Rehearsals

2025 Messiah Rehearsals

Join Us!

Performance Groups

• Messiah Choir

  No audition required for adults age 18 and older. Ages 16-17 require an audition.

  Sectional Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Oct. 26 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 2 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Full Choir Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:45pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:45pm
  ▪  The Group Picture will be taken on Dec. 6, following the warm-up, at 3:10pm

  Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:00pm

  Who Can Join
  

  ▪  Adults 18 and older, no audition is needed
  ▪  Youth ages 16-17, by audition only
        ▫  Come to the 1st rehearsal to sing with us
       ▫  Youth attending the LDS Youth Broadcast, may audition at the 2nd rehearsal
        ▫  Afterwards, talk with the section leader
        ▫  If not selected, youth are invited to sing
             in the Youth Choir 

  Music to Sing

  ▪  "The Messiah, An Oratorio," edited by T. Tertius Noble, published by G. Shirmer
  ▪  A different arrangement may be used if already owned; there are minimal differences
  ▪  Music may be purchased online at Sheet Music Plus, JW Pepper, etc.
  ▪  We have music available at rehearsals and ask that you reimburse us the cost
  ▪  Cost of music is usually $8-12 depending on our purchase price
  ▪  Use these Practice Files and Markings to practice and mark your music before rehearsals begin
  ▪  An example of the music: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/messiah-sheet-music/3161812

  Pieces Performing

  ▪  4: And the Glory of the Lord
  ▪  7: And He Shall Purify
  ▪  9: O Thou That Tellest
  ▪  12: For Unto Us a Child is Born
  ▪  17: Glory to God
  ▪  24: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
  ▪  41: Let Us Break Their Bones Asunder
  ▪  46: Since By Man Came Death
  ▪  44: Hallelujah
  ▪  53: Worthy is the Lamb  

  Last Day to Join
  

  ▪  Please do not join after the 4th rehearsal
  ▪  If you join after the 4th rehearsal, you must already know the Messiah music very well and discuss with the conductor what rehearsals you will be able to attend
  ▪  Participants who join after the 4th rehearsal are not guaranteed to be listed in the program

  Performance Dress
  

  ▪  Wear a red, green, or white shirt and black or dark colored skirt or pants
  ▪  Men, wear a red, green, or white colored tie and a dark suit jacket, if able
  ▪  If you don't have the above, any combination of red, green, or white is acceptable
  ▪  Please dress modestly for the performances and rehearsals

• Full Orchestra

  No audition required for adults age 18 and older.

  Sectional Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Oct. 26 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 2 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Full Orchestra Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 9 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 16 at 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 at 7:00-8:30pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:45pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:45pm
  ▪  The Group Picture will be taken on Dec. 6, following the warm-up, at 3:10pm

  Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:00pm

  Who Can Join
  

  ▪  Adults 18 and older, no audition is needed, but please be capable of playing the music
  ▪  Youth in High School with 4+ years experience, auditions are required:
        ▫  The audition is to play at the 1st rehearsal
        ▫  Must have most music already learned
        ▫  Talk to the conductor after to discuss 
        ▫  The conductor may admit you on a trial
             basis to see if you'll practice and improve
        ▫  Once selected, no need to re-audition
        ▫  Youth may not miss rehearsals unless
             approved by the conductor
        ▫  If not selected, youth string players are
             invited to play in the prelude orchestra
  ▪  Youth younger than High School with 4+ years experience, auditions are required:
        ▫  Must audition before rehearsals begin
        ▫  Must have the music already learned
        ▫  Email samessiah @ gmail.com to sign up
        ▫  Once selected, no need to re-audition
        ▫  Youth may not miss rehearsals unless
             approved by the conductor
        ▫  If not selected, youth string players are
             invited to play in the prelude orchestra

