Join a choir that sings with purpose.
Soli Deo Gloria welcomes experienced choral singers who love sacred masterworks, careful preparation, and the joy of singing in community.
Serious music. Warm community.
Soli Deo Gloria is an auditioned SATB choir based in Alameda, drawing singers from across the Bay Area.
We rehearse with focus, prepare thoughtfully, and perform sacred choral masterworks in beautiful acoustic spaces.
Come sing with us before you audition.
Prospective singers are often invited to attend an early rehearsal in a concert cycle. You can experience the music, the rehearsal style, and the sound of the ensemble before making a commitment. After rehearsing with the choir, you may be invited to stay for a brief, supportive vocal evaluation.
Clear, supportive, and musical.
The audition process is supportive and straightforward. We listen for vocal range, tone, musical responsiveness, sight-reading comfort, and how your voice blends with the ensemble. You may sing short excerpts from the upcoming concert repertoire; a prepared solo is not usually required.
The ability to listen, adjust, and improve a musical phrase on a second or third attempt matters more than perfect sight-reading.
Contact us
Send a short note with your voice part, choral background, and interest.
Attend a rehearsal
Sing with the choir, meet members, and experience the music and rehearsal environment before making a commitment.
Sing for the director
The audition with Derek Tam focuses on range, tone, musicianship, and ensemble fit.
Join the season
Accepted singers receive rehearsal details, music information, member expectations, and access to member resources.
Questions singers often ask.
Do I need to be religious to sing with SDG?
No. SDG performs sacred repertoire and welcomes singers and listeners of all religious and non-religious backgrounds.
Do I need to be a professional singer?
No. SDG is an auditioned community choir. Strong musicianship, preparation, blend, and commitment are more important than professional status.
What voice parts are currently welcome?
We welcome inquiries from all voice parts. The choir’s needs vary by concert cycle, so contacting us is the best way to learn about current openings.
Where and when are rehearsals?
Regular rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alameda. Additional Saturday rehearsals and mandatory concert-week rehearsals are scheduled for each program. Confirm current dates, times, and locations in the Member Area.
What kind of preparation is expected?
Rehearsals focus on ensemble work and musical interpretation. Singers are expected to learn notes outside rehearsal using available practice aids and to bring music and a pencil to rehearsal.
What kind of experience is expected?
Prior choral experience, music-reading ability, and preparation between rehearsals are strongly helpful.
Is there a prepared solo?
Usually no prepared solo is required. You may be asked to sing short excerpts from the upcoming concert repertoire. The ability to listen, adjust, and improve a musical phrase on a second or third attempt matters more than perfect sight-reading. Once accepted, singers are expected to prepare their music between rehearsals using the practice aids provided in the Member Area.
Are there member dues?
Yes. Dues are $110 per trimester or $300 for the full year. Dues help support music, rehearsals, the Musical Director, and the accompanist. Annual dues are not refunded if a singer misses one trimester. Limited financial assistance is available. Members who need assistance may discuss it privately with the Treasurer or Board.
What attendance commitment is expected?
Regular attendance is important. Singers should sign out in advance when they know they will miss rehearsal, and dress rehearsals before concerts are mandatory.
Tell us a little about your voice and choral background.
We will help you find the right next step.