FAQ - Sing At OSU

Question:  Do you have to be a music major to sing in a choir?
Answer:  No. In fact, of the 200 singers who sang last year, most were students from other academic disciplines who joined a choir because they loved to sing. 

Question:  Can I earn academic credit while singing in choir?
Answer:  Yes. Each of our choirs offer academic credit, and several offer up to two-hours per term. 

Question:  How much time will it take to sing in a choir?
Answer:  It depends on what choir you join. Chamber Choir, the most select choir, has the greatest number of rehearsal hours per week and the greatest number of out-of-class commitments. Bella Voce, and Meistersingers also require out of class commitments, but significantly fewer than Chamber Choir. University Chorale has the least amount of rehearsal time and the least amount of time commitment. 

Question:  If I sing in a choir, do I need to sing all year, or can I just sing for one term?
Answer:  It depends. Chamber Choir, Bella Voce, and Meistersingers require or strongly encourage a full-year commitment. University Chorale welcomes new students each term. 

Question:  Do I need to have singing experience to join a choir?

Answer:  No. We frequently have students who have never sung in a choir.  College is a wonderful time to broaden your experience and try new things.  Singing in a choir can help you become comfortable with your singing voice in a setting that is not intimidating.  It is also a great way to make new friends. 

Question:  Can a freshman be selected for Chamber Choir?
Answer:  Chamber Choir is not likely to accept students in their first year of college, although transfer students will be considered. College is a new experience and students who aspire to this ensemble should not be discouraged, but use the year to improve their skills and place themselves in the position to be considered next year. 

Question:  What kind of concerts and activities are involved?
Answer:  The year is full of concerts and tours. Each year in December, Chamber Choir, Bella Voce, and Meistersingers join the OSU-Corvallis Symphony Orchestra for a Holiday Concert. The choirs all take retreats and tours. For example, this Spring the Chamber Choir will tour Southern Oregon and Southern California, and Bella Voce and the Meistersingers are touring to Hawaii. In 2011, the Chamber Choir is scheduled to tour China. The year also includes many social get-togethers and weekend retreats. While the music and rehearsals are challenging, many of our students find that their experience in choir is the highlight of their college experience. 

Question:  So where and when are the auditions?
Answer:  Auditions are held in Benton Hall on just prior to the beginning of school. You need to audition if you are interested in performing with OSU Chamber Choir, Bella Voce, and Opera Workshop. If you are interested in taking voice lessons these are also the auditions for placement with a teacher. I suggest that you call ahead (541.737.4061, music@oregonstate.edu.