Village Voices

Work one-on-one with two of the most respected jazz harmony singers in the business from legendary vocal groups The Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices.  Janis Siegel and Lauren Kinhan will direct repertoire eclectic and inspired, the goal to play vibrantly in the genres and use the voice lyrically and instrumentally.  You will dive head first into the groove - whether swing, bossa nova, R&B, or other - deepen your strength as a harmony singer, discover your solo sound within the group framework, and generally grow your musicianship skills.  We want you to be flexible, musical, and bookable in the real world, and this ensemble will provide real insight into building the chops, vocabulary, and attitude you'll need to achieve that. Everyone is welcome to audition, strong sight reading, vocal technique, and memorization skills are required for this fast paced advanced vocal group.

Auditions are Open:

We are auditioning for all parts for Spring 2026.  We meet once a week on Mondays, 6:45-8:45 PM, in building 35 West 4th Street, room 779. Please fill out the Audition Form and submit your auditions by January 9, 2026. You can find the audition materials HERE. Please send video auditions singing along with the practice tracks provided of your voice part and a solo song of your choosing which best shows off your voice. Provide a url link to your audition in the audition form and/or email us directly with your audition materials.  We may need to request call backs, so the sooner you audition, the sooner we can request additional materials or meet in person. 

Who Can Join:

Vocalists and instrumentalists who pass the audition can join. Priority is given to Vocal Performance majors. Freshman are not able to audition for vocal performance ensembles.

Audition Information:

We are accepting audio/video online submissions for NYU's Village Voices for the Spring 2026 semester.  All parts (SATB) are being considered for this challenging, fun and fast paced vocal jazz and contemporary ensemble directed by Janis Siegel (of The Manhattan Transfer) and Lauren Kinhan (of New York Voices). 

This is an All School elective that welcomes performance majors alongside multi-disciplinary students who want to build their musicianship skills and/or keep music in their life while studying at NYU.  There is a final performance in Frederick Loewe Theater and often other outside performance opportunities that allow for professional growth. Examples are recording and videotaping performances at WBGO Radio for Jazz Appreciation Month, performing with New York Voices at the famed Birdland Theater, and recording in the NYU studios. 

We cover a wide variety of repertoire from traditional and modern jazz, pop, world music, contemporary classical and more.  The idea is to sing and play in the beauty of music and use our voices and community to create sounds that inspire.  Please submit your auditions no later than January 9, 2026 and make sure you spread the word to other like minded group singing fans. Please attend our final 2025 performance on December 15, 2025 at Loewe Theater and make sure to say hello.

If you have any questions, please contact: jbs12@nyu.edu and ljk6@nyu.edu.