Auditions and Admission
Choir Placement Information
One of the many great things about singing at Boise State is that anyone who wants to sing will be placed in a choir — no one gets turned away. We have five great ensemble options: Meistersingers (our top select group), Vox Angelis (our select treble ensemble), University Singers (a “town and gown” mixed group), the Opera Studio (separate audition info below) and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble (Spring 2025 only).
Meistersingers, Vox Angelis, and University Singers placements take place during the first week of school, August 21-24, 2024. Vocal Jazz auditions will be held during the first week of Spring 2025 classes.
To be placed in a choir, sign up for a time to sing for Interim Choir Director Dr. Richard Hutton utilizing the link below. During that placement appointment, you’ll be asked to sing a short, prepared work (anything you feel comfortable singing), do some simple sight singing and do some short vocal exercises.
Please sign up for a placement audition time slot, and if you are able, fill out the form linked below and bring it to your placement appointment. From there, Dr. Hutton will discuss your singing goals, schedule and preferences to help you find the perfect choir fit.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Hutton at richardhutton@boisestate.edu.
Opera Theatre Auditions
Auditions for the Fall Musical in Opera Theatre will take place on Monday, August 19th, in room C125 of the Morrison Center from 1:30 to 2:50 p.m.
Be prepared to perform one song by memory. Please bring a clean copy of your music to the audition or send a PDF of your music by Sunday, August 18, 2024, to jeffreyseppala@boisestate.edu. Sign up for an audition time via the link below.
Click here for Opera Theatre audition sign-up sheet
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Seppala at jeffreyseppala@boisestate.edu
Department Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission into the Department of Music at Boise State University consist of two main steps:
- Apply to Boise State
- Audition for the Department of Music
Note that these steps only apply if you want to major or minor in music. Any Boise State student is eligible to participate in our ensembles — regardless of major. Other than auditions for the Blue Thunder Marching Band, our ensemble directors typically hold membership auditions and placement auditions during the first week of classes. More information on the ensembles and their types of auditions can be found at Boise State Music Ensembles.
Area Audition Information
Students should prepare two memorized selections in contrasting styles. At least one of the selections must be in English.
Examples of suggested repertoire include selections from the “Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias” collection or The First or Second Book of Solos compiled by Joan Boytim. Aural and sight singing skills will be assessed during the audition.
If an in-person audition is not possible, students may submit a video recording and set up a Zoom meeting with faculty for their aural and sight singing assessment. We recommend using the Appcompanist App or a live pianist for recorded auditions.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Seppala