Ensembles - Choral/Vocal

Music Department

Concert Choir (MU 105/305) is the largest choir on campus (approximately 75-100 singers), and does not require an audition to participate. Simply enroll in the course and singers will be placed according to voice type after the semester begins.  Anyone can enroll in Concert Choir; majoring in music is not required.  Approximately 50% of the choir is composed of non-music majors, from freshmen through seniors.  Concert Choir generally performs a wide variety of musical styles, and presents four concerts each year. Members of Concert Choir are eligible to join with all other Fort Lewis Choirs on international performance tours, like the most recent one to Czech Republic, Austria, and Germany in May of 2018.

Chamber Choir (MU 106/306) is a highly select mixed ensemble (approximately 30 voices). Students must audition to participate in this choir. Auditions typically take place in the first two days of each semester. The group performs a variety of music, concentrating generally on advanced choral works written for chamber ensembles. The audition process requires a prepared solo piece, melodic and rhythmic sight reading, and vocalization. Singers should be able to sing well in tune, have a flexible and expressive singing voice, and have some knowledge of music reading.

Men’s Choir (MU 300) is a select group of tenors and basses. Music majors, music minors, non-music majors, and occasionally community members are encouraged to audition, continuing the American tradition of singing men for over twenty-five years. The Men’s Choir has a busy performance schedule, and part of its mission is to encourage singing among young and school-aged males by setting an excellent example of the beautiful-sounding blend of lower voices.

Women’s Choir (MU 307) is a select group of treble voices. The women’s choir performs moderate to advanced repertoire in the tradition of female choirs, from serious classical selections to light novelty pieces. The Women’s Choir also provides an opportunity for women to come together and discuss issues facing gender roles in modern society, and provides an area of support and friendship among students looking for a social outlet. Audition is required.

Hawkappella (MU 140/340), Fort Lewis College’s “pop” choral ensemble, is a highly select a cappella choir comprised of about 16 singers.  The group performs modern popular music often with a beat-box (vocal percussion) and some choreography.  Students interested in auditioning for this ensemble should prepare an unaccompanied vocal solo in the pop, jazz, or musical theatre style, and be prepared to do some simple sight reading and aural testing.  Singers chosen for this ensemble will be outstanding soloists, but also able to work well in a vocal ensemble setting.

Scenes from the Musical Stage (MU 139/339) meets Wednesdays from 3:35-6:00 every fall semester. Students in the course study and perform fully staged ensemble scenes from the musical theatre, opera, and operetta repertoire. Student performers have opportunities to sing in the community and area schools, as well as on the Fort Lewis College campus. Scenes from the Musical Stage is open to all FLC students by audition.