Welcome. We’re thrilled that you’ve found your way to Ensemble Companio and are interested in joining our musical community! We’re welcoming auditions from gifted vocalists of all voice parts.

Fill out our audition form here!

Ensemble Companio is planning a special season for our 15th Anniversary!

What distinguishes Ensemble Companio from other community choirs?

Mission- Ensemble Companio is a mission-driven choir that strives to build bridges between people through authentic, inspiring performances of the finest choral music. We plan, rehearse, and perform with the objective of bringing our mission to life.

Travel- We draw talented musicians from all over the Northeastern United States, with slightly heavier concentrations in the Boston, NY/NJ, and Philadelphia areas. This continuously brings us into contact with new locations and communities. From workshops with young choristers to performances in nursing homes, we endeavor to share the amazing power of choral music wherever we go. 

Musical Excellence- Because we only rehearse once a month, the goal of rehearsals is not to learn notes or rhythms, but rather to polish work that members have done individually between rehearsals. To aid everyone in that effort, we post scores to a choir Wiki, along with part-specific and whole-group midi files, and videos of each rehearsal. Members also meet between rehearsals to hold optional regional sectionals when possible. 

Camaraderie- Ensemble Companio derives its name from a late Latin form of “companion,” whose etymological meaning is “one with whom one shares bread.” The name reflects our belief that sharing in choral music is an essential, nourishing, and healing endeavor akin to the sharing of food.

The retreat-like nature of our rehearsal weekends helps to create a special bond between our members. Whether carpooling together to rehearsal locations, working through an especially thorny musical line during rehearsal, or gathering for dinner after rehearsal, there is plenty of time for Companios to form friendships and share in good times.

Do I need to be a professional musician?

Ensemble Companio is a volunteer community choir open to adults 21 years of age and older. We attract a diverse community of highly dedicated, exemplary musicians from a variety of professions who are unified in their passion for the power of choral singing. We recognize that delivering authentic, inspiring performances is well worth the time and energy invested in preparation for them. Though most of us are gifted amateur musicians, we strive to operate and perform at a professional level. 

Tell me about Ensemble Companio’s season calendar?

In a typical season, we rehearse, on average, one weekend a month from September through May.  This year, we will have 3 total rehearsals spaced 6 weeks apart, beginning in December.  Saturday’s rehearsal runs from 8:45am to 5:00pm with short morning and afternoon breaks, and an hour-long lunch break. Sunday’s rehearsal runs from 8:45am to noon.

Our concerts this season will be in April and May.  Please visit our home page to view the season schedule.

What are the expenses associated with Ensemble membership?

There are some individual travel and lodging costs associated with membership in a traveling choir. We work to moderate travel expenses by facilitating car shares and home stays for rehearsal weekends where possible. Additionally, we rotate the responsibility for providing lunch each rehearsal weekend between sections.

Sounds amazing! How do I audition?

Start by filling out this form with your voice part, location, and a little bit about your background. Our Ensemble Advocate will reach out to you to confirm receipt and send you audition materials. Our virtual audition comprises a submission of vocal exercises and a song excerpt for review by our Artistic Director, Erik Peregrine. 

We look forward to hearing from you!