Choirs

About Choirs at MSU Denver

Choirs at MSU Denver are open to any student on the Auraria Campus, regardless of major or institution of enrollment.

Chorale (Mixed Choir) | MUS 3280 | MW 12:30-2:20 pm | Audition Required – Sign Up

University Treble Choir | MUS 3821 | TR 12:30-1:45 pm | No Audition 

University Basso Choir | MUS 3822 | TR 12:30-1:45 pm | No Audition 

Audition Information

Auditions for Chorale for the Spring 2024 semester will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2023 in Arts 277J (the office of MB Krueger). Below are the audition materials, requirements, and expectations. Sign up here: SIGN UP

After you have signed up for an audition time, please fill out the Audition Form. Do not fill out the form prior to reserving your audition time.

 

Chorale Audition Materials

Singers auditioning for Chorale are expected to perform excerpts from Carmina Burana, beginning of movements 5 and 7. Please note that there are separate scores for soprano/alto and tenor/bass voices.  The excerpts are posted below. In addition to accuracy of pitches and rhythms, the audition committee will be particularly looking for appropriate dynamics and articulations in your performance. A language track is also provided below.

Sheet Music:

Carmina Burana excerpts for Soprano & Alto (PDF)

Carmina Burana excerpts for Tenor & Bass (PDF)

Language Track:

 

 

Chorale Audition Expectations

• Vocal Exercises: You will perform vocal exercises to display your range and tone quality.
• Tonal Recall: You will be given a series of notes to sing back on a neutral syllable in order to test your pitch and aural memory.
• Prepared Song: You will be provided with a song and rehearsal tracks to prepare for the audition (see Audition Materials above).
• Sight Reading: You will be asked to read a piece of music that you have not previously looked at. The use of solfege is highly encouraged.
• Other: In addition to all of the above, the panel will be listening for your tone color (breathy, strident, full, rich, brassy, vibrant, bright, dark, etc.) and your pitch accuracy (intonation) in all areas of the audition.

Audition Tips

• Please come well-prepared with your song. The audition panel takes into consideration not only the quality and intonation of your voice, but also your level of preparation and determination.
• Practice your sight reading and solfege skills ahead of time. Students who sight read well are more likely to place into an auditioned ensemble. Use of solfege is preferred, however if you are not proficient in the use of solfege, use a neutral syllable for your sight reading.
• If you are sick, nervous, or generally feeling like you are not performing your best during your audition, please keep this information to yourself and refrain from saying anything about it to the audition panel. It is normal to feel nervous during an audition, and the panel favors those who maintain a positive demeanor despite the influence of nerves.
• Be confident and assume you will be successful!

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For more information, please contact: Professor MB Krueger at [email protected].