Mission Statement
The principal purpose of the OIGC is to employ Black gospel music to express the power of spirit and bring a message of faith, hope, love and joy to the country and to the world, to exemplify through interfaith, multiracial and multi-cultural membership the principles of equality, justice, peace, unity and cooperation and to serve as a model for what is possible among all people.

2008 Auditions

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will be holding auditions on Saturday, February 23rd in Oakland. Appointments are required to obtain an audition spot. Call 510-839-4361 to make your appointment. For more information download the audition notice.

Audition Process &
Frequently Asked Questions


• When are auditions held and how do I sign-up?
  Auditions are held as determined by the Musical Director, usually in February, and are conducted by appointment only. Audition notices are mailed approximately one month prior to the scheduled date. If you wish to audition, please be sure to let us have your name, address, and telephone number so that we can mail you an audition notice. You may email us at admin@oigc.org, call 510/839-4361 or fax 510/839-4381. Our next auditions will be conducted in February, 2008.
  
  
• What does the audition consist of?
  You will be asked to sing one song of your choice, gospel or secular. You may sing a capella or you may bring music and our pianist will accompany you. You will also be asked to sing scales and intervals which will first be played for you on the piano. Your vocal range will also be measured.
  
  
• Is experience necessary?
  OIGC is a volunteer choir with professional standards, but experience is not necessary. The Director is looking for a certain degree of skill, however, as well as voices that satisfy the musical needs of the Choir.
  
  
• Do I have to read music?
  No. Most of our music is taught by ear. Occasionally, sheet music will be utilized, but the ability to read music is not mandatory.
  
  
• Do I need any special equipment?
  Because most of our music is taught by ear, a small, portable tape recorder is essential.
  
  
• What kinds of songs does the Choir sing?
  We sing Black Gospel Music, including Spirituals; traditional, contemporary and original Gospel Music; gospelized
• Christmas tunes, and a couple classics.
  
  
• Are there any costs or expenses to be in the Choir sing?
  Membership dues of $20.00 a month are required.   Uniform costs are approximately $200.00 - $280.00. 
• How often does the Choir rehearse?
  Every Monday evening, except when on break.
  
  
• How often does the Choir sing?
  About 30 times a year.
  
  
• Does the Choir take a break?
  Usually for one month in July or August, and for a few weeks around Christmas.
  
  
• Does the Choir travel?
  We have gone to Australia, New Orleans, Canada, Israel. Members usually pay their own way with a subsidy provided through the Choir’s fundraising efforts.
  
  
• What if I pass the audition?
  See the introductory membership information which follows.
  Successful completion of the audition is at the sole discretion of the Musical Director, taking the musical needs of the choir into account. Successful completion of an audition grants the auditioner introductory membership in the choir.
  
  

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Introductory Membership

The introductory membership period lasts for three months or longer at the discretion of the musical director. During that period the member is expected to adhere to the following requirements:


1. Attend all rehearsals. The rehearsal schedule is as follows: Monday night from 7:00 p.m. until 9:30-10:00 p.m. at Imani Community Church, 3300 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. Promptness is expected.
   
   
2. Attend all performances as an observer, except those specified by the Program Manager or Musical Director.
   
   
3. Adhere to the OIGC Code of Conduct and dress code.
   
   
4. Pay dues at 1/2 the regular rate. Dues are set by the OIGC Board of Directors, based on the budgetary needs of the choir and are due and payable at the time of the first rehearsal each month. Currently, introductory members pay $10 per month.
   
   
5. Any member who is going to be absent from a rehearsal and/or performance is required to notify one of their Section Leaders in advance, or in an emergency, at the earliest possible time after the absence. You will be given a roster and introduced to your Section Leaders at your first rehearsal.
   
   
6. Upon successful completion of the introductory period, introductory members will be accepted as active members. Successful completion is determined by the Section Leader and Musical Director and for new members is not subject to appeal.
   
   
7. New members must purchase a uniform. The uniform consists of a robe and a formal dress for women; a robe and suit with bow tie and cummerbund for men; and a t-shirt and/or sweatshirt for both men and women.  New dresses are approximately $145 each; robes are $135; the suit & accessories cost approximately $177.  Tee-shirts are $10 and sweatshirts are $20.  After you have received approval from the Musical Director, you should contact the Administrative Assistant to arrange for a fitting and/or garment purchase.  It is understood and agreed the Choir member will keep the uniform in good repair.  Uniform costs are not refundable when leaving the Choir.  However, a Choir member may donate their uniforms to the Choir for a tax deduction receipt.  Further info will be provided when uniform is issued, and is subject to change as uniform pieces change.   All uniforms must be paid for prior to taking possession.
   
   
8. Following acceptance into the choir as a singing member, a serious intent to make 100% of our performances and sound checks is required, but you may miss one performance per quarter or 20% of performances, whichever is greater. Members can miss no more than 2 rehearsals per quarter; they are also expected to keep dues current. Probation status is imposed if a member fails the attendance requirements or falls 2 or more months delinquent on their dues. Probation status for two quarters in a row will result in the membership being reverted to introductory status for one quarter. Membership terminates if the member again fails to make his/her commitment either in the introductory status quarter or the following quarter.
   

We thank you for your interest. Good luck!