There is a place for you in a choir whether you are a community member, a student of any major or a music major!
The Choral program in the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre celebrates the joy of singing in community and empowers choir members to become creative leaders who transform society through singing and through choral music.
We are committed to meeting the needs of our choral community by:
The Choral program respects and celebrates each person's individuality, removing barriers and welcoming all, without regard to age, color, creed, gender, physical ability, race, sexual preference, or any other trait or identity.
Community members and students of all majors are welcome to sing in ASU choirs!
The choral culture at ASU is grounded in principles of collaboration and exchange of ideas in which all members’ input is sought and valued. We seek to foster relationships within ensembles, among ASU choirs, and with the university, the region, and beyond.
Choirs are diverse and purposeful. We make it a priority to learn about the pieces we choose to sing. Because of this, time together is spent learning not just the notes on the page, but also exploring their context, relevance and importance.
Participating in choirs refines the members’ musicianship, prepares students for a lifetime of choral singing, whether in professional or volunteer capacities, and provides fulfilling musical experiences for all involved.
In the process of training highly qualified musicians to become conductors, the doctoral conducting program examines the power dynamic between the conductor and the ensemble and the role of the conductor in the 21st century. We cultivate a collaborative and constructive leadership style that recognizes the contributions of each choir member and considers thoughtfully the role of choral music in our society. Students develop a thorough knowledge of repertory, incorporate an understanding of the cultural and analytical issues underlying the music, and improve their expertise in vocal technique and pedagogy. They learn to apply this knowledge in rehearsal and performance with an understanding of effective rehearsal technique and clear, expressive conducting technique. Doctoral students receive considerable individual attention and have regular opportunities to rehearse and conduct ensembles.
Undergraduate courses in conducting prepare students for the next step in their musical development, whether to undertake advanced study in conducting at the graduate level or to apply their skills in school music programs and with community choirs. Courses emphasize the development of a sound, basic technique in conducting and introduce the issues of analysis, performance practice, vocal technique and rehearsal technique.
Through its public performances and outreach activities, the Choral Program serves as an ambassador for ASU, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Outreach activities include bringing students and members of the community onto the ASU campus, music ensembles performing regularly off campus, and faculty guest conducting, presenting workshops and clinics and publishing in major journals.
Community members and students of all majors are welcome to sing in ASU choirs! For more information and registration, select the category that applies to you from the choices below.
Do I have to be a student to participate?
ASU choirs enthusiastically welcome members of the community, including ASU faculty and staff members, Mirabella residents, and area residents. Mirabella residents can enroll in a choir free of charge by registering for the course. If you are not enrolled in the choir as a course, you pay a participation fee each semester. Another option is to register as a non-degree student. Here's how to apply:
Non-degree undergraduate application procedures
Non-degree graduate application procedures
How do I choose a group?
Each choir is described on the web pages. Make sure the group you are interested in meets your needs and fits your schedule.
We want you to be in the ensemble that will be best for you! So if you audition for one and we feel another group would serve you better, we will refer you to the conductor of that group for a follow-up hearing. Community members generally sing in the Choral Union. Gospel Choir, Arizona Statesmen, and Sol Singers also welcome community members.
May I sing in more than one choir?
Yes! You are welcome to sing in as many groups as fits your schedule! You would be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of any group you are signed up for. We do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts between choirs, so this is not usually an issue. When conflicts arise, we prioritize concerts, then dress rehearsals, then regular rehearsals. (So, for example, if you have a concert for a group that conflicts with a dress rehearsal for another, you’d go to the concert. If you had a dress rehearsal for one group and a regular rehearsal for another, you’d go to the dress rehearsal, and so on.)
When do entrance hearings take place?
These begin a few days before the start of classes each semester and continue into the first few days of the term. We generally send email about auditions around August 1 for the coming school year; spring semester auditions happen individually and are scheduled with the group’s director listed in the descriptions.
What does the hearing entail?
This varies from group to group; contact the ensemble’s director (given in the description) for specific information.
