General Audition Information

Auditions are a simple process for the Philadelphia Girls Choir! Auditions generally last 10–20 minutes and our four ensembles, Prelude, Etude, Cantata, and Concerto, are open from ages 6-18 years of age. Parents/guardians fill out a registration form while candidates are reviewed by our Artistic Director, Nathan Wadley in one of our rehearsal rooms. We generally audition throughout the Spring for singers to begin in the Fall, and also have limited auditions in December and early January for those who would like to join us for the Spring Semester.

Scheduling Your Audition

Auditions are held at the Choir Building at 1336 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123. There are several area parking garages that are conveniently located near the building. You should arrive several minutes early to your audition, which will last 15-20 minutes. Auditions are scheduled throughout the Spring, as well as in December for those who may be able to join our programs for the Spring semester. To schedule an audition, please click the button below. If there are no available auditions, please email info@pycemusic.org to schedule an audition. Auditions are now open for September enrollment!

Audition FAQ’s

When are rehearsals?

Rehearsals for the 2025-2026 season are as follows:

Prelude: Wednesdays in two separate sections (4:45 – 5:45p and 6:00-7:00p)
Etude: Thursdays in two sections (4:30-5:45p and 6:00-7:15p) and 1st and 3rd Saturdays, 9:00-10:30a
Cantata : Tuesdays in sectionals (4:45 – 6:15p for sopranos, 5:45 – 7:15p for altos) and every Saturday morning (rotating times, 9:00-10:30a and 11:00a-12:30p)
Concerto: Tuesdays 4:45 – 7:15p and every Saturday morning 11:00a-12:30p

What do I need to prepare? 

We ask only that candidates arrive relaxed and ready to sing! Singers do not need to prepare any song for their audition, although they may do so if they wish. See below for a more detailed explanation of the audition process.

What can I expect in the audition?

• We’ll ask some basic questions about your age, your school, and any prior musical experience you may have.
• We’ll guide you through a few vocal warm-ups so we can assess your range and timbre.
• We’ll give you an opportunity to try sight-reading some music.
• You’ll sing solfège (do re mi fa sol la ti do).
• We’ll teach you a simple folk tune and/or a passage from our core repertoire and ask you to sing it.
• You may sing us a song of your own choosing, if you wish. It can be a patriotic song, a song from school/church/music class, or any other tune you know (please, no “Happy Birthday”). A whole song is not necessary—32 bars or so is sufficient.

Ultimately, your audition is a time for us to get to know each other a bit better, as well as to become acquainted with your vocal abilities. We are not looking for perfection—we’re looking for potential to grow and learn and smile.

Is there an age limit?

Most singers start in our Prelude training program at around ages 6-8. In some cases, girls with previous musical training can go right into Etude, Cantata, or Concerto. Our singers graduate from the choir around age 18, when they also graduate high school. We accept auditions for children who are age 6 by September through age 17.

Does my child need music and/or voice training to audition?

No. Although prior music experience is helpful, singers will have lessons in music theory and receive vocal training. There are also free musicianship classes for all singers, and we have several voice and piano teachers on staff if your child wishes to take private lessons (additional fees apply).

Does my daughter have to give up the school or church choir or her other activities?

Absolutely not!  Singers are encouraged to stay actively involved in their other activities including choirs, sports and clubs.  We try to be flexible with scheduling and attendance, and we truly want you to remain active in your home programs.

How much does the program cost?

Tuition for the 2026-2027 season is as follows:

Prelude: $1,350
Etude, Cantata, and Concerto: $2,190
Additionally, there is a $50 annual attire fee.
Please note we have a robust financial aid program for those of limited means.

Are there performance and traveling opportunities?

The Philadelphia Girls Choir performs a capstone concert at the end of each semester. Throughout the season, we frequently sing at high-level engagements locally and regionally throughout the season. In addition, each summer, a group of girls from Cantata and Concerto embarks on an international tour that typically lasts 10 days to two weeks (additional costs apply). In 2025, PGC visited the African continent for the first time with an incredible tour to Morocco!