How to Audition for GC Music Ensembles — NEW for Fall 2024-25!
Ensemble Audition Information
Information updated Fri. August 16, 2024
Goshen College music ensembles (Choirs, Symphony Orchestra, Lavender Jazz) are open by audition to any GC student, regardless of major. Auditions will be held in person in the GC Music Center — Please sign up for an audition time online by following the links in the appropriate ensemble section. See QR code in MC lobby or below.
Below are listed requirements and procedures to audition for each music ensemble. Additional information will be added as it is made available.
****FIRST YEAR STUDENTS**** are encouraged to audition for choir and/or orchestra on Friday, Aug 23 at the end of Welcome Week. They are also welcome to audition along with returning students during the first week of classes. Read on for audition information and a place to sign up.
QUICK LINKS (click to jump)
Choirs | Symphony Orchestra | Lavender Jazz | Steel Drum Ensemble
Choirs (Chamber Choir, Vox Profundi, Voices of the Earth)
Profs. Scott Hochstetler and Roz Woll
Updated: Fri. August 16, 2024
Do you love to sing? Join the Goshen College Choirs! We are committed to creating dynamic choirs and contributing to your experience of community at Goshen College. We welcome singers with varied musical backgrounds and diverse strengths. We have three choirs: Voices of the Earth focuses on SSAA songs from world music traditions, Vox Profundi focuses on sacred a cappella TTBB songs, and the Chamber Choir focuses on SATB music from throughout history. All members of the Chamber Choir also sing in either Voices of the Earth or Vox Profundi. All three choirs sing a wide variety of music from many cultures and styles, and this breadth of music is one of the hallmarks of the GC choral program. Please note—While the ability to read notes and background in choir are useful, they aren’t requirements for participation in Vox Profundi and Voices of the Earth.
To join Voices of the Earth or Vox Profundi, make an appointment below to audition with both directors (Scott Hochstetler and H. Roz Woll) so we can get to know you and your voice! Bring any song you enjoy singing! We mean, ANY: rock song, lullaby, Broadway song, classical song, hymn, worship song, pop song, any song from voice lessons, Happy Birthday, really….ANYTHING!). You may choose to sing it a cappella, or with an accompaniment (if using accompaniment, please bring recording or sheet music). So that we can place you in the most comfortable section, we’ll also check your range, have you sing back some patterns that we play on the piano, and have you do a little sight-reading. It’s painless. PAINLESS. And everyone leaves smiling–really! Come get your music fix! Would you prefer to audition with a group, rather than individually? If so, please come on Wednesday, Aug 28, 4:00-5:00 and bring a friend!
Please note: Vox Profundi will be touring over spring break (Feb 21-Mar 2). All singers selected for the choir are expected to tour.
To also join Chamber Choir, in addition to the above, please prepare your part for the first 11 bars of Hymn to the Eternal Flame by Stephen Paulus. If you are unsure of which part to sing, just pick whatever feels best in your voice. The score is here (we’ll have a copy at the audition for you). Scott will be playing the other parts as you sing your part. A recording of the song is here. This is the college’s premier mixed-voice choir and includes high-level choral students from ALL majors. Students need to be enrolled in either the treble choir (Voices of the Earth MUS 294) or low voice choir (Vox Profundi MUS 293) in order to participate in chamber choir (MUS 390). If you are interested in auditioning, sign up for a slot below.
Those auditioning for both Voices or Vox Profundi AND Chamber Choir only need to sign up for one slot.
NOTE: Anyone on a music scholarship, ensemble grant for voice or is a minor or major in voice MUST audition for Voices/Vox AND Chamber Choir, and, if selected, must participate. Anyone on a piano scholarship is required to be in an ensemble (Voices/Vox, orchestra or jazz band) and strongly encouraged to audition for Chamber Choir if auditioning for Voices/Vox.
Rehearsal Schedule (please note the changes for Fall 2024)
| Vox Profundi & Voices of the Earth | Chamber Choir |
| Mondays 4-5 p.m. & Wednesdays 4-5:30 p.m. | Mondays 5-6 p.m. & Thursdays 4-5:30 p.m. |
Questions? Please contact Scott Hochstetler at scottmh@goshen.edu or H. Roz Woll at hrwoll@goshen.edu.
Auditions will take place Friday 8/23 through Friday 8/30 in Music Center Room 217 (Scott Hochstetler’s office) on the second floor of the Goshen College Music Center. Rehearsals will begin on Wed, Sept 4 (no choir rehearsals during the first week of classes!).
- Please sign up for one (1) time slot at this link.
- Please fill out this Google Form PRIOR to your audition: Choir Info Form
Symphony Orchestra
Updated: Mon. August 12, 2024
Jimin Seo, conductor
Goshen College Symphony Orchestra welcomes individuals of all levels, musical experience, or backgrounds. Come join us for an exciting musical journey where you can grow, connect with amazing fellow musicians, and enjoy performances you will always remember.
Rehearsals
Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:00 – 6:00 PM in Music Center 150.
Audition Information
- Fill out the Orchestra Audition Form by clicking here or by scanning the QR code outside the Music Center office.
- Sign up for an audition slot using the form. Auditions will be in Music Center 218.
Audition Requirements
- One solo selection of your choice in 2-3 minutes
- Three scales in the key of your choice in 2-3 octaves
- Music majors will receive an excerpt pdf of your instrument – prepare as much as possible
Lavender Jazz
Greg Smucker, director
Updated August 19, 2024
Auditions are open to saxophone, trombone, trumpet, piano, guitar, drum set and vibes. Other instrumentalists with experience in jazz and/or improvisation are welcome to audition. In-person, auditions will take place in Music Center 150 Monday, Aug. 26 and Tuesday, Aug. 27. If you are not able to audition in one of the listed time slots, email Greg Smucker to arrange an audition time.
Click here to sign up for an audition time slot!
Audition requirements
Winds
- Two octave scale – your choice of key (demonstrate range and tone)
- Two – three minute selection of your choice – jazz tune, hymn, or melodic etude
- Sight reading
Bass, guitar, vibes and piano
- Two octave scale – your choice of key
- Two – three minute selection of your choice – jazz tune or hymn
- Sight reading – both note reading and chord progression
Drum Set
- Demonstrate swing pattern
- Various tempos slow, medium, fast
- with brushes
- Demonstrate Bossa Nova pattern
- Demonstrate Rock pattern
- Solo demonstration i.e. swing pattern for 4 bars
- Sight reading
Steel Drum Ensemble
Micah Detweiler, director
Info updated Mon. August 12, 2024
The Goshen College Steel Drum Ensemble is an opportunity for students to play one of the most unique musical instruments in the world, with no experience required!
The steel pan is an instrument from Trinidad and Tobago with an incredible sound and a fascinating history. You can learn about it and how to play it in Steel Band!
Steel Band (MUS 259) is open to all students and can be taken for 1 or 0 credits. The class meets on Tuesdays from 2:00-3:15 p.m.
Want to try it out? Come to our first class on 8/29/23 at 2:00 pm in MC 150, no need to enroll first! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me at mjdetweiler@goshen.edu