About the Choral Program
About the Choral Program
The Millersville University Choral Program is filled with rich history and tradition. Thousands of singers have participated in Millersville University Choirs and the standards of the program and ensembles reflect the high standards of the Millersville University community and the Music Department.
Each year the Choirs at Millersville University perform a wide variety of challenging, stimulating and exciting repertoire. The Choirs sing both on and off campus in concerts, tours, and University promotional events. They are featured in the Annual Holiday Concert that began in 1932, one of the Music Department's, and University's, most prestigious and well-attended events.
Membership in the choral program is open to any member of the university community and in some cases to those in the greater Millersville area.
Our ensembles consist of:
University Choir - our large, mixed ensemble
The Keystone Singers - our small, select chamber choir
Cantilena - our women's ensemble
8 to the Bar - our student led vocal jazz ensemble
Auditioning for the Choral program:
Auditions for University Choir, Cantilena, and 8 to the Bar take place the first week of the semester for all students. Upper classmen may also audition for the Keystone Singers. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A MUSIC MAJOR TO TAKE PART IN CHORAL ACTIVITIES. There is nothing to prepare for the audition. Auditions are very casual and only meant to gather information to aid in choir placement. Placement in one of our choral ensembles is always affected by the needs of the choral area; every effort is made to find a place for all Marauders wanting to sing. Auditions take about 15 minutes including filling out a short form.
You will be asked to:
- Fill out a form just before you audition
- Sing warm up patterns to assess your vocal range
- Complete a pitch matching exercise - this assesses your musical "ear"
- Sight read - don't be scared! If you can't read music, that is why we are here. Do your best - we will help you through it.
- You may sing "Happy Birthday" or "My Country 'tis of Thee"
Students may audition for The Keystone Singers at the end of their second semester of participation in one of the other three ensembles. These auditions are open and take place some time in April. Auditions consist of advanced sightreading examples and ensemble excercises. Qualified singers will be invited to call-backs. Singers will be notified shortly before school ends for the following year.
