Choral and Vocal Studies at UCM

UCM Concert Choir

With approximately 50 outstanding singers, Concert Choir, the University of Central Missouri's most advanced choral ensemble, has performed in prestigious regional, national, and international venues, and tours frequently. Recent completed invitations include the Xi'an International Choral Festival in Xi'an, China, Carnegie Hall in New York City, and the Missouri Music Educators Association Annual Convention. On campus, the Concert Choir presents extraordinarily diverse repertoire in several performances each semester, including a choral masterwork annually. Concert Choir is open to all UCM students by audition. 

This course meets Monday, Wednesday, Friday, from 2:00-3:20PM. To schedule an audition or receive more information, email jthomas@ucmo.edu.

Collegiate Chorus

Collegiate Chorus affords UCM students an opportunity to explore a variety of choral music, including traditional men's chorus, women's chorus, and mixed chorus repertoire. There are two sections of Collegiate Choir: Treble Chorus and Tenor/Bass Chorus. As these courses meet at the same time, they often combine to perform mixed chorus repertoire, including a choral masterwork annually. Membership in Collegiate Chorus is open-enrollment. No audition is required. This course meets Tuesday and Thursday, from 12:30-1:45PM.

 

 

Please visit the UCM Music "Application, Scholarships, and Auditions" page for step-by-step instructions regarding UCM Music application and auditions.

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The Voice Audition for Music consists of:

1. Singing two classical pieces of contrasting style from the Western musical canon (i.e. "Danza, danza fanciulla gentile" by Francesco Durante, and "Where'er You Walk" by G.F. Handel).
2. should be memorized;
3. singers are advised to provide their own accompanist; however, one will be provided if needed (music must be available in advance);
4. one of the pieces should be in a foreign language (typically Italian, German, French, or Spanish)
5. selections should be like those sung for District Music Festival. http://gvlabs.com/festivalmanager/mshsaa/src/admin_pml.php.
6. Singing scales and vocalises to demonstrate range.
7. Sight reading.

Please note: The requirements above are for consideration for music admission and scholarship only. Choral ensemble placement auditions will take place at a later point in time. Fill out this form to receive more information about choral placement auditions.

Career Opportunities

At UCM, students in the voice area are preparing to enter the world of vocal music in a variety of disciplines. Students interested in becoming teachers are a part of the Bachelor of Music Education program. These students will be eligible for careers in elementary, middle, and high school choral departments. For those with a passion for performing, students may pursue a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance. Students wishing to study voice may also enroll in the Bachelor of Music Technology program. Music technology is an exciting and fast-growing field and our program offers hands-on experience. 

Performing Opportunities

In addition to our choral offerings, students at UCM have many options for performance during their degree program:

Master Classes
Master classes occur on a regular basis, offering exposure to many types of learning. Each semester, students will have the opportunity to work with our faculty, as well as a series of guest artists from around the world. 

Vocal Competitions
There are many different competitions available to our students, both on campus and around the region. UCM vocal students have a quality reputation in our region, receiving numerous awards and prizes. Competitions include: Quistorff Aria Prize Competition, Concerto/Aria Competition, Kansas City NATS, Regional Division NATS, Missouri Federation of Music Clubs, NAFTZGER Awards, Kansas City Music Club.

Opera Theater
Opera Theater productions allow students to enhance their understanding of an iconic art form. Events include evenings of opera scenes and full productions of works from every era. Our goal is to bring music at UCM to the community in an exciting and innovative way. Auditions are held during the fall semester for our spring productions. 

Musical Theatre
In conjunction with the Theatre Department, students have the opportunity to audition for UCM main stage productions. These auditions are typically held during the first week of the fall semester and include singing, a monologue, and dance requirements. 

Gabriel Englehart, Senior Music Education Major (Vocal)

In high school I was on the fence about studying music in college, especially because I didn’t know what that entailed. Dr. Jacob Sentgeorge, a professor in the UCM Voice faculty, worked with a few choral students at my high school and outlined the college music major’s experience. I knew I wanted to discover more of my voice and learn choral conducting. I felt so welcomed by Dr. Zrust and Dr. Roden from the first week on campus. I have made countless friends, developed lifelong relationships with my colleagues, and learned from the excellent examples set by professors while studying in UCM Music.