How many choirs are there and when do they meet?
MSU currently has three choirs in which a student can enroll. The 120 voice CONCERT CHOIR rehearses on Monday and Wednesday from 4-4:50 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:20 p.m. The 50 member CHAMBER SINGERS rehearse on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 6:00-7:15. The WOMEN'S CHORALE rehearses on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Can non-music majors be in the choirs?
Yes. All of the above ensembles are open to any student on the MSU campus.
How will I know which choir I should be in?
If you are interested in singing in MSU's Choral Program, you need to schedule an audition with Dr. Bruce Lesley, Director of Choral Activities. He can be reached at 662-325-7801 or by email: blesley@colled.msstate.edu. After your audition, both you and Dr. Lesley will decide which ensemble(s) your talents may be best suited for and which ensemble(s) you may be the most successful in.
What is involved in the audition?
If you have a song you would like to sing, please bring it. If not, you will be asked to sing a familiar song such as Amazing Grace or My Country 'Tis of Thee. You will also be asked to sing scales and other vocal eases to assess your range and tonal quality, pitch memory exercises to assess your ear, and some basic sight-singing. You do not need to be an expert in all of the areas listed to get into a choir. The auditions are used to ascertain where each singer may find the greatest success in regard to his/her abilities in the MSU Choral Program.
Can I be in more than one choir?
Yes.
Do I have to take choir for credit?
Yes. All students receive one credit for each choir.
What if I have a class or lab conflict with a choir time?
Although it is best not to miss any rehearsals, conflicts with labs or classes needed for graduation sometimes cannot be avoided. Students with these types of conflicts will be allowed to participate in the CONCERT CHOIR, as long as there is only one conflict per week with any scheduled rehearsal time. No conflicts are permitted with the other choirs.
What type of music do the choirs sing?
The CONCERT CHOIR specializes in music for large choirs from each of the major classical style periods. In addition, they also perform music from various world and ethnic traditions (including gospel and spirituals) and from opera and Broadway. The CHAMBER SINGERS specialize in music for chamber choirs from each of the major classical style periods, as well as music from various world and ethnic traditions. The WOMEN'S CHORALE specializes in music for women's voices from a variety of style periods and traditions.
How often do the choirs perform?
The CONCERT CHOIR, WOMEN'S CHORALE and CHAMBER CHOIR perform three to four campus concerts annually. Other special performances include concerts at state conventions, Tupelo and Starkville Symphonies, and the annual patriotic half-time show at a home game of the MSU BULLDOGS.
What types of scholarships are available?
All students are encouraged to audition for a choral scholarship/waiver for their participation in the Choral Program at Mississippi State University. Students can major in any field of study and receive an award. Awards typically range from $200.00-$2,000.00 per year for Mississippi residents, and 45% and 90% tuition waivers (the amount waives that portion of the out-of-state tuition over and above that of the in-state tuition) are available for Out-of-State residents. All are talent-based awards and through a yearly audition can be renewed for up to four years. An on campus audition is required.
Whom do I contact for more information or to set up an audition?
Contact Dr. Bruce Lesley, Director of Choral Activities, at (662) 325-7801 or by email at blesley@colled.msstate.edu.
