Join Us
Thank you for your interest in joining us!
On this page, you will find information on:
- Tone Cluster Auditions
- Queer Cadence Registration
- Tone Cluster vs. Queer Cadence
- Frequently Asked Questions
Tone Cluster Auditions
Auditions for Tone Cluster are now closed – Thank you for your interest!
Registration for Queer Cadence is still open – please read more and register for Queer Cadence through the link below!
Queer Cadence Registration
Click here to sign up for Queer Cadence’s Fall Term (September 29th-December 22nd). There is no audition however you may be asked to do a short, no-stress vocal check in with Émilie to assess which voice part you should sing.
Review Queer Cadence’s Membership Handbook.
Tone Cluster – quite a queer choir vs Queer Cadence… which is the right fit for me?
With two queer choirs for all voices and all genders, you may be curious about the difference between the two groups and which one might be the best fit for you.
Queer Cadence is a joyful addition to your week where you can explore choral singing, no matter your experience level. QC values community connection and grassroots engagement, and you can find them performing in non-conventional ways, like outdoor pop ups, community events, seniors centres, and temporary housing communities.
Tone Cluster – quite a queer choir is a group for experienced singers who are interested in challenging repertoire and concert performances. TC values thematic and purposeful programming that centres new works by queer composers. This group is best for singers who want to make choir a main focus in their lives.
Both choirs are beautiful queer communities and non-gendered spaces. We all sing music that is fun and meaningful, we all focus on musical growth, and we all prioritize creating an affirming and accessible space.
| TONE CLUSTER | Queer Cadence |
| Conducted by Deirdre | Conducted by Émilie |
| Auditioned – singers should have some choral/group singing experience | Non auditioned though you willl be asked to do a quick vocal placement to assess which voice part you should sing. We do ask that singers be able to match pitch. |
| 2 hours weekly on Mondays + occasional sectionals + homework + some memorization + annual retreat | 2 hours weekly on Mondays + some memorization + some practicing |
| Primarily contemporary choral pieces and pop/musical theatre arrangements + regular commissions | All genres (pop/MT/jazz, protest songs, queer anthems, some stuff you likely know and some you might not) |
| Approximately 50 singers | No maximum |
| Sept-May | 2 terms: Oct-Dec + March-June |
| $250 for full season; register by season | $100 per term, register by term |
| Attendance – you can miss 3 rehearsals per concert (sectionals count as a rehearsal) | Attendance – you can miss 3 rehearsals per term (some exceptions apply) |
| Should be able to learn your music on your own; some practice tracks available but not always | Practice tracks available for all songs |
Contact manager@tonecluster.ca for any questions that may come up after reviewing the information above!
FAQs
Is financial assistance available?
Yes! We do not turn anyone away due to finances. There are options to pay in instalments and/or set a lower fee amount.
How is the choir a non-gendered space?
We know that many choirs (especially children and youth choirs) use gendered language when referring to their singers. While we still use the terms Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass when referring to specific vocal sections, we never use terms like “women, men, ladies, etc”. When in a group, you’ll be referred to as your vocal section and we value using your chosen pronouns when speaking of you individually.
Performance outfits are non-gendered; you can wear whatever you like within the set guidelines (ex. Solid colour top, black bottoms).
Nametags are encouraged and worn regularly, along with pronouns. You are welcome to change/try out different names and/or pronouns at any time.
I’m an ally; can I still join?
Everyone is welcome to sing with our ensembles, no matter your sexual and/or gender identity! We only ask that you commit to the values of our organization, be prepared to learn and unlearn, and be enthusiastic about participating in a group that is proudly 2SLGBTQIA+.
Do I have to read sheet music?
We use sheet music in both choirs, however Queer Cadence singers don’t need any experience! You’ll be taught what you need to know if you’re new to reading music.
Tone Cluster singers are expected to have some experience reading music, though some exceptions are made based on the singer’s audition and musical experience.
Can I give it a try before I commit?
Membership fees are due a few weeks after the first rehearsal, so you can try out a few rehearsals before financially committing.
We expect interested singers to review our Membership Handbooks (TC or QC) before joining and come prepared to participate fully. Choir is a team sport and your commitment helps us build an amazing team!
Why do the choirs rehearse/perform in churches?
There are a lot of considerations when booking a venue for choirs – pianos, acoustics, chairs and space, affordability, accessibility… and churches are where you can generally find those things!
We recognize that some queer folks have experienced harm in religious settings, and that being in church spaces can be difficult or triggering. While we hope to one day find a secular community space for our rehearsals and performances, we are currently grateful to partner with church communities that are genuinely supportive of our choir and mission.