SARABANDE
A CHALLENGING CHAMBER CHOIR FOR ADULT SINGERS
SARABANDE CONDUCTOR: Shane Raman
Sarabande is a carefully balanced chamber choir comprised of approximately 24 experienced singers. All the members are confident vocalists with a high level of musicianship and a special interest in exploring challenging and diverse repertoire. Along with musical excellence and exploration, this ensemble values inclusivity, curiosity, and being a welcoming community.
In addition to performing at the seasonal VBCC concerts, Sarabande sings in unexpected community spaces like elevated pubs, relaxed open rehearsals, and Remembrance Day ceremonies. See the Rehearsal Schedule for more detailed information.
Concerts
Visit our EVENTS page for listings of all upcoming concerts.
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
TUESDAY: 7:30PM – 9:00PM
St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (1573 E. 18th Ave) in East Vancouver
AUDITIONS
This is our advanced adult SATB chamber choir. For this level, singers should prepare a song of their choice. Classical, folk, or traditional musical theatre is preferred if possible. There will also be other rhythmic and vocal exercises. Auditions are done individually and scheduled on an as needed basis, though they typically occur in late May/early June and early September.
To inquire about an audition please fill out the form on our Auditions page.
2025-26 FEES
There is a membership fee to join the choir. Financial assistance is available for those who pass the audition and contact the office about the assistance needed.
- Early bird (paid on or before Jun 30, 2025): $453.00*
- After July 1, 2025: $473.00*
- Symphonic (VBC) and Sarabande singers may additionally register for Cantabile for the discounted add-on rate of $193.00
- Membership fee: $40.00
- Administration fee: $30.00
- Fundraising commitment: $50.00 (more details in the registration form)
- GST: $2.00
Payment Methods
- Single payment by cheque, credit card, or e-transfer.
- Monthly payment by credit card instalments or post-dated cheques, due by Aug 15, 2025.
Financial assistance providing up to 90% of the tuition is available. Bursaries do not cover fundraising commitments, membership fees, and administration fees.
Late Fees:
Payments that are not set-up or paid by August 15 are subject to a $20 late charge per month.
CONCERT ATTIRE
Concert black is required for all singers, and you provide it yourselves. This should include some combination of:
- Black tailored shirt or blouse
- Black skirt (to the knee at least) or dress pants
- Black tights (with skirt) or socks (with pants)
- Black dress shoes
- Any necessary hair clips/ties should match your hair
- Hair should be neat and off of your face
- Jewellery must be very subtle so as not to catch the light and distract
- Scarf (provided) or tie (provided)
No other colours or logos should be involved. Please also abstain from t-shirts and running shoes, bare legs and shoulders, exposed midriffs, and revealing neck lines.
The VBCC provides exceptional musical education at a very affordable price. The choir has given our daughter the opportunity not only to develop into a musician, but to gain self confidence, and to work with other children as a team in a structured yet fun atmosphere.
S. Holmes
VBCC parent