For First-Years Navigating the Music Waters
College choir during its 2018 spring break tour (Photo Julia Chin/The Gettysburgian)
By Alex Pearson, Staff Writer
Welcome First-years! We are so happy to have you here and wish you the best of luck as you navigate your first year. As you will learn, there are so many activities and clubs to get involved with on campus.
If you are looking to get involved in choir, here are some things you need to know, along with some tips.
Choir auditions are August 24 from 1-4 p.m., August 25 from 3:30-5:30 (along with the choral open house), August 26 from 3:30-5:30 (along with the choral open house) and 7-9:30, August 27 from 4-6 and 7-9, August 28 from 11-1, 4-6, and 7-9, and August 29 from 4-6. Those auditioning for College Choir and/or Camerata should keep August 30 from 4-6 open for callbacks.
To audition, sign up for a time slot outside of Dr. Natter’s office (Schmucker 212).
So, you may be looking and asking yourself, what’s College Choir, what’s Camerata, and what other choirs are there?
College Choir is a choral ensemble that is made up of 44-48 singers, and the singers are selected through a rigorous and competitive audition process. This ensemble performs in major concerts and tours annually, both nationally and internationally. Concert Choir is comprised of singers from the college and the Gettysburg community. This ensemble specializes in major choir works. Audeamus is an upper voice choir that performs in major concerts and special regional performances.
Camerata is an advanced ensemble that performs a variety of vocal chamber music. This ensemble is smaller and provides unique possibilities and opportunities. They sing at major concerts, tour, and have special regional and campus performances. When auditioning, you will be auditioning for all of these at once. Don’t be nervous! Go in with your head held high and your heart full of music.
For those majoring (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music Education) or minoring in music, this is a great way to get your ensemble participation in!
To all majors and minors, get involved in an organization that brings you joy. But try not to get too over involved. You don’t want to wear yourself out the second you get to campus! Activities are a fun way to make new friends of all ages. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and try new things. You have time to figure out what you want to do and what you truly love. Remember to take time for yourself. You are here for you. Explore your options, try new things, have fun, and learn a lot. I hope to see you all at choir auditions and look forward to seeing you around campus. Welcome to Gettysburg!
