time and prepared to make music as an ensemble and make performance notes.

Assigned music is the property of Buffalo Choral Arts Society, and all performance notes must be made in pencil only. All music must be returned at the designated time and place announced by the library staff.

Concert dress is mandatory and must be purchased by the member.

Members are encouraged to participate in non-singing activities, including social activities, fundraising, ticket sales and program ad sales.

View our full season of concert events.