Preparatory Department Sets Auditions for May 17-18

The Preparatory Department of Oklahoma Baptist University will hold auditions for its four choirs from 3:30 to 5 p.m., May 17-18, in Raley Chapel. 

All interested students in grades 2-12 from Shawnee and the surrounding area are invited to audition for the select groups of singers. Four choirs are available for various age groups. All girls, and boys with both changed and unchanged voices, are encouraged to audition. Students will be heard in order of arrival and do not need to prepare anything to sing. Tuition fee is $55 per semester or $110 for the year.

Beginning its 22nd year and continuing its strong tradition, Shawnee Honor Choir is directed by Conchita Hansford, OBU Preparatory Department director. The choir, an auditioned group of fourth- through sixth-graders from Shawnee and the surrounding area, is represented by 17 different schools from Midwest City to Seminole. The children study and perform a wide variety of music ranging from unison songs to the more challenging two- and three-part treble choral literature.

The Shawnee Honor Choir is dedicated to the philosophy that through the learning and performance of excellent choral literature, the lives of the choir members, as well as the lives of their families and the community, will be enriched both artistically and musically. The playing of Orff instruments, hand chimes and rhythm instruments is also an enjoyable aspect of the choir experience.

The choir performs annually in 12 area schools, presents two formal public concerts and frequently presents programs at community events. The choir, which meets on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m., has performed three times for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa.

In its 10th year, the Concert Honor Choir is designed to provide advanced treble voices with singing experiences that increase individual musicianship and enhance personal growth and development. Under the direction of Dr. Darla Eshelman, OBU professor and music education coordinator, the choir is dedicated to the philosophy that the performance of quality choral literature can provide a source of great joy and enrichment for the individual and for the community.

The choir of sixth- through ninth-graders is represented by students from many area elementary and middle/junior high schools. Recent performance highlights have included the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Conference in Williamsburg, Virginia, the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa, and a tour to Arizona. Along with two on-campus concerts each year, the choir performs for area malls, schools and businesses, as well as for their favorite audience, residents of the Shawnee Care Center. The choir meets on Mondays from 4:30-6:30p.m.

The Youth Honor Chorale is offered to students in grades 10-12, as well as junior high boys with changed voices. This ensemble of select students is designed to provide opportunity for singing experiences that enhance both personal and musical growth and also provides an advanced, mixed voice ensemble into which younger students may feed. Students are motivated through diverse, exciting and quality literature and performance opportunities. The Chamber Choir performs two on-campus concerts. This choir meets on Mondays from 7- 8:30 p.m. and is directed by Dr. Eshelman.

An Apprentice Choir is available for students in grades two through six. This choir is a non-auditioned group whose goal is to gain beginning level experience in vocal technique and choral singing. The choir meets on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. and is directed by David Briscoe.