2024 Choral Audition Requirements

Choral auditions will be held live and via pre-recorded video, depending on the ensemble. For the Motet Choir and Rockefeller Chapel Choir, all new and returning singers are required to audition live. For the University Chorus and Women's Ensemble, new singers must submit a pre-recorded video audition. Singers returning to UChorus or Women's Ensemble will not be required to audition or submit a video, but they MUST complete the online registration form.

• Choral audition dates: Virtual submissions begin September 16, live auditions are held September 29 & 30 and October 1
• Deadline to register for a choral audition: September 30
• Deadline to submit a virtual audition: October 1

Register for an audition HERE.

• Be sure to furnish all information required on the audition form.
• At the beginning of your video, clearly state your name, your voice part, and your preferred ensemble(s). 
• Your audition video must include the following components, with the first two items in a single continuous video: 
  • A vocalization track
    • Play the vocalization prompt (softly) in the background, and sing along in full voice, OR: 
    • Listen to the vocalization prompt on headphones, and sing along, recording only your own voice. 
  • A sing-through of the furnished excerpt 
    • A recording of background chords is also available, and you may choose to sing along with the background chords if you wish (though it is not required). If you are singing along to the chords, please use headphones so the recording showcases JUST your voice.
  • (Optional) A short recording of some prepared song or vocal excerpt, which can be uploaded in a separate video. Please state the name and composer of the excerpt before you begin. 
• Your audition video should be no more than 6 minutes in combined duration and should be ONE audition video. You may splice videos together or do it all in one take. Upload as directed on the registration form. 

• Auditions will last approximately 7 minutes for returning singers and 10 minutes for new singers.
• The audition itself will consist of the following:
  1. Vocalization to determine voice range and to evaluate pitch accuracy and vowel purity.
  2. Pitch memory exercises and brief sight-reading of one or two melodic phrases.
• Experienced singers with previous vocal training may prepare a short solo excerpt, but this is not required. 

• Rosters for all ensembles, including recalls for Motet Choir, will be emailed to auditionees.
• Attendance at the first rehearsal of each ensemble, as announced on the posted rosters, is mandatory. 
• Be sure to check ALL of the acceptance lists carefully, as you may not be placed in your first-choice ensemble.

• Ensemble directors aren't looking for a professional quality recording or a pristine performance. They just want to get to know you and hear how you sing, so choose audition repertoire that will allow you to put your best foot forward.  
• For tips on recording an audition video, see our basic recording guide here.