Berks Vocal Arts was created for those singers looking for inspiration and challenge, increased rigor and complex music.

Many of our Berks Vocal Arts students plan on pursuing a career in music performance, therapy, or education. You don’t have to be a future major though! You just have to be passionate about the art of singing and fine-tuning your craft!

What is Berks Vocal Arts?

A diverse vocal ensemble devoted to achieving vocal excellence through artistic expression and a rigorous work ethic with emphasis on building musicianship through sight reading & the performance of challenging choral literature.

“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”

― Beverly Sills

Entrance by student application and audition. Berks Vocal Arts is open to students in grades 10-12; students of other ages/grades will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Vocal Arts students will be held to the highest standards of attendance, behavior, and accountability. Vocal Arts students will be expected to make Vocal Arts a top priority and there is a strict attendance policy. All accepted students will complete an attendance & behavior contract

About the Audition and Application

Sealed/Signed teacher recommendation letter - Have any teacher write a confidential recommendation letter about you describing your overall commitment to excellence, behavior in class/rehearsal and typical attendance; the letter should describe the teacher’s perception of your individual strengths AS WELL AS areas for improvement and growth. The letter should be sealed and signed by the teacher across the seal. You should not request a separate copy of this letter from the teacher or ask to see their letter, as it is confidential. Teachers may also email this to patricia@patriciakeith.com if they prefer. Please do not ask them to send you a copy of the email.
Student Essay - Please write why you would like to be a part of Berks Vocal Arts. What do you hope to glean from the experience and what unique traits do you plan to bring to the group? What will your level of commitment be? What are your strengths as a choral singer and what areas do you hope to improve?
Have a prepared piece of your choosing that demonstrates your best vocal technique (classical styles encouraged). Bring accompaniment/sheet music to your audition. Recorded accompaniment may be considered, but should not have vocals on the track.
Sight Reading, provided by the director
Range Check, led by the director

Auditions are ongoing and can scheduled at any time with permission of the director.

To request an audition, visit our Studio Help Center.

Vocal Arts Attire:

Choir members will wear their BVA Blazer (can be purchased from the studio) plus black pants, solid black shirt, black shoes, or boots. Honor Choir members can wear their shirt.

Schedule and Location:

BVA rehearses for one hour on Sunday evenings at our Boyertown Studio at 48 N Reading Ave Boyertown, PA and is under the direction of Patricia Keith.
First rehearsal of the school year session is always the first Sunday after Labor Day.
For those who elect to participate in Honor Choir as well, Honor Choir will rehearse on Sunday evenings either before or after Berks Vocal Arts