Join the International Voices Houston Family

We’re thrilled that you’re interested in learning more about joining our choir! The choir is filled with people from all over the world, living in Houston, who are passionate about celebrating our differences and making the world a better place, one song at a time. As Artistic Director Mark Vogel says, “The world needs to hear our song!”

Complete our Audition Form

Hear Our Singers

“As an exploration geologist, I have been fortunate to travel the globe and experience unique peoples and their cultures. The opportunity to perform with International Voices Houston has given me the gift of global music further opening up the world to me!”
Bonnie Milne
Soprano 2
“Singing is one of the joys of my life and the International Voices of Houston has provided me with a safe place to engage that (somewhat) limited talent since 2016.  It is my haven on Monday nights:  companionship, beautiful music, a director, Mark Vogel, whose competence and artistry are superb as is his visible love of the singers. Our concerts are fabulous and a joy to share with my friends and family.”
Barbara McKinley
Alto 2
“I have been a member of the International Voices Houston choir since 2013. It has been a privilege to get to know so many women and men from around the world. Members share their stories and facts from their cultures and religions formally at rehearsals and as we chat at breaks. Singing in a large group to create an intentional sound requires performance and togetherness. The sense of community I have in International Voices Houston was important when I joined and has been sustenance during the pandemic. And a personal bonus – they let me sing like I have not since high school.”
Jeff Basen-Engquist
Bass 1
“Participating in the IVH Virtual Choir Project has been such a fun and welcomed distraction. There were some challenges like figuring out how to set up the camera. And I will never forget the major challenge of trying to record an entire song, in an unknown language, while watching a director and reading lyrics, with no mess ups and no surround sound of other voices. This project also gave me a reason to get dressed (from the top up) and put on makeup. I loved being a part of this project and I had so much fun!”
Loyce Washington
Alto 1
“Participating and performing virtually with International Voices Houston has brought me joy and hope in ways I never thought possible when the pandemic started. Each virtual performance is a time capsule that captures our musical experience—our need to create music out of the silence and isolation—from every part of the world. The world may keep us apart, but we can’t keep the world apart. It’s an ineffable feeling to recognize the significance of literally taking Creating Global Harmony to a whole new level.”
Doreen Lee
Soprano 2
“International Voices Houston brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart. We are different ages, religions, nationalities, races, and have differing views on some things, but “We Are One” when we join in song!”
Rosemary Pachter
Soprano 2
“I had been looking for a choir to sing in for a while and joined one in the Woodlands which Mark happened to be conducting. His amazing talents and leadership style caused me to follow him to International Voices Houston. What a joy and blessing it has been to be a part of this amazing choir.”
Ken Jacob
Tenor 1
“Through this crazy COVID year and dealing with an extra dose of isolation due to my husband’s serious illness, one of the few things that has truly lightened and brightened my day is the continued connection to IVH.  Seeing fellow choir members on our zoom meetings always makes me smile, and the challenge and achievement of virtual singing has been a special and rewarding accomplishment!  Music heals.  Thank you, Mark and the board for continued leadership and good cheer!!”
Emily Deakins
Alto 2

Interested in Singing?

Please complete our audition form to receive additional details about our audition process.

FAQs

When are auditions held?

Auditions are typically held twice a year, before the start of each concert cycle, in August and January.

How can I prepare for an audition?

We know auditions can be scary and intimidating. Take a deep breath and relax! If you plan to bring a prepared piece, be sure to select a song that highlights your voice and your abilities.

What can I expect during an audition?

The audition process is simple and short (about 10 mins.) and consists of 3 parts:

  1. Vocalizing to determine range and further examine tone quality.
  2. Ear training assessment; auditionees will sing back a series of notes played by the Artistic Director to evaluate ability to match pitch.
  3. Music reading assessment; auditionees are given a simple melody to sight read to determine ability. Sight reading ability does not necessarily affect your chances of getting in the choir, it simply shows the Artistic Director where you are musically.

You are welcome to bring a prepared piece of your choosing to sing either a cappella or with accompaniment. An accompanist will be provided. This can be as simple as Happy Birthday, a favorite hymn or folk song, or it can be something more difficult. Audition with a song that best suits your voice and demonstrates your ability to stay on pitch.

How will I know if I’ve been accepted?

If you are not notified immediately following your audition, you will be notified within a week’s time, depending on the audition schedule and number of auditions.

Do I have to know how to read music?

No! The choir is filled with beginner singers, as well as professional singers, and every skill level in between. We offer resources to help you learn the music.

What kind of music does the choir sing?

International Voices Houston performs music from all parts of the world, from all periods, historical and modern, and in all styles and genres. Much of it is sung in the original languages.

How often does the choir perform?

We typically perform 2 major concert programs with a minimum of 2 performances each in December and late April/early May. We also perform at various functions and collaborate with other musical organizations throughout the year.

Where does the choir perform?

Our concerts for the upcoming season will take place at MATCH, in Midtown at 3400 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002.

Is there a uniform for performance attire?

The performance dress code is full ­length black trousers (or long skirt or dress), black closed ­toe shoes, and a black top with long sleeves. The choir wears colorful neckties and scarves to complement the standard black concert attire at the discretion of the Artistic Director. These items will be ordered by the choir for the singers. Singers are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their performance attire. Uniforms are not provided.

Is there a membership commitment?

International Voices Houston is a volunteer membership organization and we rely on membership commitment to help pay for music, performance space, and operational expenses. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

When does the choir rehearse?

Rehearsals are held most Monday evenings from 7:15 – 9:30 p.m. A rehearsal is occasionally scheduled on a different night of the week, or on a weekend.

Where does the choir rehearse?

Choir rehearsals are held in Fondren Hall on the second floor of the Jones Building on the campus of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in the Houston Museum District. The Jones Building is located at 5400 Fannin Street. The entrance is on the sanctuary side of the Jones Building, near the fountain. An elevator is located in the lobby if needed.

Where can I park?

Parking is free in two lots across Fannin Street from the sanctuary. The addresses for the parking lots are 1131 Binz Street and 5500 San Jacinto Street. Entrances to the parking lots are on Binz (between Fannin and San Jacinto) and on San Jacinto (at Calumet Street). The church is within a block of both Museum district MetroRail stops.

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