Vocal Performance Ensembles

You might know the BYU-Idaho choirs from their performances at General Conference, University Devotional, or on tour. BYUI actually hosts six different choirs on campus. Each choir focuses on different skills and music.

Ensembles

University Choir (Music 312)

This choir does not require an audition and is open to students of all skill levels. In this choir, students:

Develop musical abilities, like pitch, rhythm, balance, and dynamics.
Perform and memorize pieces from all over the world.
Collaborate with other singers in small groups.
Demonstrate discipleship by performing in campus devotionals.

Concert Choir (Music 314)
BYUI’s Concert Choir is the intermediate-advanced men and women’s choir on campus. This choir:

Performs in campus concerts and at devotionals.
Is open to all students who have choral or singing experience.
Requires an audition for entry.
Sings choral classics and a variety of music styles.

Men’s/Women’s Chorus (Music 315/Music 313)

The Men’s and Women’s Choruses are designed to improve skills within specific vocal ranges. Women’s Chorus focuses on female voices in the treble clef. These choirs:

Perform occasionally in concerts and at devotionals.
Are open to students of all majors, but students must be able to match pitch.
Improve vocal abilities through uplifting experiences.
Require an audition to test vocal abilities.

Bella Voce (Music 316)

Bella Voce Chamber Singers is an intermediate to advanced women’s chamber choir of about 70-100 women. This choir requires an audition and prior music experience. This choir:

Develops advanced vocal and choral skills.
Specializes in sacred music and choral classics.
Works on phrasing, style, and expressiveness.
Focuses on spiritual growth through faith-based music.

Vocal Union (Music 318)

Vocal Union is an audition-only, advanced vocal jazz and popular styles choir. An audition is required, and prior performance experience is expected. Vocal Union:

Studies musical interpretation, contemporary styling, and cultural diversity in music.
Practices connecting with audiences musically, visually, and emotionally.
Performs close harmonies, vocal jazz, musical theatre, and swing era music.
Tours every other year and has previously toured Canada, Ghana, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and across the United States.

Collegiate Singers (Music 319)

Collegiate Singers is an advanced, mixed chamber choir that requires an audition, previous choir experience, and aural and sight-singing skills. This choir:

Performs and tours often; in the past, they have visited Brazil, Ghana, Alaska, Canada and more.
Collaborates with professional choirs and singers, like the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.
Studies music from all over the world and how to connect with audiences through music.
Develops musical independence in chamber groups and in separate vocal parts.

Conclusion

While each choir placement, aside from the University Choir, is determined by audition, each choir is an uplifting, skill-developing experience. Students build lasting friendships, develop their musical talents, and prepare to share their vocal skills with the world.