How do I sign up for a hearing?
Contact the director of the specific group that interests you at the email address given in the ensemble description. You may also write to ASUChoirs@asu.edu to reach the staff member who assists the choral program.
Do I have to be a music major to sing in an ASU choral ensemble?
No! All ensembles are open to all students and to members of the community. Admission to choirs is by entrance hearing. Specific information about what is required is given in the description for each group, or you can contact the group’s director by email (given in the group description).
How do I choose a group?
Each choir is described on the web pages. Make sure the group you are interested in fits your schedule.
We want you to be in the ensemble that will be best for you! So if you audition for one and we feel another group would serve you better, we will refer you to the conductor of that group for a follow-up hearing. Music majors are typically heard for Concert Choir. There are some non-music majors in Concert Choir, but generally, non-music majors sing in the Barrett Choir, Choral Union, Gospel Choir Arizona Statesmen, or Sol Singers.
Timeline
This is the best process:
How do I find my ensemble in the ASU schedule of classes?
Course numbers for each of the ensembles are given in the group descriptions. Most ensembles are available for 1 or 2 credits. Be sure to choose the appropriate number of credits when you register (see next question).
Should I enroll for 1 or 2 credits?
As a general rule, sign up for 2 credits if you have room for them in your schedule. This more accurately reflects the time spent in ensemble. If signing up for 2 credits creates an overload or additional expense, you may enroll for 1 credit.
The registration system will not let me enroll in choir. What should I do?
If you are unable to register, email the director of the ensemble with your name and 10-digit ASU ID number. We will make a notation on your record that will allow you to add choir to your schedule. We will let you know when the record change is complete; you can then register for the class (we can’t do it for you).
May I sing in more than one choir?
Yes! You are welcome to sing in as many groups as fits your schedule! You would be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of any group you are signed up for. We do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts between choirs, so this is not usually an issue. When conflicts arise, we prioritize concerts, then dress rehearsals, then regular rehearsals. (So, for example, if you have a concert for a group that conflicts with a dress rehearsal for another, you’d go to the concert. If you had a dress rehearsal for one group and a regular rehearsal for another, you’d go to the dress rehearsal, and so on.)
When do entrance hearings take place?
These begin a few days before the start of classes each semester and continue into the first few days of the term. We generally send email about auditions around August 1 for the coming school year; spring semester auditions happen individually and are scheduled with the group’s director listed in the descriptions.
What does the hearing entail?
This varies from group to group; contact the ensemble’s director (given in the description) for specific information.
How do I sign up for a hearing?
Contact the director of the specific group that interests you at the email address given in the ensemble description. You may also write to ASUChoirs@asu.edu to reach the staff member who assists the choral program.
What if I have (or have not) enrolled in choir already?
We recommend that you enroll in the ensemble that most interests you so that you receive all relevant information about auditions and the first rehearsals.
What happens if I’m not accepted to my first-choice group?
Every student has the right to be heard for the ensemble of their choice. The faculty will recommend the best placement for you. If we recommend something other than your first-choice choir, you will need to adjust your schedule. You have until the 21st day of classes to do this. While sometimes other classes conflict with choir rehearsal times, there are often alternatives, so speak to an advisor before you decide that you can’t accept placement in the choir(s) we recommend for you. If you cannot arrange your schedule to accept your choir placement, you may wait until the next semester to join the choir, with approval of the conductor.
If I am interested in becoming a music major or minor, how do I apply?
Here’s how to apply to become a music major:
Undergraduate Music Application Procedures
Graduate Music Application Procedures
Here’s how to apply to become a music minor:
Music Minor Application Procedures
Do you have a question that is not answered here?
Email one of the following:
Incoming students should enroll in Concert Choir, MUP 443 (graduate students, choose MUP 543). After entrance hearings at the beginning of the semester, you may have to adjust this registration (see below).
How do I choose an ensemble?
