Choirs

Thank you for your interest in Sacramento State’s Choral Ensembles! Our choirs are open to all—students, faculty, staff, and community members—and you do not need to be a music major to participate. However, you will need to audition first to be placed in the group that is right for you.

Auditions for FALL 2026 will take place on these dates:

• Friday, August 28, 9am - 5pm in Capistrano Hall, Room 209
• Saturday, August 29, 10am - 4pm in Capistrano Hall, Room 209

Each audition will last roughly eight minutes. All new and returning students must sign up for an audition prior to the start of the semester to participate in University Chorale or Choral Union. We encourage singers to sign up early, as audition slots tend to fill quickly.

Sign up for an audition time, complete your Audition Form (see below), and arrive ten minutes before you are scheduled to sing. Be prepared to showcase your skills and love for choral music. We seek singers who exude musicality, versatility, and the ability to collaborate in an ensemble setting. Best wishes for a successful audition! We look forward to beginning this journey together.

Please note: Auditions are for overall choral placement rather than a specific ensemble. Placement will be determined by the Director of Choral Activities based on the audition results, rather than personal preference, work conflicts, or class schedules.

While we recognize that schedules can vary, we strongly encourage singers to commit for the full academic year. A yearlong commitment fosters deeper musical growth, stronger community, and a more rewarding ensemble experience.

Audition Time Sign Up

Audition Form*

*Students need only to complete the audition form in advance and bring it to the audition but do NOT need to email it in beforehand

During your audition, you will be evaluated on the following key components:

1. Vocalizing: You will be asked to sing some short exercises to help the conductor determine your range and voice type. You may also be asked to match pitch and sing back tonal patterns.
2. Sight-Reading: You will be provided a brief musical excerpt to read and sing on the spot.
3. Interview: You will have a brief interview with the conductor of the University choral ensembles. This is also an opportunity for you to discuss your audition form, ask questions, and for the conductor to better understand your interests and goals as a singer.

Sac State currently offers two Classical choirs:

Choral Union (Tuesdays, 6:00-8:30pm) - 142U-01

University Chorale (MWF, 12:00-1:15pm) - 142C - 01

The Sacramento State UNIVERSITY CHORALE, a highly-select group of singers, performs challenging a cappella and accompanied choral literature reflecting a variety of styles, genres, and time periods. Membership is open to all students and experienced volunteers by audition, regardless of major or classification. It is expected that members will learn notes and rhythms outside of class.

The Sacramento State CHORAL UNION is a larger ensemble (SATB) open to any student with some prior singing experience, regardless of major or classification. The ensemble performs annual seasonal concerts and sings a variety of a cappella and accompanied choral music. Membership is open to all students and experienced volunteers by audition, regardless of major or classification. All music is learned in class and is geared towards those individuals developing their vocal skills. Also, this choir is a great way to meet people and friends from other majors!

Contact
Dr. Brett Judson, Director
(916) 278-5091

Vocal Jazz

Auditions for Vocal Jazz Ensembles typically consist of the following:

• Performance of a prepared song, preferably a jazz standard. Examples: "Summertime," "Autumn Leaves," "Route 66," and "My Funny Valentine", etc. You can also audition with a pop song. Please have the sheet music and/or lead sheet available at your audition. If you have questions about this requirement, feel free to email Professor Williams and she will help guide you. Improvisation is not required in your audition.
• Ear training exercises. You will hear a melodic line of three or four pitches on the piano, and you will be asked to sing them back. You will hear a chord with 3-4 notes and in no particular order will be asked to sing each individual note within that chord. You'll be given a starting pitch and asked to sing notes that are certain intervals away (up a 5th, down a minor 3rd, etc.).
• Range testing. You'll be asked to sing major and/or minor triads from starting pitches, and your comfortable and usable voice range will be determined.
• Quick sight-reading and part learning. You will be given a short, one-page section of a vocal jazz ensemble tune, and you'll be asked to sight-read your part along with a recording of the song. The accompanist will work with you on the part briefly and give you another chance to read the line with the recording. Be prepared to stay focused, relaxed, and to demonstrate your flexibility and quick-learning skills, while watching your intonation and blend as well.

Contact
Professor Gaw Vang, Director
(916) 842-0346