To join a Choir, simply contact the Director of Choral Activities, Lee Nelson, at ldnelson@stcloudstate.edu or (320) 308-2260 to set up a time to learn more about the different choral ensembles.

All interested students, whether new or returning, audition for choirs annually. It is always to the student's benefit to sing a prepared solo in an audition for the Concert Choir. Although this is encouraged, it is certainly not required. The audition process is brief and stress-free, and will include:

• Brief interview of the singers’ background and interests
• Range check
• Prepared solo of the singers’ choice (an art song or a familiar song such as “My Country ‘tis of Thee”)
• Tonal memory exercise
• Short sight singing exercise

 

Auditions occur in late August and mid-January during the first few days prior to the start of classes each semester.

Please complete a Voice Placement Form (pdf 28k) before auditioning.

 

Students can sign up for a 10 minute slot on the sign-up sheets posted on the bulletin board outside of PAC Room 127 (located in the lower level of the Performing Arts Center) or at the Music Department table in Atwood during Student Orientation.

Students should register for the choir of their choice and then go through the audition process. Students will be placed in the appropriate choir during the first week of classes. Altering ones class schedule during the first week of the semester is not uncommon, however if a student wishes advanced advice as to which choir is most appropriate, the conductors, if available, will be happy to meet with the student and offer suggestions. Choirs Ensemble Information (pdf 41k)

Voice Scholarships

The Choral Program has a number of scholarships established to assist students who are choral music education or vocal performance majors. Auditions for scholarships are generally held in mid February, with other times arranged as necessary. More information on voice scholarships

Dr. Marion Judish, Scholarship Committee Chair mjudish@stcloudstate.edu / (320) 308-3289

Private Voice Lessons

Private voice instruction and courses in diction and vocal pedagogy are provided at both the graduate and undergraduate level. Voice instructors Dr. Hugh Given and Dr. Catherine Verrilli maintain active careers as performers in addition to their teaching and involvement in opera theater productions.

All students, regardless of major, may take private voice lessons. Students will be strongly encouraged to participate in an SCSU choral ensemble concurrent with private lessons.  In addition, all lesson and ensemble credits count toward the Humanities general education distribution area for non-music majors. An application for private lessons may be submitted to the music department at any time. Private lesson application (pdf 33.9k)