Wednesday, July 10, 2019

Auditions for Bison Glee Club (men), Bisonette Glee Club (women), and the University Chorale (mixed) will be held in Raley Chapel Room 203E on Tuesday, August 20th between 2:00 p.m.  and 6:00 p.m.

TO SIGN UP FOR AN AUDITION, PLEASE COME BY RALEY CHAPEL 203 E (UPSTAIRS, EAST WING) AND SIGN UP FOR A TIME ON THE DOOR THERE.  IF YOU CANNOT DO THAT, SEND AN EMAIL TO DR. VERNON AT JAMES.VERNON@OKBU.EDU AND HE WILL WORK WITH YOU FOR A TIME. 

Friday, April 5, 2019

True Voice Auditions

We will be holding auditions for members of 2019-20 True Voice, "OBU's a cappella ensemble," on Tuesday, April 30th from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in RC 141.  To sign up for an audition time, go to the True Voice Audition "Google Doc" by clicking HERE.  Open to ALL voice parts.  Those with vocal percussion skills are encouraged to audition.
  • The audition on April 30th will consist of vocalizing for range, a prepared solo (below), sight reading and pitch retention exercises.
  • Come prepared with a short solo in a pop, folk, jazz, or Broadway style.  Bring your own accompaniment track (phone, computer, or flash drive) or sheet music (a pianist will be provided).
  • Please come EARLY to your scheduled audition time to fill out an audition sheet.
  • Callbacks will be held the next week on Tuesday, May 7th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. in RC 141.  You must be able to make this callback time. 
True Voice, is an auditioned ensemble intended to serve as a high-profile, visible musical ambassador of OBU and as such each member receives a scholarship award for their participation.

The following are expectations/conditions for membership in this elite ensemble:
  • Student must maintain a 2.0 overall grade point average.
  • Student must be enrolled in a minimum of twelve (12) semester hours each semester (membership for the entire 2017-18 academic year is expected).
  • High expectations in regards to personal etiquette.  As well, eligibility to receive the benefits of a scholarship and membership in this ensemble is dependent on the student remaining in good standing with the University.
  • It is expected that each student will spend the time necessary to learn their part on their own time OUTSIDE OF REHEARSAL.  Rehearsals will be for the purpose of working on "ensemble" attributes as it pertains to balance, blend, intonation, style, presentation, etc., NOT to learn notes.
  • An understanding that events/performances may be added to the True Voice calendar DURING the semester.  There will always be a minimum of two (2) weeks' notice regarding the addition of events.  ALL members are expected to make ALL performances unless cleared by the director.
Performances will be for a variety of events and constituents.  These will include performances for OBU events, high schools, churches, and community groups.  It is intended that literature will encompass a variety of musical styles, including but not limited to classical, pop, jazz, folk, country, gospel, and spirituals.

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Spring 2019 Auditions

Announcing auditions for the 2019-20 OBU Choirs!  This very informal audition is for CURRENT OBU STUDENTS and will consist of the following:

1. Vocalizing to test your range--to see how high and how low you can sing. We're trying to determine which voice part you are most comfortable singing.

2. If you CURRENTLY sing in an OBU choral ensemble: Hearing you sing your part on a section from a piece in your current repertoire. 

If you are NOT currently singing in an OBU choral ensemble: Hearing you sing a selection of your choosing with piano accompaniment. This can be anything ranging from something you've sung for solo contest (art song) to a simple folk song, Broadway tune or maybe just a stanza of a hymn. We just want to hear a good example of your solo voice. A pianist will be provided.


3. Testing your ability to sight-read on a short piece of music.

That's it!  
Come early to your audition to fill out an information sheet.

Auditions will be Tuesday, March 26 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. for ALL choirs including University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, and Bisonette Glee Club. 

They will be held in Raley Chapel room 203E (choral rehearsal room).  To sign up for an audition time, go to the Spring Audition "Google Doc" by clicking HERE PLEASE try to sign up next to someone so as not to create gaps.

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Fall 2018 Choral Auditions

Prior to the start of the fall semester, we will be holding auditions for the 2018-19 OBU choral ensembles. These groups include the University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, and Bisonette Glee Club. Here's what the choral audition will look like:

1. Vocalizing to test your range--to see how high and how low you can sing. We're trying to determine which voice part you are most comfortable singing.

2. Hearing you sing a selection of your choosing with piano accompaniment. This can be anything ranging from something you've sung for solo contest (art song) to a simple folk song, Broadway tune or maybe just a stanza of a hymn. We just want to hear a good example of your solo voice. A pianist will be provided.

3. Testing your ability to sight-read your part on a short piece of music.

That's it!  This will be very informal...basically a way for us to place you in an appropriate choir and voice section.  
Come early to your audition to fill out an information sheet

Auditions during "Welcome Week" will be Tuesday, August 21st  from 2:00-5:00 p.m. They will be held in Raley Chapel room 203. To sign up for an audition time, go to the Fall Audition "Google Doc" by clicking HERE PLEASE try to sign up next to someone so as not to create gaps.


These auditions are for music majors who have yet to audition for a choir and for any non-music majors who didn't previously audition this past spring.

Contact Dr. Ballweg at brent.ballweg@okbu.edu if you have any questions. Looking forward to a GREAT 2018-19!