AUDITIONS & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Toggle Item1. Which ensembles can I participate in?
BYU students are eligible for any of the following choirs. Flex GE students are eligible for the evening section of University Chorale only.
- BYU Singers (audition required) Full year only - not available Winter semester
- Concert Choir (audition required)
- Women’s Chorus (audition required)
- Men’s Chorus (audition required)
- University Chorale (no audition required, simply register for MUSIC 311R)
-
Toggle Item2. How do I sign up for an audition?
This is a GREAT question! EVERY SINGLE PERSON WANTING TO AUDITION FOR A CHOIR MUST FIRST FILL OUT THE SURVEY.
When auditions open - the survey link will appear here. You will have a choice between an “in-person” or “online” audition.
Online auditions open in July for Fall semesters and November for Winter semesters. Registration to secure an in-person audition will also open at these times.
- The in-person auditions for Fall 2025 will be taking place between August 28th - September 3rd.
If you have any questions about auditions, please email the choral clerks at choralclerk1@byu.edu.
-
Toggle Item3. What is the audition process?
When you complete the audition survey, you will be given a link to sign up for an audition, whether online or in-person. In-person auditions will be conducted and recorded by assistant directors. The recording will then be reviewed by the choir directors. Your audition will include:
The singing of a specific hymn (outlined in heading 4 below).
A few exercises to assess your sight-reading skills, tonal memory, and vocal range.
3a. If I choose the online option, is there a deadline by which my audition video must be submitted?
YES! You must submit your video by September 3rd, 2025 in order to be considered. Please do not wait until the last minute.
3b. What do I do if I have technical problems while trying to submit an online audition?
Please email the choral clerks immediately if you need assistance: choralclerk1@byu.edu.
3c. Is there a way to try a practice online audition before I submit my official one?
Yes. Simply follow this link. You may complete as many practice auditions as you would like. The conductors will not watch any of the practice auditions.
3d. Will there be callback auditions?
Yes! Here is the Fall callback schedule:
(Link active when auditions are open)
There are only callback auditions for Fall semesters - NO callbacks for Winter semester.3e. Announcement of final rosters
After the audition process has finished, each auditionee will be informed of the result of their audition via email. A list will also be posted on the bulletin board near the choral office (Rm 3033) in the Music Building.
3f. How do I register for choir?
Once you’ve been accepted into a choir, you will receive a permission-to-add code for the class that you can use on BYU MyMAP by the add/drop deadline.
-
Toggle Item4. What hymn do I need to prepare for the audition?
All singers are asked to prepare the melody of one verse of a preselected hymn to sing a cappella, depending upon the singer’s voice part (see below). Please choose the voice part that feels the most comfortable for you. If you are unfamiliar with these hymns, please email our clerks at choralclerk1@byu.edu.
SOPRANO I: Hymn #1: The Morning Breaks
Audition Key: Eb major* | Starting Pitch: Bb | Sheet Music
You may skip the bars where the Sopranos and Altos do not singSOPRANO II: Hymn #165: Abide with Me; 'Tis Eventide
Audition Key: F major* | Starting Pitch: A | Sheet MusicALTO I: Hymn #100: Nearer, My God, to Thee
Audition Key: F major | Starting Pitch: A | Sheet MusicALTO II: Hymn #130: Be Thou Humble
Audition Key: A major* | Starting Pitch: C# | Sheet MusicTENOR I: Hymn #220: Lord, I Would Follow Thee
Audition Key: G major* | Starting Pitch: D | Sheet MusicTENOR II: Hymn #220: Lord, I Would Follow Thee
Audition Key: E major* | Starting Pitch: B | Sheet MusicBARITONE: Hymn #100: Nearer, My God, to Thee
Audition Key: E major* | Starting Pitch: G# | Sheet MusicBASS: Hymn #130: Be Thou Humble
Audition Key: A major* | Starting Pitch: C# | Sheet Music*Audition key is different from original key
-
Toggle Item5. Can I audition for more than one choir?
Yes. All singers are initially considered for every choir. Your audition video will be evaluated by all the conductors so they can place you in the ensemble that best suits your voice. Final placements are determined by considering singer interest, audition performance, and schedule availability.
-
Toggle Item6. Can I audition for more than one voice part?
Singers are encouraged to audition for the voice part with which they are most comfortable. However, each singer is thoroughly tested to determine her/his most appropriate voice part. The decision is made by considering the singer’s vocal range, color, clarity, etc.
-
Toggle Item7. Do I have to be a music major to sing in a choir?
No. We have hundreds of singers each year who major in something other than music. All students are encouraged and welcome to audition, regardless of experience or perceived ability level.
-
Toggle Item8. I want to reserve time in my schedule for the choirs. When do they meet?
All choral ensembles are 1 credit courses. Upon acceptance into a choir, you will receive a permission-to-add code in order to register. We recommend you keep your class schedule flexible during the hours of which your desired choirs meet for daily rehearsals. Times and course numbers are below:
- BYU Singers (MUSIC 315R): MWF 1:00 – 1:50 PM, TTh 12:00 – 1:20 PM
- Concert Choir (MUSIC 314R): MTW 2:00 – 2:50 PM, Th 1:30 – 2:50 PM
- Women’s Chorus (MUSIC 313R): MTW 3:00 – 3:50 PM, F 2:00 – 3:30 PM
- Men’s Chorus (MUSIC 312R): MTW 4:00 – 4:50 PM, Th 3:30 – 4:50 PM
- University Chorale (MUSIC 311R, day section): MWF 12:00 – 12:50 PM
- University Chorale (MUSIC 311R, evening section): TTh 5:00 – 6:50 PM