It’s time to

Join the Movement.

Are you a keen singer? Do you love singing in choirs?

We’d love to hear from you. We’re now auditioning this October 2025 for our new generation of singers to join over 100 talented singers in our choir and work towards some of the University’s most exciting projects.

Audition Details — September 2025

Audition booking is now open for October auditions. Please read the information below carefully and navigate to the booking form at the bottom of this page.

The Audition requirements

When you arrive, you’ll be welcome by a member of the Executive Team and escorted into the audition room where the panel will introduce themselves and make sure you’re comfortable before beginning.

Once the audition begins, it will last 10 minutes, including:

  • a range test — to see how high and low you can sing

  • a sightreading test — reading and singing back a short passage of music

  • a few aural tests — simple intervallic and listening exercises

We will also chat with you informally about what drew you to DUCS and what experience you have.

The Audition Process

  1. Come to our Open Rehearsal on Monday 6 October in the Appleby Lecture Theatre at 19:00. You’ll be able to meet us, say hello and ask any questions whilst getting a feel for how the society runs and what music we sing!

  2. Book an audition — you can do this using the booking form which is at the bottom of this page.

  3. Arrive at your audition at least 5 minutes before — one of our team will come and greet you!

  4. You’ll hear about the outcome soon after the audition and be asked to accept your place in the choir after.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You should ensure you’ve checked all the information above then scroll to the bottom of this page where you will find the booking form and be able to choose from the times we have available throughout the week beginning 6 October.

  • If there are no slots available, it’s likely we have noticed and will soon make more times available. However, if you have not seen any more released please contact us at choral.society@durham.ac.uk to try and arrange an alternative time to audition for us. We will do our best to fit you in when we can.

  • No, you don’t have to. The idea of the Open Rehearsal is to decide if DUCS is something for you. Therefore, if you are on the fence about auditioning, we’d encourage you to come along first, then decide later. However, if you know that you’d like to audition for us anyway, you are welcome to book as soon as the form is open.

  • You’re able to cancel your slot through the system but we would appreciate an email to choral.society@durham.ac.uk just in case we miss it or if you’re cancelling on short notice.

    If you need to rearrange a time, you’ll need to cancel your slot first then re-book.

  • We will email you in advance of your audition with details of where your audition is and how to get there. If you have any other problems, contact us on instagram via DM or email us at choral.society@durham.ac.uk and we will help you out.

  • You don’t need to prepare anything for audition. All of our tests are designed to get a general feel for your voice and ear, so all you need to do is relax and simply do your best.

  • Of course you can. We invite anyone who has a passion for singing to give auditioning a go. Not only might you have the skills and interest to gain a place in the choir, but if you're not quite ready, we’d love to welcome you to our DUVs programme, a choir which is run by our Associate Conductor for any singers to be a part of.

  • After your audition, we’ll shortly communicate outcomes. If you are offered a place in our choir, we’ll ask you to accept your place via reply and shortly after you will receive details of our first rehearsals.

  • If you didn’t make it this time, that’s okay. Whilst you won’t be invited to sing with our Choral Society at this time, we’ll give you the first details of our Durham University Voices (DUVs) programme, which will build up your singing and reading skills towards future projects and ultimately, re-auditioning for DUCS if you choose to.

    The most important thing is not to be disheartened. By not offering you a place, we are not diminishing your abilities to sing and to be a fantastic asset to the choir, and in most cases you’ll be incredibly close to the standard required, and will be encouraged to reaudition soon.

  • You’ll hear back within a few days of audition. If there is a delay getting results out we will let you know.

The list above is by no means exhaustive, and if you have any further questions you are more than welcome to:

  • send us a direct message on our social media (instagram, Facebook etc.)

  • send us an email at choral.society@durham.ac.uk

  • use our contact form below

We are here to help. You can also ask us questions about auditions and much more at our Freshers’ Fair stall on Wednesday 1 October.

The Audition Dates & Location

Due to a scheduling change, the location of auditions will vary depending on the date and time.

You can audition at the following times:

  • Tuesday 7 October between 14:00 and 19:00

  • Wednesday 8 October between 14:00 and 19:00

  • Saturday 11 October or Sunday 12 October between 13:00 and 17:00

All auditions on Tuesday and Wednesday will take place in the Music Department.

All auditions on Saturday and Sunday will take place in W103 (Appleby Lecture Theatre).

Ready to book?

Please follow the link below to book. If you experience any difficulties, please email us or contact us via our social media platforms.