Music Preparatory Department Announces Choir Auditions

Oklahoma Baptist University's Music Preparatory Department will conduct auditions for Young Singers of Central Oklahoma choirs, for students in grades 2-12, on Aug. 20, 21 and 24 from 3-5 p.m. in OBU's Raley Chapel.



All interested students in grades 2-12 from Shawnee and the surrounding area are invited to audition for the following select groups of singers. For additional information or to audition by appointment on a different day, contact Conchita Hansford, OBU Preparatory Department director, at 878-2319.

Auditioning students will be asked to sing "Happy Birthday" and are auditioned in the order of arrival. Five choirs are available for various age groups. All girls, and boys with both changed and unchanged voices, are encouraged to audition. The tuition fee is $60 per semester or $120 for the year.

Beginning its 27th year and continuing its strong tradition, Shawnee Honor Choir is directed by Conchita Hansford. 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 3:30-5:15 p.m., has performed four times for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa.

Concert Choir is designed to provide seventh- through ninth-graders with singing experiences that increase individual musicianship and enhance personal growth and development. Under the direction of Dr. Casey Gerber, coordinator of music education, the choir is dedicated to the philosophy that performance of quality choral literature can provide a source of great joy and enrichment for the individual and for the community. The choir is represented by students from many area middle/junior high schools. Recent performance highlights have included the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Conference in Virginia; the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa, Okla.; a tour to Arizona; and performances in Branson, Mo., and the American Choral Directors National Convention in Los Angeles, Calif. 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 rehearses on Tuesday afternoons from 5-6:30 p.m.

The Youth Chorale, designed for high school mixed voices, continues to provide opportunity for singing experiences that enhance personal, musical and community growth. Students are motivated through diverse, challenging and quality literature as well as unique performance opportunities. The Youth Chorale performs two on-campus concerts jointly with the other YSCO choirs each fall and spring, and also performs for area malls and businesses. The choir has performed in Branson and for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa. The choir, conducted by Dr. Christy Talbott, meets on Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 p.m. or at a later time to be announced.

The Select Girls Chorus, composed of auditioned high school girls, meets from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons.

Discovery Singers, for non-auditioned children ages 7 and up, is offered to help children develop their voices and prepare them for future choir success. The class meets on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and is taught by Dr. Casey Gerber.