About Journey Gospel Choir
Journey Gospel Choir is home to a diverse group of singers. They come from different backgrounds, ages and beliefs — some with a church background, others from the music or theatre world. What connects them is a passion for gospel and the desire to create something that means something.
One choir. Many voices. One journey.
We ask for a foundation in vocal technique and some singing experience: from a choir, musical, worship, singing lessons or a solid self-taught background. You do not need to be a professional singer, but you should know your voice and be able to sing in tune. We also look at potential and commitment. Not sure whether your level is sufficient? Apply anyway. We assess fairly and with respect.
We rehearse every Tuesday evening from 8:00 to 10:00 PM at the Van Limmikhof, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1A in Amsterdam Centrum. The choir season runs roughly in line with the school year and follows the Amsterdam school holidays.
Getting there:
By car: H’ART Museum car park, Nieuwe Keizersgracht 26G, Amsterdam.
By tram: stop Meester Visserplein (line 14).
By metro: Waterlooplein (lines 51, 53, 54).
The working language at Journey Gospel Choir is both Dutch and English. We believe it is important that everyone feels welcome and can participate actively, regardless of their language background.
A rehearsal starts with a brief warm-up, followed by attention to vocal technique. We then work on the repertoire in preparation for our performances. During and around the rehearsal, there is space for connection and contact with fellow singers.
Yes, several times a year masterclasses are given by guest teachers and guest artists. These offer additional depth and training alongside the regular rehearsals.
Yes. As part of the audition process, you will be invited to attend two trial rehearsals. This gives you the chance to experience the atmosphere, discover the repertoire and feel whether Journey is right for you. These rehearsals take place after your audition video has been reviewed positively. Please register in advance via the sign-up form so we can welcome you personally.
We work regularly towards performances in Amsterdam and beyond: in churches, theatres and at festivals. On average around eight performances per season. See the agenda for current dates.
Journey Gospel Choir has three main voice groups: sopranos, altos and tenors, with further divisions into Soprano 1 and 2, Alto 1 and 2, Tenor and Baritone. Based on the voice test, we determine which part suits you best. At the moment there is space for new participants in all voice groups.
We use a phonetogram to analyse your voice. The phonetogram provides insight into your range, vocal technique and areas for development. Based on this, we make a suitable voice placement and can guide you in your growth within the choir. The session takes approximately 15 minutes and is conducted by Logopedie Flevoland.
Participants pay a quarterly contribution. The exact amount will be shared with you upon placement. For special projects, costumes or study weekends, an additional contribution may be requested; this will always be communicated well in advance.
The Audition
Because a strong ensemble starts with the right foundation. An audition is not a barrier — it is an honest moment: we assess whether it is a good match, and you discover whether Journey suits you. We look at vocal quality, musicality and how you fit within the ensemble. We take it seriously, so that you can too.
We expect a foundation in singing (choir, musical, worship, singing lessons or self-taught background), the ability to attend weekly Tuesday evening rehearsals in Amsterdam, openness to gospel as a genre regardless of background, and a willingness to invest in your own growth and in the ensemble as a whole. A professional training is not required.
Choose a song in the genre gospel, soul, R&B or house. Sing the solo part — not a choir part, and do not sing along with a track that features other soloists. It does not have to be the perfect song, because what matters is that we hear your voice. A cappella or with an instrumental track, both are fine.
Keep the video between one and three minutes. Make sure the environment is quiet, the lighting is good and the recording is clear. A smartphone video is fine.
You send a link, not a file. Options:
WeTransfer (wetransfer.com): upload your video for free and copy the download link into the registration form.
Google Drive or Dropbox: upload your video and set the link to “anyone with the link can view”. Paste the link into the form.
YouTube (unlisted): upload the video as unlisted — not publicly visible, but viewable via the link. Paste the link into the form.
Can’t figure it out? Email us at info@journeygospelchoir.com.
We listen for pitch accuracy, sense of rhythm and groove, dynamics and how you convey the text or emotion of the song. We also look at potential: not only what you can do now, but what you can become. You do not need to submit a perfect recording. What counts is honesty and presence.
We aim to respond within two weeks of receiving your video. You will always receive a message, even if the answer is no.
We will let you know personally and, where possible, briefly explain the basis for our assessment. Not being accepted does not mean the door is closed permanently. Sometimes there is simply no space in a particular voice part, or there is room for further growth that you can demonstrate in a future recruitment round. You are always welcome to apply again.
Registration & Participation
Via the registration form on the Join page. When registering, include a link to your audition video directly. After reviewing your video, we will let you know whether you are invited for two trial rehearsals and a voice test. You will then receive a definitive placement decision.
Via our website and social media (@JourneyGospelChoir) you can stay up to date on concerts, workshops and projects. You can subscribe to the newsletter via the website.
Via the contact form on our website, by email at info@journeygospelchoir.com or through our social media.