Click here to complete the Choral Interest Form.
About AU Choir Auditions
Auditions for participation in the Auburn University Chamber Choir, Gospel Choir, Conductors’ Chorus, Women's Chorus and Men's Chorus occur by appointment in 114 Goodwin Music Hall or on Zoom. Placement into any choral ensemble is at the discretion of the director(s), and is contingent upon the choral audition. Course enrollment is required. Note: The choir audition does not replace the audition for acceptance into a music degree program.
All AU choral ensembles are open to any entering, new, and current undergraduate or graduate student, regardless of major or minor. Students can also participate in more than one choir during a single semester. Only one audition is needed unless you also want to be considered for the AU Singers, Opera Workshop, or Sonic Nation.
Students should enroll in the choir(s) for which they plan to audition when possible (see “Course Enrollment” below). For more information, email choirs@auburn.edu or call 334-844-3166.
Audition Requirements
- SOLO: Music majors will be assessed from the solos presented for the Voice Audition Requirements, whether online or in person. Non-music majors may prepare a brief solo (up to 60 seconds) for the audition. The song should be written or arranged specifically for solo voice. Students may choose from this list of possible song suggestions, although other resources are acceptable. Otherwise, they will be asked to sing a familiar song such as “The Star Spangled Banner,” “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” or “Happy Birthday.”
- SIGHT READING: Students will be asked to sight read a simple 8-measure melody on a neutral syllable. Students may also sing using solfege or numbers.
- EXPRESSION: During the solo, there should be observable evidence of facial expression and vocal energy from the singer. The expression should be appropriate for the style of music being sung.
- OTHER CRITERIA: Students auditioning for the Chamber Choir will be asked to sing scales (major, natural minor, chromatic, and/or whole tone).
*Note: Students should be prepared to sing any of the scales indicated above while the same scale is being played simultaneously on the piano, but in a different key. For more information on scales, visit http://method-behind-the-music.com/theory/scalesandkeys. Students are also encouraged to view Two Minute Music Theory videos on YouTube for help with understanding music notation.
Course Enrollment
Students are permitted to enroll in the choral course(s) for which they plan to audition before they audition. During the Camp War Eagle academic advisement sessions, incoming students should submit the information of their preferred choral course(s) to their advisors when registering for classes.
Course enrollment does not guarantee that a student will pass the choir audition. Enrolling in a choral course ensures that the choir will fit in the student's schedule. It also helps with anticipating class size when preparing course materials. Course numbers and other class information are listed below.
Students will receive one hour of academic credit per group, per semester. In most cases, students will be notified of the status of their audition at the conclusion of their audition, or by the first day of classes via e-mail.
MUSE 1170 – Gospel Choir
MW, 3:00-3:50 p.m.
Dr. William Powell – choirs@auburn.edu - (334) 844-3166
*MUSE 1180 – Women's Chorus
MWF, 1:00-1:50 p.m.
*MUSE 1190 – Men’s Chorus
MWF, 1:00-1:50 p.m.
Dr. William Powell – choirs@auburn.edu - (334) 844-3166
*Women's Chorus and Men's Chorus combine on Fridays to rehearse as the Concert Choir.
MUSE 1240 – Chamber Choir
MF, 2:00-2:50 p.m.; TR, 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Dr. William Powell – choirs@auburn.edu - (334) 844-3166
MUSE 1310 – Conductors’ Chorus
MW, 10:00-10:50 a.m.
Dr. William Powell – choirs@auburn.edu - (334) 844-3166
Choral Scholarships
Students who want to be considered for a choral scholarship should visit the Music Department Scholarship Audition page for information pertinent to music majors and non-music majors.
Other Choral-Vocal Ensembles
Click here for information about AU Singers, Opera Workshop, and Sonic Nation. Separate auditions are required for each of these groups, and they each have separate audition requirements.
Email choirs@auburn.edu for information about the student-led a cappella groups MelAUdic and Full AUctave.