WV SYMPHONY CHORUS AUDITIONS

FOR 2025-2026 SEASON

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus brings together nearly a hundred singers from Charleston and surrounding communities for performance of great choral and choral-orchestral works. Recent performances have featured: J.S. Bach’s Magnificat, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Bizet’s Carmen, Requiem settings by Brahms, Duruflé, Fauré, Mozart, and Verdi, Gloria settings by Poulenc and Vivaldi, Handel’s Messiah, and many other works.

Auditions for new members of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus will begin the last week of July and run until the end of August. To schedule an audition or submit any questions, please contact Dr. David Castleberry at castlebe@marshall.edu.

What is the audition like?
Auditions take approximately 15 minutes and are held with Dr. David Castleberry, Conductor of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus. Prospective singers should have meaningful choral experience and basic music-reading skills. At the audition, you will:
Sing the first verse of the Star-Spangled Banner, unaccompanied
Vocalize
Demonstrate basic musicianship skills through vocal exercises

When will I know whether I have been accepted?
You will receive notification by email within two weeks of your audition date.

When are rehearsals?
Rehearsals are held each Monday evening, 7:00-9:00 pm in the Centrum at Christ Church United Methodist, located at the corner of Quarrier and Morris Streets, in Charleston.

What is the starting date for rehearsals?
Rehearsals for the 2025-2026 season will begin on Monday, September 8, 2025.

What are the performance dates for 2025-2026 season with the WV Symphony?
WVSO Holiday Pops Concert Saturday, December 6, 2025 The Clay Center
Handel’s Messiah Sunday, December 14, 2025 The Clay Center
Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana Saturday, March 28, 2026 The Clay Center

Member Policies and Responsibilities
Membership in the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra Chorus is an honor. Acceptance into the Symphony Chorus carries with it the expectation that members will commit themselves to a standard of excellence that engenders pride in the organization; from its members, the WVSO, and the community. Singers are expected to commit to the full season of rehearsals and concerts.