Choral Auditions

Thank you for your interest in the University of Minnesota Choirs. We have five different choral ensembles that serve a range of experience and ability and provide a place for all singers interested in singing in a choir. If you have any questions, please email us at ensemble@umn.edu.

There are two different types of choral ensembles at the University of Minnesota: Auditioned Ensembles and Non-Auditioned Campus Singers Ensembles. All of our ensembles are open to all students, regardless of major or college affiliation. 

Auditioned Ensembles

Experienced singers with a significant background in choral singing looking for a rigorous and exciting musical experience will find our auditioned ensembles most rewarding. Auditioned ensembles usually perform in 3 to 4 concerts each semester and may also be called to perform for special concerts and conducting recitals. These ensembles include:

  • MUS 3230, section 001- Women's Chorus, meets MW 3:35 – 5:05 pm
  • MUS 5240, section 001 - University Singers, meets MWF 12:45 – 2:15 pm

All students interested in joining University Singers or Women’s Chorus for the first time must audition. Returning University Singers and Women’s Chorus students need not audition.

Spring 2024 Audition Information

Spring 2024 choral auditions will take place in person in early December. Students already enrolled in an auditioned ensemble in Fall 2023 do not need to reaudition. See audition times below.

Date Time Room
Wednesday, December 6 9:30am - 12:00pm Ferguson Hall 16

To request an audition time, please fill out the audition sign up form. Course registration will occur upon completion of a successful audition. 

Auditioned ensembles begin spring rehearsals the week of January 16, 2024.

2023-24 Choral Audition Requirements

  • Prepare a 2-3 minute accompanied solo of your choice. The selection can be in any language and drawn from the following:
    • folk, popular, art, or original songs
    • hymns or patriotic songs
    • excerpt from opera / oratorio solo arias or musical theater solo songs
  • Bring your music to your audition; a piano accompanist will be provided.
  • Prepare Exercise 3 from the UMN Audition Vocalises Sheet
    • You will also be asked to vocalize and sing tonal memory exercises.

Non-Auditioned Ensembles

Any student can register for any of the Campus Singers sections or Gospel Choir without audition.  Register early, as these ensembles often fill up. Ensembles include:

  • MUS 3200, section 001 - Campus Singers Gold (Mixed Ensemble) meets Tuesday/Thursday from 12:15 – 1:15 pm
  • MUS 3200, section 002 - Campus Singers Maroon (Mixed Ensemble), meets Mondays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
  • MUS 3380, section 001 - Gospel Choir (Mixed Ensemble), meets Tuesdays from 6:00 – 8:00 pm