One Weekend. Voices with Artistry. Inspired Singing.
February 20-21, 2026
Friday, February 20: 7pm-9pm
Saturday, February 21: 9am-7pm, Concert 7:30pm
The Park Church, Elmira
A statewide auditioned ensemble of experienced adult singers, offering immersive weekends of choral excellence across New York and beyond.—choral conductors, music educators, sacred and church musicians, instrumentalists, jazz artists, cultural tradition bearers, parents of young children, and more—who long for a meaningful musical outlet without the commitment of weekly rehearsals.
This ensemble offers immersive, fast-paced weekends of choral excellence with a weekend intensive and concert in the Corning–Elmira region.
Starting in Fall 2026, this choir will expand to include weekends in Potsdam, Albany, New York City, Syracuse, and Buffalo. Singers may join for one location, several, or the entire tour: one Friday evening rehearsal, a full Saturday of music-making, and a culminating Saturday night concert.
at a glance
Ages: 23 - Young at Heart
Weekend Intensive: February 20–21, 2026 – Corning-Elmira, NY
Rehearsal Friday night 7-9pm and all day Saturday starting at 9am with lunch and dinner breaks.
7pm Concert The Park Church, Elmira
Auditioned?: Yes
Audition Information
Vocal Essence of the Southern Tier (VEST) invites experienced adult singers to audition for our new semi-professional chorus, designed as a series of weekend intensives of high-level artistry, collaboration, and performance.
Repertoire: Diverse, challenging, and genre-spanning (classical, folk, gospel, jazz, contemporary).
Design: Built for singers with significant ensemble experience who are too busy for a weekly commitment. Singers prepare independently with materials provided in advance, then come together for intensive rehearsals and performance.
Audition Requirements: due January 3rd
All auditions are completed digitally through Choir Genius.
Register on Choir Genius to access audition materials. Submit a one-time $25 VEST Registration Fee (non-refundable). Scholarships available.
Submit recordings as directed from registration e-mail including by January 3, 2026.:
Aural literacy (melodic and rhythmic echo exercises)
Range & voicing (guided vocalises)
Prepared excerpt (from VEST’s repertoire, provided in advance)
Results will be announced by January 10.
Evaluation Criteria
Singers will be evaluated on:
Musicianship accuracy (notation + aural)
Tone quality and vocal health
Range and flexibility (section placement)
Musical artistry and expressivity
Preparedness and professionalism
Balance of the ensemble is also considered as it relates to voicing.