  Instruments Needed
  

  ▪  Violin 1, Violin 2, Viola, Cello, Bass
  ▪  Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, Clarinet
  ▪  French Horn, Trombone, Trumpet
  ▪  Timpani (only one)
  ▪  Organ (only one), Piano (only one), Harpsichord/Keyboard (only one)
  ▪  Contact the Messiah Committee to see if timpani, organ, piano, and harpsichord parts are still needed
  ▪  We do not limit the number of players in sections, unless the description above says (only one)
  ▪  Violinists may choose Violin 1 or Violin 2 (Violin 2 is recommended for new Messiah players)

  What to Bring
  

  ▪  Instrument
  ▪  Music stand for all rehearsals and performances
  ▪  Music: "The Messiah" published by G. Shirmer
        ▫  Music may be purchased online at
             Sheet Music Plus, JW Pepper, etc.
        ▫  We have music available at rehearsals and
             ask that you reimburse us the cost
        ▫  Cost of music is usually $4.00-$10.00
             depending on the part and purchase price
        ▫  Use these Markings and Bowings to mark
             your music before rehearsals
        ▫  Ex. Violin 1 part (others will look similar):
  https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/title/messiah-oratorio-1741-violin-i-sheet-music/3170666

  Pieces Performing

  ▪  1: Overture
  ▪  4: And the Glory of the Lord
  ▪  7: And He Shall Purify
  ▪  9: O Thou That Tellest
  ▪  12: For Unto Us a Child is Born
  ▪  13: Pastoral Symphony
  ▪  17: Glory to God
  ▪  24: Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
  ▪  41: Let Us Break Their Bones Asunder
  ▪  46: Since By Man Came Death
  ▪  44: Hallelujah
  ▪  53: Worthy is the Lamb 

  Last Day to Join
  

  ▪  Please do not join after 4th rehearsal
  ▪  If you join after the 4th rehearsal, you must already know the Messiah music very well and discuss with the conductor what rehearsals you will be able to attend
  ▪  Participants who join after the 4th rehearsal are not guaranteed to be listed in the program

  Performance Dress
  

  ▪  Women: wear concert black; red, green, or white jewelry/ accesories are welcome
  ▪  Men: wear concert black with a red, green, white, or black colored tie
  ▪  If you do not have concert black, wear any combination of black and white
  ▪  Please dress modestly for all rehearsals and performances

• Solos

  Audition required.

  Auditions

  ▪  Saturday, Nov. 8 from 12:00-3:00pm

  Optional Solo Rehearsal with Orchestra

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 16 from 8:35-9:00pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 from 8:35-9:00pm
  ▪  For soloists choosing an optional rehearsal, a 5-10 minute specific time will be assigned on one of these days
  ▪  All soloists will be assigned a time to practice with the orchestra during the Dress Rehearsal

  Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 from 5:00-6:30pm
  ▪  A 5-10 minute specific time will be assigned for each soloist to practice with the orchestra
  ▪  Light snacks will be provided after the solo rehearsal from 6:30-7:00pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:45pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3:00pm
  ▪  The Group Picture will be taken on Dec. 6, following the warm-up, at 3:10pm

  Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:00pm

  Who Can Audition

  ▪  Adults ages 18 and older
  ▪  Youth with extensive solo experience

  Audition Time

  ▪  For a specific audition time, email samessiahaudition @ gmail.com
  ▪  Walk-ins are also welcome

  Music to Sing
  

  ▪  Any solo from Handel’s "Messiah"
  ▪  The majority of solos assigned are the Christmas solos before #21, but a few others may also be assigned
  ▪  Solo accompaniments may be found on Youtube (search for solo name + accompaniment)
  ▪  The choir uses "The Messiah, An Oratorio," edited by T. Tertius Noble, published by G. Shirmer
  ▪  Other "Messiah" music may be used as long as the pieces are in the same key as the book we use

  Accompaniment for Auditions
  

  ▪  A pianist will be provided
  ▪  You may also bring your own pianist
  ▪  You may also bring a device and recording to sing with

