Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ace the audition?
We don’t require a prepared audition. Our audition agenda consists of:
- vocal range check
- sight singing
- one verse of a well-known tune
- group blending
How many people are in DeCantus?
We are a 10- to 15-member ensemble depending on the season, but usually perform in quintets.
How does DeCantus decide who performs when?
We are double-cast for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival, which means each member is responsible for roughly half of the performances.
For the holiday season, we have three members per part so we can potentially perform up to three shows at once.
Part mates discuss and split up performance dates among each other.
Where does DeCantus perform?
Our primary home for the festival season is the Minnesota Renaissance Festival in Shakopee, MN. It runs for 7 consecutive weekends from mid-August to late September or early October. We perform 5 shows per day on various stages at the festival. Schedule permitting, we also perform at other festivals around the Midwest.
For the holiday season, we perform anywhere from private corporate events to holiday markets and festivals to shopping malls and more.
When and where does DeCantus rehearse?
Rehearsals are on Tuesdays from 7 PM until 9 or 9:30 PM. We rehearse at members’ houses throughout the Twin Cities metro area.
How long has DeCantus been in business?
The group was formed in and has continually performed since 2000.
What does "DeCantus" mean?
Our name is a portmanteau of the Latin “deca cantus” which roughly translates to “ten singers”.