If you have a voice-choral scholarship, the choral faculty consults with you and uses a hearing to determine your ensemble placement. We base placement on your current level of vocal development, musicianship, and educational needs. We also consider the needs of the program as a whole. Please register for MUP 443 and adjust it later if necessary.
What if only one choir fits my schedule?
Placement in choir for voice-choral scholarship holders and music majors is primarily based on skill level and your ability to contribute to the group, not on availability. Please hold Monday and Wednesday 4:30 - 5:45 p.m., Monday from 7:30 - 9:15 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 1 - 2:45 p.m. open until after entrance hearings are complete. (These take place on the first two days of classes in the fall; we usually send out results on Saturday of the first week.) Consider registering for alternative courses that you will drop if they conflict with your eventual choir placement.
Should I enroll for 1 or 2 credits?
As a general rule, sign up for 2 credits if you have room for them in your schedule. This more accurately reflects the time spent in ensemble. If signing up for 2 credits creates an overload or additional expense, you may enroll for 1 credit.
The registration system will not let me enroll in choir. What should I do?
If you are unable to register, email David Schildkret, director of choral activities with your name and 10-digit ASU ID number. We will make a notation on your record that will allow you to add choir to your schedule. We will let you know when the record change is complete; you can then register for the class (we can’t do it for you).
How do I set my lesson and work schedule?
Please wait to establish a final lesson and work schedule until all ensemble placements are complete. (Remember also to take into consideration the schedule of concerts and any extra scheduled rehearsals). We make every effort to complete the placement process quickly, knowing that many other areas of your schedule are affected. We typically announce the results the day following the last hearings.
I’m a voice-choral scholarship student. What if I have a class that conflicts with the ensemble in which I’ve been placed?
Please do not make any plans that interfere with the rehearsals of any of the groups until you know where you have been placed. You may need to adjust your class or work schedule accordingly. Music classes rarely conflict with choir; courses in other departments usually have alternatives that will make your schedule work. Consult with an advisor to arrange your schedule to include your ensemble placement. We accommodate student teachers by placing them in the Choral Union for the semester during which they are student teaching.
What happens if I’m not accepted to my first-choice group?
Every student has the right to be heard for the ensemble of their choice. The faculty will recommend the best placement for you. If we recommend something other than your first-choice choir, you will need to adjust your schedule. You have until the 21st day of classes to do this. While sometimes other classes conflict with choir rehearsal times, there are often alternatives, so speak to an advisor before you decide that you can’t accept placement in the choir(s) we recommend for you.
May I sing in more than one choir?
Yes! You are welcome to sing in as many groups as fits your schedule! You would be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of any group you are signed up for. We do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts between choirs, so this is not usually an issue.
I’m a musical theatre or opera major. What happens when I’m in shows?
We work very closely with the Music Theatre and Opera Program (MTO) to avoid schedule conflicts with on-campus shows. We usually work these out in advance and let you know where you’re expected to be. When conflicts arise, we prioritize performances, then dress rehearsals, then regular rehearsals. (So, for example, if you have an MTO performance that conflicts with a choir dress rehearsal, you’d go to the performance. If you had a dress rehearsal for MTO and a regular rehearsal for choir, you’d go to the dress rehearsal, and so on.)
Note: Off-campus performances require permission and accommodations in advance. See the MTO program for more information. We do not automatically excuse you from a required ensemble rehearsal or performance because of a conflict with an off-campus show. Discuss this with the ensemble director before you accept a role in an off-campus production.
When do entrance hearings take place?
The choral faculty hears all voice-choral scholarship students and music majors the first two days of the fall semester. We send information about what to prepare and how to schedule a hearing sometime around August 1. Be sure you are enrolled in a choir to receive this information.
What should I prepare for the hearing?
Plan to sing a 2-minute selection of your choice. Choose something that you love to sing (any style) and that shows your voice to best advantage. This can be with piano (we provide a pianist; please bring an extra copy of the music), with some other kind of accompaniment that you provide, or without accompaniment--as you choose. We’d like to hear expression and commitment in your singing and also an ability to adapt your voice to sound good singing with others.
