The University of Texas at Austin
Chamber Singers
Dr. James Morrow, conductor
The UT Chamber Singers have been one of the premiere North American collegiate choral ensembles for nearly half a century, having been organized in 1957 by Dr. Morris J. Beachy. Since that time they have traveled extensively throughout the United States and much of Europe, the Middle East, and South America. Their most recent concert tour was to Brazil where they performed in historic venues in São Paolo and Rio de Janeiro. Recent performances include Terry Riley’s Sun Rings with the Kronos Quartet, Delius’ Appalachia with conductor Gunther Schuller, the North American premiere and first complete recording of Brazilian composer José Maurício Nunes Garcia’s Missa de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, and concerts in 2005 for both the American Choral Directors Association National Convention in Los Angeles and the Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio. In 2006, they recorded a compact disc of American choral music on the Naxos label. In January 2007, they will record a disc of Christmas music in the Great Hall of the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum on the UT campus, and in May of that same year they will record a second disc of American choral music for Naxos.
How to Join
With six ensembles and nationally recognized faculty, the UT Choirs offers students an outstanding opportunity to make music at an elite level and to develop lasting friendships. You do not need to be a music major to participate in one of our choirs; in fact, well over half of all UT choral singers are non-music majors. We invite you to schedule an audition and become part of the tradition of great choral music at The University of Texas.
SCHEDULING AN AUDITION
General choral auditions, which cover Chamber Singers, Concert Chorale, Men's Chorus, and Women's Chorus (excluding Longhorn Singers and Choral Arts Society) will be held from August 21st-25th (Sunday-Tuesday). Audition slots are 8 minutes and are held in the Ensembles Office, MBE 2.116FA for non-majors and in the Recital Studio, MRH 2.604 for music majors. You will need to provide us with your name, voice part, major and email address.
How to sign up for an audition:
Please visit the board outside of the Ensembles Suite, MBE 2.116 and sign up for an available 8-minute time slot on one of the four audition dates.
This list will be posted on Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
For all choirs except for Choral Arts Society and the Longhorn Singers, you DO NOT need to bring a piece to sing. You will be tested on pitch, sight-singing as well as aural skills.
Choral Arts Society auditions will be held on Tuesday, August 18th from 3pm-9pm. Audition slots are 10 minutes and are held in the Ensemble Office, MBE 2.116. You will need to bring a short piece to sing (aria, an excerpt from an oratorio, etc.), there will be an accompanist provided. For further information about the Choral Arts Society please contact Dr. John Wiles at john_wiles@mail.utexas.edu
Longhorn Singers Auditions will be held Tuesday, August 25th from 9am-Noon and 1pm-3pm. You will need to prepare a song you can sing a cappella; any song that you feel highlights your voice. Most choose a show tune or pop tune. Longhorn Singers does cabaret style shows, which highlight solos and small groups as well as larger group performances. Dance choreography, set design, and costuming are all a part of their activities. For audition information about the Longhorn Singers please contact Haley Vincent at utlonghornsingers@gmail.com.
FOR INFORMATION
Ensembles Office, MBE 2.116A
School of Music
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX 78712
Phone: 512-471-0806
Email: ensembles@mail.music.utexas.edu