  What to Expect at Auditions

  ▪  Sing 1-2 minutes of the prepared solo unless time permits otherwise
  ▪  The judges may ask you to sing other Messiah solos you already know
  ▪  The judges may ask you to sightread another solo, if you feel comfortable doing so
  ▪  You will only be scored on your initial solo audition piece
  ▪  Auditions will be filmed for selection purposes only, and deleted soon after
  ▪  For close scores, 2 judges will rewatch the recorded auditions
  ▪  If live callbacks are needed, that will be communicated within 1 week of auditions 

  Judging
  

  ▪  3 to 6 judges will evaluate each audition on predetermined criteria
  ▪  The lowest and highest scores will be dropped, and the remaining scores averaged together
  ▪  Soloists will be ranked from highest to lowest
  ▪  Ranking will be used when selecting soloists

  Judging Criteria

  ▪  Intonation
  ▪  Rhythm and counting
  ▪  Tone
  ▪  Technique (including diction, articulation, and breath control)
  ▪  Interpretation (including dynamics, phrasing, and tempo)
  ▪  Artistry and stage presence
  ▪  Overall performance
  ▪  Style (suitable for Messiah)

  Results
  

  ▪  E-mail notification within one week
  ▪  8 to 10 soloists will be selected depending on programming and time
  ▪  Soloists are typically only assigned 1 solo, or traditional grouping of solos, to allow others the opportunity to perform
  ▪  Rare: If scores are not high enouh, or not enough audition, a person may be assigned multiple solos
  ▪  Soloists may be assigned a piece other than the piece auditioned with
  ▪  Those not selected may ask for the judges' feedback  

  After Selection

  ▪  Soloists will be asked to submit a short bio of 130 words or less for the program
  ▪  Bios may be edited by the Program Designer for length, grammar, spelling, and suitability
  ▪  Soloists should submit a photo of themselves for the program and Facebook
  ▪  You will be assigned rehearsal times with the orchestra 
  ▪  All soloists are invited, but not required, to sing with the Messiah Choir

  Performance Dress
  

  ▪  Wear anything dressy and suitable for a solo performance
  ▪  Please dress modestly for all rehearsals and performances

• Youth Choir

  For ages 12–18. No audition required.

  Youth Choir Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 16 from 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 from 7:00-8:30pm

  Youth Choir Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 from 6:30-8:30pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:45pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:45pm

  Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:00pm

  Who Can Join

  ▪  Youth ages 12-18
  ▪  No audition is required
  ▪  Youth ages 16-17 who audition for the Messiah Choir, and youth who audition for the Messiah Orchestra, who wish to sing in the Youth Choir, may not skip Messiah Choir and Orchestra rehearsals to join the Youth Choir. If participation is desired, you may learn the Youth Choir music on your own and attend the beginning of the Youth Dress Rehearsal that does not conflict with the Messiah Dress Rehearsal.

  Music to Sing

  ▪  Music is To Be Determined
  ▪  Music will be provided at each rehearsal
  ▪  If practice tracks are available, they will be available here

  What to Expect at Rehearsals

  ▪  2 to 3 adults will be present at rehearsals to help youth
  ▪  If you would like to volunteer to help, email us
  ▪  Parents cannot sit with youth during rehearsals
  ▪  Parents who stay are encouraged to sit in the foyer, but may sit in the back of the rehearsal

  What to Expect at Performances

  ▪  Perform a 10 minute "opening act" to Handel's Messiah
  ▪  They are part of the performance, not prelude
  ▪  Youth will not be required to stay for the Messiah
  ▪  Youth should be picked up after singing, unless a parent is performing in the Messiah
  ▪  If a parent is performing, youth may watch the Messiah or wait in the Youth Room

  Last Day to Join

  ▪  New participants should not join after the 2nd rehearsal
  ▪  Sign up to participate, even if you can't make the 1st rehearsal
  ▪  The program will be sent to the printer after the 1st rehearsal

  Concert Dress

  ▪  Wear red, green, or white shirts and black or dark colored skirts or pants
  ▪  Any combination of red, green, and white is fine if you do not own the above
  ▪  Please dress modestly for all rehearsals and performances

• Children's Choir

  For ages 8–11. No audition required.

