CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A CHOIR MEMBER

Sa selection of new members namin, we let aspirants sing any song of their choice and rate them according
to the following:
1. Tone Quality
2. Rhythm
3. Notes and Pitch
4. Expression and Style

Then we test their tonal memory and ability to carry a tune by letting them sing a series of notes played in
the keyboard.

Then we rank them on the basis of their scores. Then we select the desired number of new members for the
year based on the ranking.

Of course, not everybody gets perfect on the above criteria. Meron din kaming allowances kasi di naman
kami mga music professionals tsaka most of the aspirants have no formal music or choral background. But
we tend to be firm on the tonal memory and ability to carry a tune portion. We take note on the strengths
and weaknesses of the new members so that we can take appropriate actions during practices.

And importantly, before everything else, we make everything clear to the aspirants what our choir is all
about: our organizational structure as part of the Campus Ministry, our apostolate, vision, mission and
goals, activities and schedule of practices, choir culture, etc. Para sort of leveling of expectations. Then we
ask them of their reasons for joining. In this way, we will know the aspirants whose personalities, interests
and intentions will fit to the group.

So, iyan ang mga criteria namin. Yes, we make some allowances. After all, there's always room for

improvement.
Titopao quote:

It depends...what do you or your choirmaster (in case it's another person) look for?

It will also depend on the type of group that you have, but in most cases you don't need to be overly-strict if
it's a church choir. For me, Reagan's criteria works in most cases.

Let me try to elaborate on each criterion, if it were me choosing the singers:

1. Tone Quality - has as little "defects" or conditions as possible, consistent quality regardless of whether
the passage is sung piano or forte. Since choir singing naman ito, I don't necessarily look for the perfect
voice, I want to hear something that will blend well.
2. Rhythm - Can keep time, and can execute rhythms as precisely as possible. (Mejo sensitive ako dito,
ayoko ng slack yung rhythms, and in rehearsals pinapaulit ko yung kanta just because of this even if the
choir just sang the first note. )
3. Notes and Pitch - can hold a pitch well (even when singing SATB), can handle moderately challenging

intervals and can be distinctly heard when not singing unison. Especially kung alto
4. Expression and Style - can give a meaningful interpretation of a song (if singing solo) and can keep
that same level of interpretation when singing with others. For church singing, I don't want the singers to

sing pop-style (na maraming kulot ala-Bugoy style hehehehehe )

Your choir may have stricter and higher standards than that, so feel free to be as restrictive as you need to

That's just for the musical part. As for other matters...that depends on your group's goals. Regardless, I
would urge that you first consider the auditionee's willingness to commit with the group. Mawaawlan ng
silbi ang ganda ng boses ng isang mang-aawit o ang kanyang pagiging kasundo sa inyong hangarin kung
palagi naman syang wala sa mga rehearsals at mga kantahan.