Choral
The history of choral music performance at the University of Colorado is a long and illustrious one. Over the past 100 years, countless students have participated in the College’s select mixed choruses, madrigal and “town and gown” ensembles, and men’s and women’s choruses. Choirs from CU have toured Europe and Asia. They have also participated in international choral festivals, competitions, and appeared at state, regional, and national conventions of the Colorado Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. This exciting tradition of choral music continues today.
Choral ensembles from campus visit Colorado high schools regularly. The year’s activities typically culminate in the spring when the combined choirs join forces with the University Symphony Orchestra in the presentation of a major work for chorus and orchestra. Recent performances have included Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, Stravinsky’s Les Noces, Brahms’ Requiem, and Britten’s War Requiem – the later two works under the baton of Marin Alsop. The College of Music sponsors six choral organizations. While specializing in different types of literature, each is open to all university students by audition.
Choral Ensemble Audition Information
Auditions will be held August 17-22, 2011 in Macky Auditorium Room 102. An audition sign-up sheet will be posted outside Macky Room 102. The five-minute audition consists of singing simple scale patterns and a familiar song. It is not necessary to prepare an audition piece. Non-music majors are strongly encouraged to audition. Most CU choir members are majoring in something other than music and receive Fine Arts credit for their enrollment in choral ensembles.
University Singers is a chamber choir composed of select graduate and undergraduate students representing all academic disciplines at CU. Over the years, the Singers have received critical acclaim for their sensitive performances while on tour and at prestigious festivals and professional choral conventions.
LISTEN: “O schöne Nacht” by Johannes Brahms,
performed by the University Singers
LISTEN: “Pirate Song” by Tim Jones,
performed by the men of the University Singers
University Choir is composed of select undergraduate students from across the campus. The choir performs a wide range of choral literature and has received enthusiastic standing ovations for their performances at many important festivals, competitions, and professional conventions. Jeffrey Gemmell is the conductor.
LISTEN: “Ihr Musici, frisch auf!” by Hans Leo Hassler,
performed by the University Choir
LISTEN: “Earth Song” by Frank Ticheli,
performed by the University Choir
LISTEN: “Crickets and Commas” by John David Earnest,
performed by the University Choir
The Collegiate Chorale is a mixed choir of 50-60 voices. The ensemble is composed primarily of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who represent disciplines and majors from across the campus. Non-music majors are significantly represented in this choir.
The University Women’s Chorus and Golden Buffalo Men’s Chorus are devoted to the study and performance of literature for these voices. These ensembles’ goals include the development of individual and group vocal skills and an enhanced appreciation of the music of all periods and styles. The groups frequently make off-campus appearances throughout the year, including performances at athletic and fund-raising events. The conductor of the Golden Buffalo Men’s Chorus is Jim Keller.
The Colorado Conductors’ Chorus is a mixed choir open to choral professionals working in communities along the Front Range. This unique ensemble provides choral music educators and conductors with the opportunity to join with like-minded people to rehearse and perform challenging, diverse, and rewarding repertoire on a weekly basis. An opportunity for networking is another important aspect of the ensemble experience.
LISTEN: “Ave Maria” by Franz Biebl,
performed by the Colorado Conductors’ Chorus