Music Preparatory Choirs to Hold Auditions May 5 & 7

OBU's Music Preparatory Department will conduct auditions for Young Singers of Central Oklahoma choirs, for students in grades 3-12. The auditions will take place Tuesday, May 5, and Thursday, May 7, from 3:30-5 p.m. in OBU's Raley Chapel room 141.

All interested students in grades 3-12 from Shawnee and the surrounding area are invited to audition for the following select groups of singers. For more information about OBU's Music Preparatory Department, visit the Prep Department webpage, call (405) 585-4329 or email prep@okbu.edu.

Auditioning students will be asked to sing "Happy Birthday" and are auditioned in order of arrival. Three 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 $75 per semester or $150 for the year.

Shawnee Honor Choir is an auditioned group of third through seventh graders from Shawnee and the surrounding area, is represented by 20 different schools from Midwest City to Seminole. Beginning its 33rd year and continuing its strong tradition, the choir is directed by Conchita Hansford. The children study and perform a wide variety of music ranging from unison songs to the more challenging two and three part treble choir 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 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 Tuesday afternoons from 3:30-5:15 p.m., has performed six times for the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa.

Concert Choir is designed to provide eighth through twelfth graders with singing experiences that increase individual musicianship and enhance personal growth and development. 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 upper middle schools and high schools. Performance highlights have included the Organization of American Kodaly Educators National Conference in Virginia; the Oklahoma Music Educators Association State Convention in Tulsa; a tour to Arizona; and performances in Branson, Missouri, and the American Choral Directors National Convention in Los Angeles. Along with two on-campus concerts each year, the choir performs for schools and businesses, as well as Sterling House, an assisted living facility in Shawnee. The choir rehearses Tuesday afternoons from 5-6:30 p.m. and is conducted by Dr. Kathy Scherler, assistant professor of music education and coordinator of OBU's vocal music education program.

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 Tuesday from 4:15-5:15 p.m. No audition is needed for this choir and a parent only needs to call Mrs. Hansford (405) 585-4329 to enroll.

For more information about OBU's Music Preparatory Department, visit the Prep Department webpage, call (405) 585-4329 or email prep@okbu.edu.