Vocal Ensembles
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is SIUE’s premier choral ensemble. This highly selective mixed ensemble’s goal is the excellent and expressive performance of quality literature. They perform numerous times throughout the year.
Uniforms
Each singer is responsible for obtaining their own uniform. Men need a black tuxedo, white wing-tip shirt with black, wrap-around bow tie, black shoes and socks. Women need a black dress — at least tea-length, completely black (no sequins or colored ornamentation), elegant (not sensual or revealing), sleeved or sleeveless, black hose, and black, close-toed shoes.
Membership
Course credit is available for this ensemble.
Singers are asked to bring a completed Audition Form to the audition. More selective ensembles may require a more in-depth audition.
Auditions may include:
- Vocalization
- Range analysis
- Tonal memory
- Intonation exercises
- Sight-reading
Opera Auditions
Singers are asked to bring a completed Audition Form to the audition. More selective ensembles may require a more in-depth audition.
Auditions may include:
- Vocalization
- Range analysis
- Tonal memory
- Intonation exercises
- Sight-reading
Madrigal Singers
The SIUE Madrigal Singers is a highly selective small ensemble that focuses on sacred and secular Renaissance literature. This ensemble is limited to 16-20 singers. Emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, and the primary focus of this mixed ensemble is the preparation and performance of the annual Renaissance Madrigal Dinner.
Ensemble Auditions
Singers are asked to bring a completed Audition Form to the audition. More selective ensembles may require a more in-depth audition.
Auditions may include:
- Vocalization
- Range analysis
- Tonal memory
- Intonation exercises
- Sight-reading
Community Choral Society
Community Choral Society (CCS) is a mixed choir open to SIUE students, as well as singers in the community. It is truly a pleasure to gather with people of all ages and professions who love to sing good music. Last year, singers in this ensemble ranged in age from 18-78 years old; professions include teachers, homemakers, politicians and sod farmers. Everyone benefits when each singer brings their own background and experience to the ensemble.
Credit is available for this course, although most singers simply join the choir. No audition is necessary. About 50 members strong, the CCS has a long, proud tradition thanks to its founder, Dr. Leonard Van Camp.
CCS covers a wide variety of styles from Renaissance to Broadway to Spirituals. In addition to fall and spring concerts, CCS prepares major works for performance with the SIUE Orchestra. Recent past works include Mendelssohn’s Elijah, Bach’s Cantata 140 Wachet auf, and Brahm’s Nänie.
Membership
Course credit is available for this ensemble. Singers have the option of enrolling in the course for credit or joining CCS by paying an annual membership fee of $50.