Vocal Auditions

There is a meeting at the beginning of each year for all students interested in auditioning for any choir at Augustana. Students who should come to this meeting include first-year students, transfer students and students who have sung in a choir at Augustana and are interested in singing in a different group this year. Sign-up sheets for audition times will be available at the meeting.

The purpose of the fall auditions are to place students in the following ensembles:
Augustana Choir
Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble
Collegiate Chorale
Augustana Womens Ensemble

Who Needs To Audition For A Choir?

New Students
All new or transfer students interested in joining a choir must attend the choral information meeting. If you cannot attend the meeting, you must see Dr. Hurty as soon as possible. New and transfer student auditions will be Monday, September 3 and Tuesday, September 4.   More information will be given at the choral information meeting. Choir audition lists and information can be found outside the Music Department office.

Returning Students
All returning students who are interested in changing ensembles should sign up for an audition time.

Auditions for New Students
TBA
Rm 129, Bergedoff Fine Arts Building

Specific Information for Opera@augustana
Opera@augustana auditions are held at various times throughout the year for specific productions. For more information about auditioning for the opera program, please contact Dr. Pfautz.

Specific Information for The Augustana Choir
The Augustana Choir includes a heavy time commitment. In addition to the normal rehearsal schedule there are a number of special rehearsals, on and off campus singing commitments and tour during the break between the winter and spring term. The group also periodically tours outside of the country. Some of these tours may occur at the beginning of the summer and may require an extra fee. Participation in all the activities of the choir is madatory.

Specific Information for the Augustana Chamber Singers
The Chamber Singers auditions are normally held at the end of the spring term to set the ensemble for the following year. Chamber Singers is a highly select group that has a busy off-campus performance schedule throughout the year. If you are interested in auditioning for Chamber Singers, please contact Dr. Hurty during spring term.

Specific Information for the Handel Oratorio Society
The Handel Oratorio Society does not require an audition. All students, faculty, staff and community members are welcome to sing with the society. The first rehearsal of the year is always held on the first Monday evening in October. During the fall term the Oratorio Society sings "Messiah" by G. F. Handel. More information about the Handel Oratorio Society.

Audition FAQ

When are the auditions?
Auditions are held in the fall during the orientation weekend and the first week of classes for all choirs at Augustana except Chamber Singers.

How do I prepare for my audition?
There is no specific preparation necessary for choir auditions. You will be asked to sing some vocal excercises to test your range, a familiar song, and some exercises to check your musical learning abilities. Choir auditions last from 4-6 minutes. The best way to prepare is to warm your voice up prior to the audition so that we can hear you sing your best.

What if I have a music scholarship?
Even if you have auditioned for, and are receiving a music scholarship you must still audition to sing in a choir. Receiving a scholarship does not guarantee a place in any particular ensemble.

Will I have any say about which ensemble I will join?
You will have the opportunity to indicate your preference. However, we try to place students based our best assessment of the students voice and the needs of the ensemble. Therefore, it is not always possible for us to assign a student to their first ensemble choice.

If I don't get in the ensemble I prefer, can I audition later in the year?
Except in special circumstances we consider ensemble membership as lasting for the full year. Most students find that even if they are in the ensemble that they did not initially indicate as their first choice, they have a great experience. We hope that students will commit to the choral program at Augustana and through this commitment their education will be enhanced and expanded.

What are the chances that I will get into an ensemble?
Your chances are excellent! We have six choirs that you can join with a variety of skill levels and rehearsal schedules. We hope that everyone who auditions will be placed in a choir.