Joining the Foothills Chorale

The Foothills Chorale is a community choir consisting of vocal musicians from the Upstate of South Carolina who are dedicated to professional performances of great music in a wide variety of vocal styles. A typical concert program of the Foothills Chorale may include the traditional: Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Or quite often, the audience may hear: Bach (PDQ type), Bernstein (Musical Theater), and Brubeck (Vocal Jazz). 

The Chorale has established a tradition of excellence in its short history. It provides the singers of the Upstate area an opportunity to perform a capella and choral/orchestral literature. It also helps to expand community/educational experiences and strives to improve the total quality of life for the citizens of the area. 

WE ARE BUILDING A TRADITION
OF COMMUNITY PRIDE AND CHORAL EXCELLENCE,
AND WE NEED YOU TO   ...BE a part of it!

Membership is by audition only. Auditions are held at the Clemson Downs Activity Center, 150 Downs Blvd., Clemson, SC, usually on the Tuesday night one week prior to the first rehearsal of each semester. Auditions for the Spring 2010 semester will be held on Tuesday, January 12, 2010 at 6:30 pm. (The first rehearsal will be on Jan. 19, 2010 at 7:30 pm.) Auditions are by appointment and those interested should contact Bill Diekhoff to set a time. To request additional information about the Chorale, please send email to billyd4@charter.net or call Bill Diekhoff at (864) 287-2236.
 

REHEARSALS:	Clemson Downs Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
CONCERTS:	Brooks Center for the Performing Arts, Clemson University Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center, Southern Wesleyan University Winter & Spring (Plus other performances as they arise.)
DUES:	$40.00 per year. Due by the second rehearsal unless other arrangements are made with the Chorale Treasurer.
CONCERT DRESS:	Women: Black concert gown Men: Black tuxedo, black tie and shoes
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT AT THE AUDITIONS:	After filling out an information sheet the singer will be asked to: 1.  Sing several scale patterns to warm up. 2.  Use a neutral syllable to repeat patterns played on the piano. 3.  Do some sight reading. 4.  Sing a familiar song (America, etc.) in several keys. There is no need to prepare a solo for the audition. The audition usually takes ten to fifteen minutes to complete.  Results will be given within two days of the audition.

Bill directs a weekly rehearsal.

Click photo for a 1.4 MB mini-movie of a rehearsal led by Accompanist/Assistant Conductor, Lane Moore. (must have RealPlayer to view and hear)
 

Map to Clemson Downs: (Click here for a printable version)

Directions within Clemson Downs:
1. After turning from Berkeley Drive onto Downs Blvd, continue past Hickory Lane, Little Lane, and Downs Loop.
2. Turn right at the sign for Administration.
3. Turn left into the main parking area and park in any open space that does NOT have a number painted on the curb.
4. Go to the Ernie Corley Center at the middle of the long row of apartments (look for round sign in a garden area at the entrance).
5. Enter the first door on the right as you go under the breezeway. This is the large activity room where rehearsals are held.

Members wait patiently to begin a  performance at the Brooks Center.	Concert dress rehearsal on stage.