Choral Activities

Overview

Iowa State Singers 2005-2006

The ISU choral program is nationally recognized for its excellence, representing the culmination of an honored tradition: more than a century of singing at Iowa State.

The four major choral ensembles and other chamber groups at ISU provide opportunities for participation at all levels of interest and expertise. Membership in one of the choirs can give you the opportunity to grow and develop as a musician, to make new friends and to be part of one of Iowa State's most exciting and popular student activities.

Each year well over 300 students take part in choral activities at Iowa State. Participants represent nearly all academic disciplines and majors. Eighty percent of the singers are majoring in areas other than music, and virtually all are undergraduates. All choir members enjoy the opportunity to sing in the 2700-seat C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, recently recognized as Iowa's Building of the Century.

Please see our Top Ten list:

Iowa State University- A National Leader in Choral Music Note: offsite link to LAS

Iowa State Singers

The Iowa State Singers is Iowa State's most select choral ensemble and is made up of the University's finest singers. Music of all styles is performed with an emphasis on the great a cappella works. Performances include the Fall and Spring Concerts, the December Holiday Concert, and the Masterworks Concert where selected choir members get opportunities to sing as solo artists with orchestra. The Singers also annually stage a full-scale Madrigal Dinner, complete with the costumes and pageantry of Merrie Olde England. In addition, the ensemble tours each year. Concerts have been given throughout North America as well as in England, Poland, Russia, Australia, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and China.

Iowa Statesmen

The Iowa Statesmen, the University's popular ensemble of over 100 men's voices, specializes in the performance of traditional and contemporary male chorus literature. The ensemble gives various performances during the year and enjoys playing an active role in the Iowa State community. The Statesmen annually join the three other choirs to present both the Holiday Concert and the Masterworks Concert, each with orchestra.

Cantamus

Cantamus, ISU’s premiere women's choir of 65 select voices, is a nationally recognized ensemble that requires a high proficiency level in musical skills. The choir presents six concerts per season, which includes a tour and a choral-orchestral Masterworks Concert.

Lyrica

Lyrica, our popular women’s choir of 90 voices, provides an opportunity for many women who wish to continue their high school singing with a less demanding concert schedule. Annual traditions include participation in the Collage of Choirs, Holiday, and Masterworks Concerts in Stephens Auditorium.

Small Ensembles

A branch of the choral program includes the a cappella men’s group, “Shy of a Dozen,” which sings contemporary popular music at various university and regional functions. In addition, Iowa State’s jazz choir, “Off the Record” offers a venue for performing jazz repertoire and serves to help prepare its members for teaching in the public schools. Concurrent participation in one of the large ensembles is required for membership.

Additional Vocal Opportunities at Iowa State

Currently over ninety students study voice with five artist faculty members including world-renowned artist in residence, Simon Estes. While a majority of these students are voice majors, Iowa State takes pride in its ability to offer professional quality voice instruction to non-music majors as well. In addition to participation in choral ensembles, vocal activities run the gamut from solo recitals to opera and musical theatre productions.

The choir members at Iowa State have enjoyed remarkable opportunities to perform with some of the finest orchestras in the world including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Boston Symphony, the Leningrad Philharmonic, the London Symphony, the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and others.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available for talented students who plan to major in music. Auditions for scholarships are generally held in mid February, with other times arranged as necessary. For scholarship information and applications, call the Music Office (515-294-3831) or e-mail Tammy Krock, or write:

Scholarship Committee Chair
Department of Music
Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011.

Auditions

All interested students, whether new or returning, audition for choirs annually. It is always to the student's benefit to sing a prepared solo in an audition for a select choir.  Although this is encouraged, it is certainly not required.  The audition process is brief and stress-free, and may include some sight-reading and tonal memory exercises.  Final auditions occur in late August, during the three days prior to classes beginning in the fall (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  Sign-up sheets, with 7-minute time slots, will be posted in the Music Hall, room 130.

Students should register for the choir of their choice and then go through the audition process in late August. Students will be placed in the appropriate choir during the first week of classes. If a student wishes advice as to which choir is most appropriate, the conductors, if available will be happy to meet with the student and offer recommendations.

All incoming students interested in singing in an ISU choir are encouraged to meet the conductors during Summer Orientation on Day 1. Dr. James and Kathleen Rodde will be available 4:30-6:00 p.m., Music Hall, rooms 111 and 9. Students are invited, but not expected to audition during this time.

Iowa State Singers (MTWRF) 12:10-1:00 p.m.  Music 161

Cantamus Women's Choir (MWF) 11:00-11:50 a.m. Music 151A

Statesmen Men's Choir (MWF) 1:10-2:00 p.m.   Music 151B    

Lyrica Women's Choir (MWF) 2:10-3:00 p.m.    Music 141        

If your questions are not answered in these pages, please contact Shirley Barnes (515) 294-2810, Ensembles Secretary.