Choral Ensembles and Audition Guidelines

PFMU-3800 Concert Chorale | 0-1 credit |  Meets MWF, 3:00 - 3:50

Dr. Lyle Anderson, Director       

The Concert Chorale has a membership of fifty auditioned singers including music majors as well as students from many academic majors. Repertoire is chosen from a wide spectrum of musical styles: choral masterpieces, sacred classics, spirituals, popular music, and contemporary anthems. Emphasizing excellence in choral musicianship for the glory of God, the Chorale presents several performances each year on campus as well as in churches, schools, and civic venues. Women members purchase a performance dress and men purchase a standard black tuxedo, both of which are usable for multiple years. The Chorale has toured in the Czech Republic, Austria, Puerto Rico, England, France, Switzerland, Ireland, China, Portugal, Poland, Scotland and has sung at Carnegie Hall in New York. A performance/ministry trip to surrounding states is scheduled each year.

PFMU-3840 Women’s Choir | 0-1 credit | Meets MWF, 2:00 - 2:50

Professor Beth Porter, Director        

Composed of fifty women representing many states and a variety of academic majors, Women’s Choir is a creative way to enrich the Cedarville experience. The Women’s Choir maintains an active concert schedule on the Cedarville University campus and beyond. The concert experiences are undergirded by a rigorous rehearsal schedule which strengthen the bonds of friendship and fellowship in Jesus Christ. In addition to on-campus concerts and ministry in churches and schools, the Women's Choir has been invited to sing at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City. Audiences praise the ensemble for its superb music-making and Christian witness. Members are expected to practice outside class with their assigned small group each week for 1 hour. Members purchase a concert gown (worn multiple years) and a sweatshirt (yearly). 

PFMU-3210 Jubilate | 0-1 credit |  Meets MW, 3:30-5:00

Dr. Roger O’Neel, Director    

Jubilate is a worship leading choir of 65 students selected by audition. We seek musicians and singers with a heart for worship and a desire for excellence. Repertoire is selected from a wide cross-section of current musical genres focusing on strong arrangements of the best in worship songs and contemporary choral anthems. Worship events are presented on campus, in area churches, and on a scheduled Spring tour. Members purchase a choir outfit for approximately $50-$80.

PFMU-3650 01 Madrigal Choir | 0-1 credit | Meets M, 8:30pm-10:00

Dr. Austin Jaquith, Director          

Madrigal Choir is a chamber choir focusing on a cappella music of the renaissance as well as the present day.  Because of the challenging nature of the literature, members must possess excellent reading abilities for this ensemble. Outside practice and preparation is required. Singers who desire to audition should contact Dr. Austin Jaquith by email at ajaquith@cedarville.edu.

General Information

Upon acceptance into a choral ensemble, the student may enroll in the course for “0” (zero) or 1 (one) credit per semester. If the ensemble is taken for one credit, the student receives one credit hour and also receives a letter grade. Those opting to take the class for zero credit will receive the grade of either “CR” (credit) or “NR” (no credit). Course requirements are identical regardless of the credit option chosen. Membership in a group is expected to include BOTH semesters of an academic year. Choral ensemble members are expected to refine music outside of rehearsals. Extra rehearsals are occasionally scheduled for collaborative performances.

Music Department Choral Audition Guidelines

Auditions for choral organizations are open to the entire student body.  Each audition consists of a four-minute interview involving the following:

         1.  The singing  (a capella) of a portion of a classical song, church song, or a hymn selected by the                          student. 

         2.  The music sight-reading of a portion of a solo or choral piece.

         3.  A brief vocalization to determine the applicant’s effective singing range (if necessary).

Applicants should be able to read music reasonably well and demonstrate comfortable tone production.