Sing With Schola Cantorum

Auditions

Schola Cantorum will welcome new singers in August 2025. Interested singers are invited to complete our online form and attend an open rehearsal on August 25 to meet the choir and experience the joy of singing together.

Those who wish to join will then schedule a vocal interview with Artistic Director Buddy James. The audition includes scales, pitch-matching, sight-reading, and a short unaccompanied song of your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I sing with Schola Cantorum?

It’s fun, fulfilling, and a fantastic learning experience! You’ll sing music spanning masterworks, jazz, gospel, contemporary works, and international pieces while making lifelong friends.

What else does Schola offer besides music?

Schola collaborates with instrumentalists, dancers, visual artists, and poets. We also run an annual high school poetry contest, setting the winning poem to music for our spring concert.

Who sings in Schola Cantorum?

Our members reflect the diversity of Silicon Valley—professionals, artists, retirees, entrepreneurs, and students of all ages, ethnicities, orientations, and backgrounds.

When and where are rehearsals?

Rehearsals are Mondays, 7:30–10:00 pm, at Los Altos United Methodist Church. Additional rehearsals are scheduled before concerts, plus one or two Saturday retreats in September and February.

How often does Schola perform?

Four full concerts each year: late October/early November, mid-December, early March, and late May/early June. Each program is usually performed twice.

Where does Schola perform?

Primarily in northern Santa Clara County (e.g., Palo Alto, Los Altos), with past performances at Stanford Memorial Church, Mission Santa Clara, and Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph.

Are there other opportunities to make music?

Yes! Singers may join small groups for outreach concerts, participate in our annual Messiah Sing (the longest-running in the Bay Area), Summer Sings, and community sing-alongs.

How does the audition process work?

Singers attend an open rehearsal, then schedule a short vocal interview with the Artistic Director. Results are shared before the second rehearsal, and successful singers attend an information session an hour prior.

I get really nervous at auditions. Will this be a problem?

Not at all. We work to make the process comfortable and supportive.

I don't read music well. Should I still audition?

Yes! Many of our singers learn by ear. Schola provides recordings, MIDI tracks, and sectionals to help you grow.