The Peninsula Women’s Chorus (PWC) Mentorship Program is open to qualified high school treble singers in grades 10–12. Applicants should have a strong musical background, the ability to read music, and choral singing experience, and should exhibit the ability to learn, memorize, and perform advanced treble-voice choral works.
The first step in our application process is to fill out the application form below and submit an unedited video/audio recording. After review of the initial application, those who are qualified will be asked to audition.
Rehearsals
Attendance at all rehearsals is expected. Please see Program Timeline below for specific dates. Attendance at all rehearsals is expected; any absences require prior approval. Rehearsals are held on all Monday evenings, including holidays, from 7:00 pm to approximately 8:30 pm at the Palo Alto Community Center, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, in room M-2.
How do I know if I’ve been accepted?
PWC’s Artistic Director, Anne K. Hege will review applications. You will be called or contacted by email if you are accepted for an audition with Dr. Hege. Auditions will be held at the Cubberley Community Center in Palo Alto. See Program Timeline below for specific dates. Auditions consist of a voice quality/range check, a prepared piece (an art song, aria, or choral excerpt), singing scales a cappella, a short sight-singing passage, and a brief interview.
Cost and Awards
There is no cost for participating in the program. Students who successfully complete the internship by learning the material and attending the required rehearsals and final performance will be presented with a Certificate of Completion and two complimentary tickets for an upcoming PWC concert of their choice.
What kind of music will I be singing?
Mentees will perform an eclectic selection of contemporary music with the PWC at our concerts. All music sung in performances is memorized.
Contact
For more information, send an email to: mentorship@pwchorus.org or call the PWC Mentorship Chair: Helen Bailey at (415) 305-1976.
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. See Program Timeline below application deadlines for upcoming concerts.
Mentorship Program Timeline
| May 10, 2024 OR August 5, 2024 | Applications DUE for Fall 2024 | |
| May 13, 16, & 20, 2024 AND August 12 & 15, 2024 | TBC individually | Auditions for Fall 2024 |
| August 26 to December 11, 2024 | Rehearsals & Concerts for Fall 2024 | |
| December 9, 2024 @ 5:30-10:30pm | Dress Rehearsal, Mission Santa Clara | |
| December 11, 2024 @ 6-10:30pm | Dress Rehearsal, First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto | |
| December 13, 2024 @ 8pm | Concert, First United Methodist Church, Palo Alto | |
| December 14, 2024 @ 2 pm | Concert, Mission Santa Clara |
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The Mentorship Program has been well received by previous participants:
“I loved working with PWC! Being immersed in an environment in which artistic and personal excellence was the standard was invaluable and I improved so much as an artist in my time with PWC. The repertoire was not for the faint of heart, but under Anne’s brilliant instruction and with the support of my fellow chorus members, I was able to perform pieces I never could have mastered on my own. The all-female environment was empowering and fun, and I wish I could turn back time to discover the mentorship program earlier. It was a truly delightful experience and I would recommend it to anyone!”
“I would have never been able to sing anything like the music we were given if I had not been lucky enough to get this wonderful opportunity.”
“Do it!!! This is a great opportunity to have fun and sing with an amazing group of female singers, with an equally amazing director.”