2023-24 Academic Year

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University choral program has a place for EVERY student who wishes to sing in a choir. Students who desire to participate in one of our touring ensembles – Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Women’s Choir – must complete a placement hearing during the first week of the fall semester (sign up for a hearing by clicking the appropriate button located just to the right of this paragraph).

NOTE: No placement hearing is required to join the All-College Choir; to enroll in All-College Choir, simply register for MUSC 239 for 0 or 1 credit.

Information about the placement process is below. If you still have questions after reading the information, please contact the Department Coordinator, Kelly Brueske.

Exciting Opportunities This Year! Don't Miss Out!

• Christmas with Saint Ben’s and Saint John’s (two performances on-campus AND one performance at the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis)
• The Chamber Choir will collaborate on a performance of Mozart’s Requiem with the Saint Cloud Symphony Orchestra and Great River Chorale in February
• All students in Chamber Choir, Men’s Chorus, and Women’ Choir have the option to participate in an international performance tour to Peru from May 16-27, 2024 (after spring semester has concluded). Information will be provided early in the fall semester.

Choral Ensemble Rehearsal Times

• All-College Choir - T 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (SBH 028 - SJU)
• Chamber Choir - MW  3:00 p.m. - 4:10 p.m./TR 2:50 p.m. - 4:10 p.m. (SBH 028 - SJU)
• Men’s Chorus - MTR 4:45 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (SBH 028 - SJU)
• Women's Choir - MW 3:20 p.m. - 4:35 p.m./TR 3:20 p.m. - 4:50 p.m. (BAC A135 - CSB)

Directors:

• Chamber Choir and Men’s Chorus – Dr. Bradley Miller, [email protected]
• Women’s Choir and All-College Choir – Dr. Adam Kluck, [email protected]

General Information

Soprano and Alto Hearing Location and Times

Where: CSB – Benedicta Arts Center (BAC) Room A135, Recital Hall

When:
Monday, August 28, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, August 29, 2:45 - 6:00 p.m.

Where to Warm Up: Practice rooms are available in the BAC for warm-ups.

Tenor and Bass Hearing Location and Times

Where: SJU - Stephen B. Humphrey (Music Building) Room 228, Dr. Miller's Office

When:
Tuesday, August 29, 10 a.m. - 2:20 p.m.
Wednesday, August 30, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Where to Warm Up: Practice rooms are available in the SBH (2nd floor)

ALL SINGERS – What to Prepare and Expect

• Arrive at your audition 5 minutes prior to your scheduled time
• Please prepare a piece to sing that highlights your voice and ability. This can be (a) a song you have performed for high school solo/ensemble events, scholarship auditions, etc., or (b) a favorite selection such as: "America the Beautiful," "America" (My Country 'Tis of Thee), the National Anthem, "Happy Birthday," or a hymn or carol. 
• Vocalizes to determine range.
• Short pitch matching and recall exercises (a 4-5 note pattern will be played on the piano - you sing it back)
• Sing a hymn melody (music provided) with us accompanying you at the piano.
• Your placement hearing will last approximately 7-8 minutes
• Chamber Choir callbacks will be at 2:50 p.m. on Thursday (callback lists will be posted and sent via email by Wednesday evening) 
• Chamber Choir rosters will be posted on Friday morning (First rehearsal is Monday, September 4 at 3:00 p.m.)
• Men’s Chorus rosters will be posted and sent to singers by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday (First rehearsal is Thursday, August 31 at 4:45 p.m.)
• Women's Choir rosters will be posted by Thursday 2 p.m. First rehearsal will take place Monday, September 4 at 3:20 p.m.