University Chorus and Chamber Singers
The Colgate
University Chorus is open to all Colgate students by audition.
Auditions for the academic year are held at the beginning of the
fall semester. Students who are away in the fall may audition for
the second semester upon their return. The 1999-00 concert season
comprised "an English Christmas" (seasonal music by 500
years of English composers), "Mass Appeal" (folk music
or folk based masses), and Haydn's "Missa Sancti Bernardi
von Offida" with full orchestra.
The University Chorus meets on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 6:45-9:00, in the Chapel. Students who choose to take University Chorus for credit may earn up to two credits during their four-year course of study. Two consecutive semesters earns one course credit, which can be counted towards the university's distribution requirement for the Humanities.
The Colgate Chamber Singers is a chamber vocal ensemble drawn from the larger University Chorus. Its repertoire varies widely, ranging from Italian madrigals to Brahms par-songs to contemporary works. Rehearsals are on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 4:30-5:30. Newly formed this year is the Women's Chamber Ensemble. Members of either the Chamber Singers or Women's Ensemble are eligible for lesson fee awards for the private study of voice.
"My experience with the Chorus is one that is novel to me -- I had never sung in a chorus before. The music we perform is interesting and I especially like the fact that we perform brand new music, such as Dexter Morrill's "Balakian Set", and world music."
"I am a four-year member of both the Chorus and the Chamber Singers. It has been a wonderful experience in many ways: much repertoire has been learned and I've enjoyed the challenge of ensemble work for the sense of achievement and camaraderie. The concerts are always rewarding and fun."
"I've been a member of the Chorus, the Chamber Singers and the Resolutions. They give you "hands-on" experience with what you learn in lessons and classes, yet they are also social organizations where you meet wonderful, interesting people."