  Children's Choir Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 16 from 7:00-8:30pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 from 7:00-8:30pm

  Children's Choir Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 from 6:30-8:30pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 5:45pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 2:45pm

  Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 7:00pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 4:00pm

  Who Can Join

  ▪  Children ages 8-11
  ▪  Children must be able to sit quietly without parental supervision
  ▪  No audition is required

  Music to Sing

  ▪  Music is To Be Determined
  ▪  Music will be provided at each rehearsal
  ▪  If practice tracks are available, they will be available here

  What to Expect at Rehearsals
  

  ▪  2 to 3 adults will be present at rehearsals to help children
  ▪  If you would like to volunteer to help, email us
  ▪  Parents cannot sit with children during rehearsals
  ▪  Parents who stay are encouraged to sit in the foyer, but may sit in the back of the rehearsal

  What to Expect at Performances

  ▪  Perform a 10 minute "opening act" to Handel's Messiah
  ▪  They are part of the performance, not prelude
  ▪  Children will not be required to stay for the Messiah
  ▪  After each performance, all Children's Choir members will be led to the Institute Room
  ▪  Children's Choir participants will be supervised in the Institute room until the Messiah is over
  ▪  Children must be picked up immediately following the Messiah performances or after done singing

  Last Day to Join

  ▪  New participants should not join after the 2nd rehearsal
  ▪  Sign up to participate, even if you can't make the 1st rehearsal
  ▪  The program will be sent to the printer after the 1st rehearsal

  Concert Dress

  ▪  Wear red, green, or white shirts and black or dark colored skirts or pants
  ▪  Any combination of red, green, and white is fine if you do not own the above
  ▪  Please dress modestly for all rehearsals and performances

• Senza Orchestra

  By invitation only.

  Senza Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday Nov. 16 from 8:35-9:00pm, if needed
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 from 8:35-9:00pm, if needed
  ▪  These are optional rehearsals with the soloists, so they may or may not happen
  ▪  Plan on staying for the listed times, but you may be released early

  Senza Dress Rehearsal

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 from 5:00-6:30pm
  ▪  Light snacks will be provided after the senza rehearsal from 6:30-7:00pm

  Performance Info

  ▪  See the Full Orchestra tab for call times and performance times

  Who Can Join
  

  ▪  By invitation only
  ▪  String players and harpsichord only
  ▪  Players will accompany the vocal soloists

  Music to Play

  ▪  Pieces will be selected after solo auditions occur on Nov. 8
  ▪  Piece selection will be emailed to all Senza players within 1 week

• Prelude Youth Orchestra

  No audition required.

  Prelude Rehearsals

  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 23 from 6:00-7:00pm
  ▪  Sunday, Nov. 30 from 5:30-6:30pm

  Performance Call Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:15pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3:15pm

  Prelude Performance Times

  ▪  Friday, Dec. 5 at 6:30pm
  ▪  Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3:30pm
  ▪  Prelude performance times are scheduled 30 minutes before each Messiah performance

  Who Can Join

  ▪  Violin, viola, cello, or bass players with 2+ years experience
  ▪  Youth, children, teachers accompanying students, or adults not ready for the Messiah
  ▪  No audition is necessary, but please learn the music and practice ahead of time

  Music to Play
  

  ▪  Music is from Christmas Kaleidoscope books 1 & 2 by Robert Frost
  ▪  Set List:
        ▫  To Be Determined...
  ▪  Violin: play parts A, B, or C
  ▪  Viola: play part C
  ▪  Cello & Bass: play part D or E

  What to Bring

  ▪  Instrument
  ▪  Music Stand (for rehearsals only, not performances)
  ▪  Music (may be purchased at Amazon, Sheet Music Plus, JW Pepper, or other stores)

  Performance Dress

  ▪  Wear any combination of black and white
  ▪  Red, green, and white jewelry/ accessories are welcome