Choirs

Choirs at MSU Denver are open to any student on the Auraria Campus, regardless of major or institution of enrollment.

Chorale (Mixed Choir) | MUS 3280 | MW 12:30-2:20 pm | Audition Required – Sign Up

University Treble Choir | MUS 3821 | TR 12:30-1:45 pm | No Audition 

University Basso Choir | MUS 3822 | TR 12:30-1:45 pm | No Audition 

Auditions for Chorale for the Fall 2025 semester will be held on:

• Tuesday, May 13, 2025
• Monday, August 18, 2025
• Tuesday, August 19, 2025
• Location: Arts 277J (the office of MB Krueger)

After you have signed up for an audition time, please fill out an audition form. Do not fill out the form prior to reserving your audition time.

Chorale Audition Materials

Auditioners who are singing in the University Treble Choir or University Basso Choir during Spring 2025 will perform an excerpt from Chichester Psalms by Leonard Bernstein.

Those auditioners who are not currently involved in the MSU Denver Choirs will perform “Sicut cervus” by Palestrina. In addition to accuracy of pitches and rhythms, the audition committee will be particularly looking for appropriate dynamics and articulations in your performance.

Sheet Music: Palestrina – Sicut cervus (PDF)

Performance Video:

Chorale Audition Expectations

• Vocal Exercises: You will perform vocal exercises to display your range and tone quality.
• Tonal Recall: You will be given a series of notes to sing back on a neutral syllable in order to test your pitch and aural memory.
• Assigned Piece: In the “Audition Materials” section, you will find the piece you are expected to prepare for the audition. Learn the part you would normally sing – soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. If you would like a specific rehearsal aid for your part, email Prof. Krueger at [email protected] to request it.
• Sight Reading: You will be asked to read a piece of music that you have not previously looked at. The use of solfege is highly encouraged.
• Other: In addition to all of the above, the panel will be listening for your tone color (breathy, strident, full, rich, brassy, vibrant, bright, dark, etc.) and your pitch accuracy (intonation) in all areas of the audition.

Audition Tips

• Be well-prepared on the assigned audition piece. You will be evaluated not only the quality and intonation of your voice, but also your level of preparation, accuracy, and expression.
• Practice your sight reading and solfege skills ahead of time. Although perfect sight reading is not expected, students who demonstrate their understanding of music reading are more likely to place into the auditioned ensemble. Use of solfege is preferred, but if you are not proficient in the use of solfege, you may use a neutral syllable for your sight reading.
• It is normal to feel nervous during an audition, but remember to breathe well and support your sound.
• If you are experiencing coughing and/or fever, please contact Prof. Krueger (preferably ahead of time) to ask if it is possible to re-schedule.

For more information, please contact: Professor MB Krueger at [email protected].