As a nurse, husband and dad to two energetic toddlers, Tyler Pereira, 31, doesn’t exactly have a lot of spare time on his hands. But until recently, when he graduated from IU Indy, he chose to spend a chunk of it exploring the value of teamwork and beauty of music as a member of the school’s University Choir.
“Being in a choir allowed me to be creative in a supportive social setting,” Pereira said. “We’re all there to co-create powerful musical moments for ourselves and for those listening. I love the feelings of belonging, community and purpose that come from working together to find harmony.”
You don’t have to be a student to participate in a choir. In fact, various local choruses welcome members from high school all the way up to their 100th birthday and beyond.
Here’s a helpful guide to the audition process for each choir, as well as where you can hear them live in the coming months.
Indianapolis choirs looking for members
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus
This choir welcomes roughly 20 new members each year. You must first submit an a cappella video audition, after which you may be invited to a live audition. Live auditions take place in front of a few section leaders and include a low-stress opportunity for you to meet the artistic director and learn more about the choir’s mission.
Indianapolis Men’s Chorus
Don’t let the name deter you; this choir is open to anyone who can sing in the tenor or bass range, no matter their gender, gender expression or sexual orientation. Auditions are by appointment, and if you’re accepted, you can look forward to weekly rehearsals in preparation for a winter holiday show, a spring concert and an early summer concert.
Indianapolis Symphonic Choir
This choir has been lifting Indy’s spirits through song for 90 years. To join, fill out an interest form. The group will contact you about a month before audition season begins to schedule your appointment.
Capital City Chorus
Since 1956, this all-women, barbershop-style a cappella group has welcomed both experienced and novice singers. The recruiting process starts with joining a low-pressure evening rehearsal, after which a group of “riser buddies” will be assigned to help you prepare for your official audition.
Indianapolis Arts Chorale
As part of this chorus, you’ll get the chance to sing at iconic Indianapolis events and locations, including the Penrod Arts Fair and the Indiana Historical Society. Mark your calendars for next summer; audition signups typically go live in August.
White River Sound Chorus
Our local chapter of Sweet Adelines International (a worldwide organization of women singers established in 1945) welcomes women of all ages and abilities who want to sing in a four-part barbershop-style chorus. Join a rehearsal to see if it may be the right fit for you, or keep an eye out for details on its annual concert on Sunday, Nov. 8 at Indy Arts Center.
Upcoming choir concerts
If you want to scope out choirs incognito before you choose one to join, here are a few concerts you can attend:
“Stars and Stripes and Harmony”
📍 Indiana Historical Society, 450 W. Ohio St.
🗓️ 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
🎟️ Prices to be announced
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a patriotic concert from Capital City Chorus.
“Walking Into the Unknown”
📍 Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St.
🗓️ Nov. 21- 22
🎟️ $5-$35
Indianapolis Women’s Chorus will feature themes of embracing uncertainty and maintaining hope for the future.
“The Holiday Show”
📍 Warren Performing Arts Center, 9500 E. 16th St.
🗓️ Dec. 18-20
🎟️ $20-55
The Indianapolis Men’s Chorus’ annual festive fête features beloved holiday classics as well as unexpected new traditions.
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Shea Stapley is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach her at sheajuliestapley@gmail.com.
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