Choral Ensembles
Men's Glee Club
Chorale
The flagship ensemble of the OSU mixed choirs, this 24 – 28 voice chamber choir is open by competitive audition to all OSU students (sophomore through graduate students; sophomores only by invitation of the conductor). The Chorale sings a variety of distinctive choral literature with frequent solo opportunities. They perform on campus and in the community, occasionally touring. In July 2008, the Chorale sang at the Lucerne International Choral Festival in Switzerland.
Symphonic Choir
An auditioned mixed chorus of 50 – 56 sophomore through graduate students, Symphonic Choir performs several concerts annually, often collaborating with area high school choruses. Comprising music majors and non-majors, the ensemble explores a variety of musical styles, sometimes combining with Chorale to perform major works with instrumental ensembles. This group emphasizes development of musical literacy and aural skills within the context of performance repertoire.
Men’s Glee Club
Having recently performed for the 2006 national conference of the Intercollegiate Male Choruses, Inc., this ensemble is highly visible among male choruses nationwide, and has a long tradition of choral excellence. The Men’s Glee Club welcomes singers from all academic disciplines on campus, undergraduate through graduate level. MGC maintains an active performance schedule, performing frequently throughout Ohio and beyond. The Statesmen is a select a cappella group auditioned from within the Men’s Glee Club, comprising 12 – 16 singers.
Women’s Glee Club
Recently recognized for excellence in performance by the American Choral Directors Association at their Chicago convention in 2006, this auditioned ensemble is open to women of all majors, freshmen through graduate level. The group sings a variety of treble repertoire, frequently featuring the poetry and music of women artists. Often sharing concerts with the Men’s Glee Club, Women’s Glee Club also performs solo concerts in the community and on tour. Ladies First is a select a cappella group auditioned from within the Women’s Glee Club, comprising 12 – 16 singers.
University Chorus
This ensemble is open to all students on campus with a voice placement audition only. It is intended for undergraduate non-music majors and sings one concert per quarter on campus. A variety of music comprises the curriculum. Singers with somewhat limited choral background have the opportunity to develop vocal and musical skills in an enjoyable environment with minimal outside class time required. During spring quarter of each year, University Chorus combines with Mastersingers, sometimes programming larger choral works with instrumental accompaniment.
Mastersingers (Small Vocal Ensemble, Music 208.02)
This small mixed ensemble functions as the recital chorus for graduate conducting majors who prepare one concert per quarter, shared by two conductors. All university students may audition for Mastersingers, but vocal music majors may not use this group for large ensemble credit. Each quarter, the group sings a wide variety of music, often representing several cultures and ethnicities.
Gospel and Spiritual Ensemble (Small Vocal Ensemble, Music 208.02)
This non-auditioned group specializes in a single genre of music and performs for the Columbus community at least once per quarter. Singers develop skills within the framework of a strong aural tradition and explore techniques of improvisation as well. Music majors may participate in this group for small ensemble credit only and music education majors are especially encouraged to do so.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Small Vocal Ensemble, Music 208.02)
This auditioned, select group of approximately 10 – 12 singers is the most recent addition to our choral offerings. Ensemble members are chosen from across campus and specialize in developing vocal jazz performance skills, including improvisation. Currently the group rehearses in the evenings at a time arranged to suit the individual members’ schedules.
All chorus classes may be taken for credit at the undergraduate or graduate levels. For more information, contact the choral faculty, Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Dr. Robert Ward.
