University Choirs

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Choral students with director

University Chorus and Chamber Singers

The University Choirs consist of the University Chorus and the Chamber Singers, forming a vibrant and inclusive choral community at Colgate University.

About the University Chorus

The University Chorus is open to all members of the Colgate and Hamilton community, including students, faculty, and staff, regardless of musical background or major. The ensemble’s mission is to unite individuals with a shared passion for singing, fostering a community. Throughout the academic year, the University Chorus performs a wide range of repertoire, from traditional to contemporary works, ensuring a connection for everyone involved. Each semester, the group presents a major concert featuring diverse genres and styles, while also participating in tours that allow singers to share their music with wider audiences and explore new performance spaces. A hallmark of the University Chorus is its annual collaboration with the Hamilton College Choir, combining forces to present grand, large-scale concerts that celebrate the union of two musical communities. These performances are a highlight of the year, providing singers the experience of working with another ensemble and conductor on substantial works. Email Professor Lee for more information regarding Spring 2025 choral auditions. 

About the Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers stands out as a subset dedicated to performing sophisticated a cappella music. Comprising 12 to 16 members selected from the University Chorus, the Chamber Singers not only perform alongside the larger ensemble but also hold their own independent concerts. Last semester, they performed Monteverdi’s Lamento d’Arianna with professional vocalists. They have collaborated with Grammy-nominated ensembles like NY Polyphony and The Crossing and have had the honor of opening for figures such as Aretha Franklin and Vice President Joe Biden.

 

The Choirs offer opportunities for musical growth and community building, making them a cornerstone of Colgate’s cultural life. Whether seeking to improve vocal skills, explore challenging repertoire, or simply enjoy making music with others, the University Choirs is the place you are looking for! 

Joining the University Chorus

Auditions for the University Chorus are open to all students, faculty members, staff, and community members who have an interest in singing in a large, mixed-voice choir that performs a broad range of music. Singers of all levels and experiences are welcome in the University Chorus. However, some singers might benefit from private voice lessons before joining the University Chorus.

A simple, brief audition is required to participate in the University Chorus for purposes of vocal placement in the ensemble and for the director to get to know each singer vocally. No prepared material is necessary for the audition, which takes place privately in Dana M02 (office between 1st and 2nd floors). For the audition, each singer will sing through simple vocal exercises and sight-sing a brief musical excerpt. Those students interested in being considered for the Chamber Singers should indicate this on their audition forms; no separate audition is held for this choir.

Frequently Asked Questions

The University Chorus is open to all students, faculty members, staff, and community members after passing a brief, simple audition. It is a community for those who love music and wish to participate in a choral ensemble. Members of the community must be at least 18 years of age and post–high school. Participation in the Chamber Singers is limited to current Colgate students who have demonstrated both musical ability and dedication to the choral art.

Please contact Lorraine Joseph for details and the current rehearsal schedule.

Regular attendance at rehearsal in all choral ensembles is expected (see above for rehearsal times); however, we know that students at Colgate are engaged in a variety of activities, so there is some flexibility in working around occasional conflicts with rehearsals.

Students who participate in the University Chorus must register for a course and will receive credit. Students may register for:

MUSI 234 

  • open to any year student
  • S/U option, this will not count toward a student's total limit of S/Us over their Colgate career.  
  • students can repeat this 200 level up to 4 times (which will give them the 4-semester performance requirement).
  • if students want to continue, they can enroll at the 300 level.

 

or

 

MUSI 334 

  • open to any year student
  • letter grade option
  • if they are a junior or senior they can opt for an S/U, but that will count toward their Colgate career limit. 
  • students can repeat this course 4 times. If they want to continue beyond the 4 semesters, they can arrange with a faculty member to audit the class. 

Absolutely. Students are encouraged to be involved in a variety of music ensembles to have a well-rounded college music experience. Members of other singing groups and ensembles are most welcome in the Choral Ensembles, and there is some flexibility for accommodating scheduling conflicts.