Previous choral experience is required.  Here’s what to expect at the audition:   

• A few vocal exercises to determine what range is vocally comfortable.
• A musical ear test.  Triads are played, and the candidate is asked to sing the middle note of the chord.
• The candidate is asked to sight-read a short piece of music.
• The candidate is asked to sing a prepared piece.  This may be a simple folk-song or hymn, or a more complex piece–anything which demonstrates the singer’s vocal quality, diction skill, and musicality.

If you are interested, please contact conductor Charlie Walker at (212) 222-9458 or by email at dodsley@aol.com to arrange an appointment.

Rehearsals are held September-May on Monday evenings at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Fifth Avenue and 90th Street,  New York, NY from 7:30 pm  - 9:30 pm. 

Canterbury’s Philosophy

Canterbury’s successes have their origins in the welcoming spirit of inclusive enthusiasm that characterizes Canterbury. Conductor Charlie Walker has always demanded the  best that the singers and musicians before him can produce, but is patient, graceful and helpful in the maintenance of his high standards. Singers from the 1950s through the present time have noted that, unlike many choral conductors, Charlie doesn’t belittle singers, badger them, harass them or humiliate them. Instead, his directorial tone is gentle and encouraging.

The high spirits of accomplishment that proceed from all of Canterbury’s endeavors, whether weekly rehearsals, regular concerts or special projects are derived in part from Walker’s generously congenial directorial style and in part from the feelings of fellowship and camaraderie that characterize all Canterbury gatherings. The corps of Canterbury singers has always had its origin in the Church of the Heavenly Rest and its parish, but has in addition extended far beyond it.

Members of Canterbury Choral Society have the opportunity to contribute more than vocal skills.  From Canterbury’s inception, Charlie has relied on a close knit core of volunteers to assist with some practical, non-musical details of annual management: for the first two or three decades of Canterbury’s existence, the president’s main responsibilities rotated around the organization of parties and celebrations, preparation of the year-end annual dinner-meeting  to review of the season’s accomplishments; the vice-president’s main responsibilities centered around preparation and ironing of the choir robes before each performance.

Today, the Canterbury Choral Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit arts association with an independent Board of Directors.