Choir Questions & Answers
What groups are available? How are they different?
We have choirs for singers at all levels of experience and expertise, and with varying time commitments. College Choir is the most advanced SATB group, and it rehearses and performs the most often. Concert Choir meets once a week, and specializes in larger choral works. Audeamus is an upper-voice choir with one rehearsal per week, and Camerata is for vocal chamber music, with eight advanced singers performing music such as madrigals and vocal jazz. Many singers participate in more than one choir.
Here's a page with some more details about the individual choirs.
Will I have time for choir?
YES! You can tailor your participation to fit your schedule. Concert Choir and Audeamus meet just once a week - almost anyone can handle that time commitment. Other groups meet more often, and you can combine your experiences to fit your commitment level. Singers say that choir provides a welcome change from other kinds of classes, and making music with friends is very rewarding.
Can I be in choir if I'm not a Conservatory student?
YES! Choirs are open to any Gettysburg College student. In fact, many of our finest singers are students in other programs.
I’m a first year student. What should I think about now for singing in choir?
Plan for it. Think about which choir(s) you want to be in and SAVE THAT TIME in your schedule so you can participate. If there is a conflict with another class, often you can find another section of a class or lab that does not conflict with choir. Plan ahead: it is more difficult to switch later on.
College Choir and Camerata are the most competitive groups, and not all first year students are invited to sing in those ensembles. Save the times for Concert Choir and/or Audeamus as well.
When do the choirs meet?
Save time slots in your class schedule for the choir(s) that interest you.
Rehearsal times:
- College Choir: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
- Concert Choir: Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
- Audeamus: Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- Camerata: Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
How do I join?
Auditions take place during Orientation in the Fall, and at the beginning of the Spring semester. You'll see announcements in the form of posters and emails. All groups are open by audition or voice check. We want to make sure that you get into the right group and the right voice part. There is a single audition for all of the ensembles. Some singers perform in more than one ensemble.
You'll sign up for an appointment for a voice check. You don't need to prepare for this, other than warming up your voice. You'll sing some exercises, a brief song like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", and a simple music reading exercise. You audition once for all of the groups. It's designed to be easy and friendly! Check out this page about auditions.
What happens after auditions?
Everyone who auditions will receive email notification about the results. You will receive invitations to join particular choir(s). Once you receive the results you can decide which invitations to accept. Choirs will meet during the first week of classes.
How can I get more information?
Visit the choir webpage.
Email Dr. Natter at rnatter@gettysburg.edu.