Auditions

Open to singers of all ages, the 175-voice UMS Choral Union performs choral music of every genre in historic performance venues. Members of the UMS Choral Union believe in sharing the joy and hard work of musicmaking, a moving and memorable activity with rewards that last a lifetime.

Participation in the UMS Choral Union remains open to all by audition, held in the spring and the fall of each year.

UMS Choral Union Auditons:

Monday, September 8, 6pm
All Auditions are held in the Great Lakes Room at Palmer Commons

Please email chorus manager Kathy Operhall at choralunion@umich.edu, to schedule an audition.

The content of a Choral Union audition is as follows:

Vocalization

The singer will perform a series of vocalization exercises to determine the range and color of the voice.

Prepared solo

The singer should select a composition in any language that best demonstrates the timbre of his/her instrument. The prepared work may be an aria, lieder, or excerpt -- either solo or choral -- from a major work, musical theatre or hymn. In the interest of time, you will most likely perform 16-20 measures of your piece. We advise you not to pick music that tests the limits of your range or vocal technique; rather, bring a work that you can sing confidently and expressively.

Sightreading

The singer is given a short excerpt from a Bach Chorale, and is asked to sing their part while the other three parts are played by an accompanist.

Planning for an audition:

Arrive at least ten minutes early in order to fill out the Audition Form.
Bring a copy of your prepared solo in the correct key for the accompanist. The accompanist is not expected to transpose.

Singers are notified of results after the completion of all auditions.

To obtain information about chorus membership, auditions and scheduling, contact UMS Choral Union Manager Kathleen Operhall at choralunion@umich.edu or call 734.763.8997.