Choirs
Welcome to the Iowa State Choirs!
Historically ISU’s choral program has enjoyed recognition as one of the finest in the country and in participating, it can provide experiences you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
- Over the years we have seen nearly 400 students singing in the ISU choirs. Our choirs have a vibrant mix of music majors and non-music majors. In fact, about 85% of our choristers are NOT music majors.
- All singers earn academic credit.
- Every student says that singing in an ISU choir is a great break in the day. And studies show that those who sing actually do better in their other academic classes!
- Our singers are some of the friendliest people on campus.
- Our singers work to make each choir a “family,” where you’ll be able to make music and develop friendships that will last a lifetime.
Choir Orientation (for incoming students)
All State Choir Camp- August 4-5, 2025
2025 All State Choir Camp Schedule
The 22nd annual All-State Choir Camp will be held on the Iowa State University campus, Music Hall, Monday and Tuesday, August 4-5. The purpose of the camp is to help high school singers prepare for their All-State auditions in a choral setting. A team of qualified clinicians, led by Dr. James Rodde, will guide the participants in learning pitch, rhythm, and text in each piece, will give guidance for expressive interpretations, and will offer tools for improving intonation. A healthful approach to singing will be a primary consideration. It would be advantageous for schools to send balanced quartets, but all interested singers will be accepted.
At the conclusion of the two days, the participants will record each piece. The recording will be made available to each student and director along with midi tracks that highlight each voice part.
Singers are to obtain the All-State music packets on their own, available beginning July 25 through West Music Store, Coralville. (Here is last year’s contact information: 800-397-9378.) Meals and lodging will be the responsibility of each individual. Numerous motels are available in the Ames area and ample eating establishments are within easy walking distance of the ISU Music Hall.
Twenty-minute voice lessons will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Space will be limited.
Registration Fee $70.00
includes all sessions, continental breakfast on August 5,
a recording of the All-State pieces, and midi tracks that
highlight each voice part
Voice Lesson (20 minutes) $25.00
optional
Student Participation Agreement
Ensembles
We have four large ensembles at ISU. Each choir at Iowa State has its own identity and sings a number of concerts each year.
Iowa State Singers
A 72-member select and highly-distinguished mixed ensemble. Rehearsal times: MTWRF 12:10 – 1:00 pm.
Cantamus
A select treble voice ensemble with a focus on adventurous, contemporary programming. Rehearsal times: MWF 11:00 – 11:50 am.
The Iowa Statesmen
One of the largest tenor-bass choirs in the country, renowned for their character and active role in the Iowa State community. Rehearsal times: MWF 1:10 – 2:00.
Lyrica
Treble-voice ensemble that explores choral musical sounds and practices from many traditions. Rehearsal times: MWF 2:15 – 3:05.
Auditions
Sign-Up
2025 Auditions for all ensembles take place August 21-24
- If you are a tenor or bass, visit the bulletin board outside Music Hall Room 111 to sign up for a time with Dr. Rodde. You will also fill out the audition form found there and bring it with you at your time.
- If you are a soprano or alto, you should sign up for an audition with Dr. Rodgers to be heard for Cantamus and Lyrica and with Dr. Rodde only if you are interested in the Iowa State Singers. You can do both auditions to be considered for all three choirs that involve treble voices.
- To sign up for an audition for the Iowa State Singers with Dr. Rodde, visit the bulletin board outside Music Hall Room 111. You will also fill out the audition form found there and bring it with you at your time.
- To sign up for an audition for Cantamus and Lyrica with Dr. Rodgers, use the QR code below to fill out an online audition form and then choose an audition time.
ISU Treble Ensemble Audition Form
If you are unable to sign up for an audition time or if posted times are not possible for you, please contact Dr. Rodde (jrodde@iastate.edu) or Dr. Rodgers (rodgersj@iastate.edu) to make other arrangements.
If you would like to register for an ensemble sooner, sopranos and altos should register for MUS 1410, and tenors and basses for MUS 1510B, as your class schedule permits. If you have an interest in auditioning for the Iowa State Singers (mixed ensemble) attempt to keep the 12:00 hour free in your weekly schedule (M-F). If you are interested in Cantamus, keep the 11:00 hour free on MWF. Final rosters will be determined during the first week of classes.
***Spring auditions are by appointment with conductors.
Audition Process
Each audition will last about seven minutes. We’ll sing some brief vocalizes and tonal memory exercises. You are encouraged to bring a prepared solo if you have one, but this is not at all required. Finally, a short sight-reading or rhythm passage may be a part of your audition depending on your goals.
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