Audition for the Ambassadors
We do not have any auditions currently scheduled, but please reach out using the form at the bottom of this page if you are interested in more information, or would like to be notified when auditions are scheduled in the future.
What is an Ambassador?
The Ambassadors is a scrappy & enthusiastic volunteer choir prioritizing transgender & gender-nonconforming voices. Our ensemble exists to be visible ambassadors in communities outside our own as we raise funds to support TRANScend Choral & Community Music Foundation.
The Ambassadors Ensemble requires a higher degree of musical knowledge and comfort performing in front of a wide range of audiences, though we welcome members from all backgrounds. 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 music videos and recording original works.
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. Since all of our members are volunteers, we do not collect dues.
Gigs & booked Events
The funds raised from our gigs support rehearsal space, concert venues, and materials for our ensemble as well as the TRANScend Community Chorale.
Bookings can come up at any time, though we find ourselves in heavier demand during Pride Month. Performances outside of the metro NYC area may require travel, which will be arranged by TRANScend.
Clients often have specific requests for repertoire, meaning we may need to prepare different pieces for each gig, though we try to select from our past body of work. Repertoire prepared for gigs will often be different from the repertoire we prepare for our concerts.
We typically book at least 2 - 3 gigs per season, though we often do more.
Rehearsals & Performances
The Ambassadors meet weekly on Sunday evenings in midtown from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Members may schedule additional rehearsals as needed.
In addition to gigs, the Ambassadors perform 2 concerts each year - a Holiday concert in December, and Pride Concert in June.
Is the Ambassadors Right for me?
Our Ambassadors come from all musical backgrounds, and have a shared commitment to music learning, performing, and supporting our community.
It is imperative that members be able to participate in as many rehearsals and performances as possible so that we can grow and develop as an ensemble. Sight reading is not a requirement for our Ambassadors, but we expect members to have effective methods of learning, rehearsing, and performing music.
While all members are not expected be available for every gig, all members should be comfortable with the possibility of last-minute gigs, accommodating shifting schedules & client requests, and dealing with the practicalities of live performance - which can be hectic! Being able to communicate quickly and respond to change is key. Even though we are a semi-professional ensemble, we want to be as polished as possible - while recognizing that all of our members are volunteers donating their time.
We need singers who are adaptable, excited about performing for a wide variety of audiences, and who want to learn and grow alongside a small, unique choral ensemble.
Sign Up to Audition
We do not have any auditions currently scheduled, but please reach out if you are interested in more information, or would like to be notified when auditions are scheduled in the future.
How to Audition
If you are interested in auditioning, or would like to be notified of upcoming auditions in the future, please reach out using this form. Our director, Dr. Felix Graham, will contact you with next steps or more information.
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.
Additional member expectations
Concert dress:
Each member’s personal comfort, authenticity, and personal expression are essential to our concert attire. Performance dress requirements will always strike a balance between individual expression, uniformity, and formality appropriate to the venue. For our concerts, members are typically required to wear:
Bottoms, pants, and skirts must be predominantly black and worn with black footwear.
Tops, dresses, or other pieces of clothing should be black, white, or choir colors (purple, teal, and gold.)