We may ask you to sight-sing or vocalize.
Do you have a question that is not answered here?
Email one of the following:
Incoming students should enroll in Concert Choir, MUP 443 (graduate students, choose MUP 543). After entrance hearings at the beginning of the semester, you may have to adjust this registration (see below).
How do I choose an ensemble?
If you have a voice-choral scholarship, the choral faculty consults with you and uses a hearing to determine your ensemble placement. We base placement on your current level of vocal development, musicianship, and educational needs. We also consider the needs of the program as a whole. Please register for MUP 443 and adjust it later if necessary.
What if only one choir fits my schedule?
Placement in choir for voice-choral scholarship holders and music majors is primarily based on skill level and your ability to contribute to the group, not on availability. Please hold Monday and Wednesday 4:30 - 5:45 p.m., Monday from 7:30 - 9:15 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 1 - 2:45 p.m. open until after entrance hearings are complete. (These take place on the first two days of classes in the fall; we usually send out results on Saturday of the first week.) Consider registering for alternative courses that you will drop if they conflict with your eventual choir placement.
Should I enroll for 1 or 2 credits?
As a general rule, sign up for 2 credits if you have room for them in your schedule. This more accurately reflects the time spent in ensemble. If signing up for 2 credits creates an overload or additional expense, you may enroll for 1 credit.
The registration system will not let me enroll in choir. What should I do?
If you are unable to register, email David Schildkret, director of choral activities with your name and 10-digit ASU ID number. We will make a notation on your record that will allow you to add choir to your schedule. We will let you know when the record change is complete; you can then register for the class (we can’t do it for you).
How do I set my lesson and work schedule?
Please wait to establish a final lesson and work schedule until all ensemble placements are complete. (Remember also to take into consideration the schedule of concerts and any extra scheduled rehearsals). We make every effort to complete the placement process quickly, knowing that many other areas of your schedule are affected. We typically announce the results the day following the last hearings.
I’m a voice-choral scholarship student. What if I have a class that conflicts with the ensemble in which I’ve been placed?
Please do not make any plans that interfere with the rehearsals of any of the groups until you know where you have been placed. You may need to adjust your class or work schedule accordingly. Music classes rarely conflict with choir; courses in other departments usually have alternatives that will make your schedule work. Consult with an advisor to arrange your schedule to include your ensemble placement. We accommodate student teachers by placing them in the Choral Union for the semester during which they are student teaching.
What happens if I’m not accepted to my first-choice group?
Every student has the right to be heard for the ensemble of their choice. The faculty will recommend the best placement for you. If we recommend something other than your first-choice choir, you will need to adjust your schedule. You have until the 21st day of classes to do this. While sometimes other classes conflict with choir rehearsal times, there are often alternatives, so speak to an advisor before you decide that you can’t accept placement in the choir(s) we recommend for you.
May I sing in more than one choir?
Yes! You are welcome to sing in as many groups as fits your schedule! You would be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of any group you are signed up for. We do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts between choirs, so this is not usually an issue.
I’m a musical theatre or opera major. What happens when I’m in shows?
We work very closely with the Music Theatre and Opera Program (MTO) to avoid schedule conflicts with on-campus shows. We usually work these out in advance and let you know where you’re expected to be. When conflicts arise, we prioritize performances, then dress rehearsals, then regular rehearsals. (So, for example, if you have an MTO performance that conflicts with a choir dress rehearsal, you’d go to the performance. If you had a dress rehearsal for MTO and a regular rehearsal for choir, you’d go to the dress rehearsal, and so on.)
Note: Off-campus performances require permission and accommodations in advance. See the MTO program for more information. We do not automatically excuse you from a required ensemble rehearsal or performance because of a conflict with an off-campus show. Discuss this with the ensemble director before you accept a role in an off-campus production.
When do entrance hearings take place?
