Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Washington State University
College of Arts and Sciences School of Music

Vocal/Choral Ensemble Auditions

Auditions for Fall 2023 are now complete. 
The information below is for reference only. Information for vocal ensemble auditions for fall 2024 will be updated in spring of 2024. 

 

We recommend enrolling for the course (ensemble) for which you hope to join. That way, you will have the time for your ideal ensemble free in your schedule. Here are the days and times for our ensembles:

Concert Choir (MUS 431) meets Mon, Tues, Wed, & Thurs, 2:10-3:00pm (auditioned)

Opera Workshop (MUS 428) meets Mon & Wed, 3:10-5:00pm in fall and Mon & Wed, 3:10-6:00pm in spring

Chamber Singers (MUS 433) meets Tues & Thurs, 12:10 – 1:25pm (auditioned)

University Singers (MUS 432) meets Mon, Wed, & Fri, 1:10-2:00pm (non-auditioned)

Treble Choir (MUS 430) meets Tues & Thurs, 3:10-4:25pm (non-auditioned)

For a quick overview of all our vocal ensembles, click HERE.

University Singers and Treble Choir are not auditioned; interested singers can just sign up.

Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Opera Workshop require an audition.

Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Opera Workshop, and Voice Lesson Auditions

Auditions will take place on Friday, August 18; Saturday, August 19; and Sunday August 20.

The same audition can determine your eligibility for voice lessons, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and Opera Workshop. No matter your audition, you will be placed in an ensemble.

Singers who audition for the WSU Chamber Singers must be available for a call-back audition on Monday August 21 from 5 – 6pm. These call-back auditions will be by invite only and will be determined during your initial audition. For more information on call-back auditions, please contact Dr. Dean Luethi.

Information about Auditions:

  1. Vocalization: Students will sing short “warm-up style” exercises. These will help us determine your vocal range.
  2. Prepared Piece: Students will sing a selection of their choice. A pianist will be provided (please bring music for the pianist) but you can also sing without accompaniment.
  3. Tonal Memory: Students will perform pitch memory exercises. We will play a short melody and ask for you to repeat this melody on “la.” This enables us to determine your short-term ability to retain a melody.
  4. Sight Singing: Students will sing a short selection at sight. This short sample will allow us to determine your ability to sight-read. Students can choose any syllable they wish, including sol-fa. Note, the committee does not use sight-singing ability as its sole measure of a talented musician.

Some tips and insights:

  1. We are excited to hear you and want you to do well. No matter your audition, we will assign you an ensemble!
  2. If you have an idea of the ensemble in which you’d like to sing, sign up for that ensemble on your schedule. This will save the time in case your audition is successful!
  3. Choose a selection to sing that best shows off your voice.
  4. Try to warm-up before the audition. This will allow you to perform your best. Don’t want to sing out loud in your dorm? Try some gentle humming in preparation for your audition.
  5. We do realize that sight-singing is scary. Do your best. We often see your skill even if there are errors.