Auditions are completed for the 2012-2013 academic year; thanks to all those who participated!

Choral Organization Audition Process

There are three main Choirs at Augustana, and all are open to  freshmen through seniors via audition. All three ensembles are known for the quality of their performances, and for the fun and camaraderie that is a hallmark of the choral tradition! Regardless of which group you wish to join, the audition process is the same. Following the audition period, the choral faculties build their ensembles; you will be placed in the ensemble that can most benefit by your participation.

The Choral ensembles appear together throughout the year, as well as separately in concerts, chapel appearances, celebrations and Christmas Vespers. The Vespers program will be “on the road” for the very first time this year, as we head to Rapid City, S.D., on December 18-19. All choral students will be expected to be a part of this exciting opportunity!

• The Augustana Choir has a rich history spanning more than 90 years. We are blessed this fall to welcome our new conductor, Dr. Paul Nesheim, who is only the fifth conductor in the history of the group! Under Dr. Nesheim’s direction, the Augustana Choir will continue to bring sacred choral music of the highest caliber to people around the region, nation, and world. In fact, should you wish to audition specifically for the Augustana Choir (and earn a position in that group), you will be part of an exciting January term tour of Central  Europe! Please be aware that an early deposit of $500 will be requested and payment of the remaining balance of the tour costs will be required prior to November 1, 2012. The Choir meets Monday through Thursday from 3:55 until 5:10 p.m. The Chamber Choir is a highly selective sub-set of the Augustana Choir. They are directed by Dr. Nesheim, as well, and feature music of all styles, ranging from Bach motets to modern arrangements.
• Angelus is the name of our women’s choral ensemble. Dr. Lisa Grevlos conducts Angelus, a group designed to give voice to the great variety of music written for women's voices. They perform works ranging from the 11th-century chants to compositions by Vivaldi and Brahms, to new works by American and international composers. Angelus is unique resource in the Sioux Falls area. This sixty-member ensemble is committed to giving concerts of the highest musical excellence. Angelus rehearses Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3:00 – 3:50 p.m.
• The Collegiate Chorale is conducted by Dr. Russell Svenningsen. In addition to performing in the department choral events, the ensemble is featured in weekly Chapel services as well as in their own springtime concert event. The Chorale joins the Augustana Choir, Angelus and the Orchestra in the annual Christmas Vespers performances. The Collegiate Chorale rehearses Monday and Wednesday from 12:00 – 12:50 p.m. and on Thursday from 6:00 until 7:30 p.m.

We invite your audition to become a member of one of our choral ensembles! The audition process consists of seven minutes of tonal memory, range exploration, accompanied sight-reading, and your own version of “Silent Night!” Dr.’s Nesheim, Grevlos and Svenningsen are present for each audition.

To audition, please go to the music wing of the Humanities Building and sign up for your time on the Audition Roster that will be posted on the door of Room 136 (Dr. Nesheim’s office). Auditions will be held on Tuesday, September 4, from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., and from 6:30 – 9:00 p.m., as well as on Wednesday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.; 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. and from 6:30 until 9:00 p.m. Call-backs will be held on Friday, September 7, from 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. 

Please be sure to have this Audition Form completed to bring to your audition.

We look forward to welcoming you — and to hearing your audition!