The choral faculty hears all voice-choral scholarship students and music majors the first two days of the fall semester. We send information about what to prepare and how to schedule a hearing sometime around August 1. Be sure you are enrolled in a choir to receive this information.
What should I prepare for the hearing?
Plan to sing a 2-minute selection of your choice. Choose something that you love to sing (any style) and that shows your voice to best advantage. This can be with piano (we provide a pianist; please bring an extra copy of the music), with some other kind of accompaniment that you provide, or without accompaniment--as you choose. We’d like to hear expression and commitment in your singing and also an ability to adapt your voice to sound good singing with others.
We may ask you to sight-sing or vocalize.
Do you have a question that is not answered here?
Email one of the following:
I am a music major, but I am not required to sing in a choir. May I still join?
Yes! ASU choirs are open to all students, regardless of major. Admission to choirs is by entrance hearing. Specific information about what is required is given in the description for each group, or you can contact the group’s director by email (given in the group description).
How do I choose a group?
Each choir is described on the web pages. Make sure the group you are interested in fits your schedule.
We want you to be in the ensemble that will be best for you! So if you audition for one and we feel another group would serve you better, we will refer you to the conductor of that group for a follow-up hearing.
Timeline
This is the best process:
How do I find my ensemble in the ASU schedule of classes?
Course numbers for each of the ensembles are given in the group descriptions. Most ensembles are available for 1 or 2 credits. Be sure to choose the appropriate number of credits when you register (see next question).
Should I enroll for 1 or 2 credits?
As a general rule, sign up for 2 credits if you have room for them in your schedule. This more accurately reflects the time spent in ensemble. If signing up for 2 credits creates an overload or additional expense, you may enroll for 1 credit.
The registration system will not let me enroll in choir. What should I do?
If you are unable to register, email the director of the ensemble with your name and 10-digit ASU ID number. We will make a notation on your record that will allow you to add choir to your schedule. We will let you know when the record change is complete; you can then register for the class (we can’t do it for you).
May I sing in more than one choir?
Yes! You are welcome to sing in as many groups as fits your schedule! You would be expected to attend all rehearsals and performances of any group you are signed up for. We do our best to avoid scheduling conflicts between choirs, so this is not usually an issue. When conflicts arise, we prioritize concerts, then dress rehearsals, then regular rehearsals. (So, for example, if you have a concert for a group that conflicts with a dress rehearsal for another, you’d go to the concert. If you had a dress rehearsal for one group and a regular rehearsal for another, you’d go to the dress rehearsal, and so on.)
When do entrance hearings take place?
These begin a few days before the start of classes each semester and continue into the first few days of the term. We generally send email about auditions around August 1 for the coming school year; spring semester auditions happen individually and are scheduled with the group’s director listed in the descriptions.
What does the hearing entail?
This varies from group to group; contact the ensemble’s director (given in the description) for specific information.
How do I sign up for a hearing?
Contact the director of the specific group that interests you at the email address given in the ensemble description. You may also write to ASUChoirs@asu.edu to reach the staff member who assists the choral program.
What if I have (or have not) enrolled in choir already?
We recommend that you enroll in the ensemble that most interests you so that you receive all relevant information about auditions and the first rehearsals.
What happens if I’m not accepted to my first-choice group?
Every student has the right to be heard for the ensemble of their choice. The faculty will recommend the best placement for you. If we recommend something other than your first-choice choir, you will need to adjust your schedule. You have until the 21st day of classes to do this. While sometimes other classes conflict with choir rehearsal times, there are often alternatives, so speak to an advisor before you decide that you can’t accept placement in the choir(s) we recommend for you. If you cannot arrange your schedule to accept your choir placement, you may wait until the next semester to join the choir, with approval of the conductor.
If I am interested in becoming a music major or minor, how do I apply?
Here’s how to apply to become a music major:
Undergraduate music application procedures
Graduate music application procedures
Here’s how to apply to become a music minor:
Music Minor Application Procedures
Do you have a question that is not answered here?
Email one of the following:
