Grass Valley, CA — Music in the Mountains invites singers from across Nevada County and the Sierra foothills to audition for the Music in the Mountains Chorus, an ensemble of approximately 80 singers who share a passion for exceptional choral music and community connection.
Auditions will be held Monday, January 26, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., at Peace Lutheran Church, 828 W. Main Street, Grass Valley. Auditions are welcoming and supportive, lasting approximately eight minutes, and are conducted by the chorus director, Ariel May, and assistants. They include vocalization, pitch-matching, sight-reading, and a brief prepared solo sung a cappella. Interested singers should be able to read music and have basic sight-reading skills.
For May, the chorus experience goes beyond the music. “As the director, I am continually inspired by the singers as we strive for deeper expression and musicality,” she said. “Alongside the music-making is plenty of laughter, connection, and friendship. MIM is a place where musical excellence and joy create a shared sense of belonging.”
The Music in the Mountains Chorus performs several times each year, sharing its love of great choral music with the community through ambitious and inspiring programs. Recent performances have included major works from the choral canon such as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, Mozart’s Requiem, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Toward the Unknown Region, Gilbert & Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore, and Duruflé’s Requiem, alongside a wide range of repertoire spanning centuries and styles.
The Chorus has deep roots in the region. It began in the 1970s as the Golden Chain Chorale, a 20–40 member ensemble within the Sierra Musical Arts Association. In the early 1980s, Music in the Mountains was formed with the chorus at its core, then known as the Festival Chorale. Over the decades, the ensemble has grown into one of the leading community choirs in the Sierra foothills, now known simply as the MIM Chorus, with several founding members still singing today.
Rehearsals are held Monday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., September through June (with a January break), at Peace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley. “I look forward to every Monday rehearsal,” said May. “It’s a special moment each week when people of all backgrounds in our community come together to share in the magic of singing.” Concert dates and additional dress rehearsals are announced early in the season, and members are expected to be available. Chorus members attend rehearsals regularly and are asked to purchase the ensemble’s official concert black attire.
In addition to weekly rehearsals, the Chorus hosts one Saturday workshop during the season, fostering both musical growth and strong community bonds. Workshops typically feature visiting vocal experts, focused musical development, and a shared potluck lunch.
The first rehearsal of the season will take place on Monday, February 2, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
More information and a link to sign up for auditions at https://www.musicinthemountains.org/chorus
About Music in the Mountains
Music in the Mountains is a nonprofit organization serving Nevada County with inspiring concerts and accessible music education programs. Known for its artistic excellence and welcoming spirit, Music in the Mountains brings world-class classical music to intimate local venues, fostering community, connection, and joy through the power of live performance.