Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers is a select mixed ensemble that performs literature spanning the Renaissance to the 21st century. This ensemble has been featured at conventions of the Virginia Music Teachers Association, Virginia Music Educators Association, and American Choral Directors Association. They recently performed at the Washington National Cathedral, Carnegie Hall, and Brooklyn Academy of Music’s Howard Gilman Opera House. Recent projects include collaborations with Opera Roanoke, American Opera Theater, Kansas City Baroque Consortium, and New River Valley Symphony Orchestra, including performances in Verdi’s Otello, Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas, and Blow’s Venus and Adonis.

The 2010–2011 season featured a highly successful tour throughout Virginia, presenting a cappella music from the Renaissance and contemporary periods as well as masterworks of Spanish, Russian, German, and American composers. The 2011–12 season will include a performance with the Blacksburg Master Chorale of Mozart’s Requiem and conclude with an international tour.

• Number of performers: 36 – 40
• Rehearsal Times: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 3:35 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
• Location: Squires Recital Salon
  
  

Featured Media

Water Night ........................................................................................................................ Eric Whitacre
Polly Wolly Doodle ........................................................................................................................ Gail Kubik (arr.)
How Can I Keep From Singing ........................................................................................................................ Ronald Staheli (arr.)
Elijah Rock ........................................................................................................................ Moses Hogan (arr.)

Auditions

Auditions begin the Thursday before each semester. Sign up sheets will be posted by Dr. Bigler’s office (Squires 242-J) throughout the week before each semester. All students interested in auditioning for the Chamber Singers must complete their audition by the first Wednesday of fall semester. The call-back list for Chamber Singers will be posted by Wednesday afternoon, with the call-back auditions proceeding during rehearsal that day.

All new and returning choir students need to attend the Choir Interest Meeting on the first Tuesday of fall semester 8:00­-9:00 p.m. in Squires Recital Salon — refreshments will be served! This is an opportunity for returning members to welcome new students into the choirs at Tech, sing through the audition requirements with them, as well as learn an excerpt from one of the pieces from our Fall Choral Showcase. With an estimated 150 singers attending, it will certainly be an exciting kick-off to the choral year! We will finish with a question/answer period for those with questions. If you are unable to attend, please contact Dr. Bigler

The Audition Process:

• You must bring a prepared solo to be considered for Chamber Singers (classical art song or aria, folk song, hymn, or classical-type Broadway solo). A pianist will be provided.
• Demonstrate your range by singing various vocal exercises (similar to warm-up exercises in most choirs)
• Sight-read a short rhythmic and melodic sample
• Repeat short tonal memory patterns after hearing them on the piano
• Sing My Country ‘tis of Thee (a cappella, in various keys)

If you have any questions or concerns about the audition process, please contact Dr. Bigler at dbigler@vt.edu.