Spring Choral Auditions

We will be holding auditions for the 2012-13 OBU choral ensembles in May. These groups include the University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, and Bisonette Glee Club. Here's what the choral audition will look like:

1. Vocalizing to test your range--to see how high and how low you can sing. We're trying to determine which voice part you are most comfortable singing.

2. If you CURRENTLY sing in an OBU choral ensemble: Hearing you sing your part on a section from a piece in your current repertoire. You will also have the OPTION to additionally sing a solo selection of your choosing.

If you are NOT currently singing in an OBU choral ensemble: Hearing you sing a selection of your choosing with piano accompaniment. This can be anything ranging from something you've sung for solo contest (art song) to a simple folk song, Broadway tune or maybe just a stanza of a hymn. We just want to hear a good example of your solo voice. A pianist will be provided.

3. Testing your ability to sight-read your part on a short piece of music.

That's it! Come early to your audition to fill out an information sheet.

Auditions will be Wednesday, May 2nd from 1:00-5:00 p.m. and Thursday, May 3rd from 2:00-5:00 p.m. They will be held in Raley Chapel room 141. To schedule an audition time, go to the "YouCanBook.Me" site by clicking here. PLEASE try to sign up next to someone so as not to create gaps.

Contact Dr. Ballweg at brent.ballweg@okbu.edu if you have any questions. Looking forward to a GREAT 2012-13!

Movement while singing

Excellent performance by Riverside City College Chamber Singers. Is their movement enhancing or distracting? I tend to think the former as they appear to be totally involved in the music. Perhaps you can allow your body (and mind) to be more connected to your singing and to the music!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=Vonr6zq3Veg

Great Auditions!

Thanks to all the new students (over 60!) who auditioned this week! OBU's record setting 2011 freshman class helped to bolster the ranks of OBU choral ensembles. We're delighted to have so many singing! Proudly "sing" on Bison Hill!

Fall Choral Auditions

Prior to the start of the fall semester, we will be holding auditions for the 2011-12 OBU choral ensembles. These groups include the University Chorale, Bison Glee Club, and Bisonette Glee Club. Here's what the choral audition will look like:

1. Vocalizing to test your range--to see how high and how low you can sing. We're trying to determine which voice part you are most comfortable singing.

2. Hearing you sing a selection of your choosing with piano accompaniment. This can be anything ranging from something you've sung for solo contest (art song) to a simple folk song, Broadway tune or maybe just a stanza of a hymn. We just want to hear a good example of your solo voice. A pianist will be provided.

3. Testing your ability to sight-read your part on a short piece of music.

That's it! Come early to your audition to fill out an information sheet.

Auditions will be Tuesday, August 23rd and Wednesday, August 24th from 2:00-5:00 p.m. each day. They will be held in Raley Chapel room 141. To sign up for an audition time, go to the Fall Audition "Google Doc" by clicking here. Note the two different days (tabs) at the bottom left. PLEASE try to sign up next to someone so as not to create gaps.

Contact Dr. Ballweg at brent.ballweg@okbu.edu if you have any questions. Looking forward to a GREAT 2011-12!

Stressed?

See if you can do nothing for two minutes. If you can't, maybe your problems aren't caused by your environment.

Ideas for marking your score

Jeffery Carter shares his ideas for marking your choral scores

The future of conducting

can be seen in this 3 year-old. He's fantastic!!

http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2010/10/25/130807700/dudamel-beware-three-year-old-conducts-beethoven-s-5th?sc=nl&cc=cn-20101027