The Lehigh University Choir is a very active force on campus. The 60 mixed voices of the Choir are auditioned at the beginning of the academic year, and are drawn from all majors of the University.
The Choir performs frequently with orchestra, including the major works of J.S. Bach (the B-minor Mass, Magnificat, and a staged version of the Matthauspassion with Baroque orchestra) and has been featured in concert with the Grammy-Award winning ensemble, Chanticleer. The Choir has been heard on National Public Radio, performing works from the medieval to modern eras, with many new works written specifically for them. They tour internationally, with recent tours to China, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Past tours include Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Berlin; California; the Virgin Islands; Austria and Hungary; France; and East Asia.
Audition Information for the Fall 2009 Semester
Most students who audition will do so on move-in day, Thursday, August 21, 2009. Orientation check-in occurs from 9:00AM to 3:00PM and your Choral Arts audition will take place during that period as well. It is recommend you set up an audition time slot with the student recruitment manager, Ellie Woods (elw211 [at] lehigh.edu) before your arrival. Please review the tentative orientation schedule in early August and plan accordingly with your family. We recommend you audition earlier in the day rather than later. If you cannot sign up for an audition via email, we will have choir students at check-in to help you sign up for a time slot.
For those of you who live close to campus you are welcome to audition prior to move-in day. Auditions will also be held earlier in the week. Keep in mind this is only encouraged if you are within driving distance of Lehigh's campus. Students who audition on Monday or Tuesday do not have any particular advantage over those who audition on Thursday, and visa versa. If you are interested in auditioning early, feel free to contact Ellie for more information.
During the Audition
Auditions are held on the third floor of the Zoellner Arts Center, 420 Packard Avenue, on Lehigh's campus.
- Arrive 15 minutes early
- Each audition lasts about ten minutes
- Your parents are welcome!
The audition is not stressful or intimidating! You sing in a room with nothing but a piano and Doc, who does a great job making your feel comfortable. If you study voice and have a piece that you enjoy singing, feel free to bring it with you. Doc will take you through some vocalization and ear training to get a feel for your sound. Results are posted that night, the 21st, at 8PM in Zoellner's main lobby. It is very important to check the results that night. Typically, about half of those who audition are admitted into the Choral Union and half are admitted into University Choir. Each ensemble is a 1-credit course and sign ups for credit are done during the first week of class.
After the Audition
Students who are admitted into University Choir participate in the first concert of the school year in front of the entire first-year class during the University Convocation on Sunday, August 24th. So, even before your first class of the year, many of you will already begin your singing careers at Lehigh. To prepare for this concert, the entire University Choir departs on Friday, August 22nd for the Choral Retreat, which is one of the longest standing traditions in Lehigh Choral Arts history. Students will return on Sunday the 24th to perform in Packer Church for the University Convocation.
The Retreat is held on camp grounds only thirty minutes from Bethlehem. The weekend gives the freshly assembled choir an opportunity to get to know one another in a relaxed atmosphere through rehearsals and leisure activities. It is important that all students admitted into University Choir come to the retreat to prepare for Sunday's concert.
Rest assured, the University is an advocate of its choir program and our annual retreat. First-year students who attend the retreat will also attend a make-up orientation during the first week of classes which will integrate all the essential components of the original orientation schedule. Details will be provided during your audition. Generations of choir freshmen have attended and benefited from the opportunity it gave them to meet and talk with upperclassmen.
Under Construction
This page is currently under construction, and will be up sometime in the near future. We apologize for any inconvenience in the meantime.
Under Construction
This page is currently under construction, and will be up sometime in the near future. We apologize for any inconvenience in the meantime.
Under Construction
This page is currently under construction, and will be up sometime in the near future. We apologize for any inconvenience in the meantime.
