JVE is a mixed-voice, auditioned chamber choir, with singers ranging from trained professionals to seasoned amateurs. Our Musical Director is John R. Williams, a choral conductor, composer, recording artist, pianist, and organist based in Vancouver, BC. John has a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Washington. Prior to this, he pursued jazz studies in Montreal at Concordia University, and choral conducting with Dr. James Fankhauser at UBC. His early music training was at the Vancouver Academy of Music, in piano and theory.
We are currently seeking choristers in all vocal ranges for our 2023-2024 season. Ideal candidates will have a solid background in ensemble vocal music, music theory knowledge, an ability to sight-read and a desire to make music and have fun! Our repertoire spans early music through to contemporary, with a frequent emphasis on Canadian works.
JVE rehearses on Tuesday nights from 7:20-9:30 pm at St. Faith’s church on the corner of 57th Ave. and Cypress St. in Kerrisdale, Vancouver. We generally perform three concerts a season, with dress rehearsals the day before. Our annual fees are $400, with discounts available for full-time students.
Note: We welcome singers to mask during rehearsals and concerts. Increases in COVID-19 may mean our masking policies change under guidance from the Provincial Health Officer. In the past we have performed concerts to the public with the choir masked.
Auditions will consist of:
- A preliminary phone conversation where you will discuss your musical training and experience
- An in-person audition where singers will be asked to do basic vocalization and range testing with piano accompaniment. They may also include vocal exercises, ear memory tests, sight-reading and a cappella exercises.
Though stressful for some, auditions are mostly an informal way to get to know you and your voice, so don’t worry about being perfect.
Please use this form to schedule a time to chat with our Musical Director by clicking the link and emailing: Jubilate.Vancouver [at] gmail [dot] com
Please note at times we have had issues with the form below so please use the email listed above. Thank you.