Sing in an MU Tell School of Music Choir!

University Choir MWF 12-12:50, Biemesderfer, WVPAC 101

University Chorale TTh 2:30-4:00, Biemesderfer, WVPAC 101

Cantilena Women’s Choir MW 5:30-7, Biemesderfer, WVPAC 101

(Scroll down for descriptions and video highlights of each choir.)

Questions: Contact Dr. Jeffrey S. Gemmell (jeffrey.gemmell@millersville.edu)

ALL ensembles are open to ALL students, regardless of major. University Choir and Chorale require auditions for NEW students only. All members of Chorale must re-audition in the Fall only. No audition is required for Women’s Choir. More information is available outside of Dr. Gemmell’s office, WVPAC 222.

Choral Syllabus (Brief Version):

Tell School Choirs Syllabus_Brief_FA25Download

Auditions and First Week of Rehearsals:

Rehearsals start immediately during the first week of classes on Monday, 8/25. Whether you’ve auditioned or not – and remember Women’s Choir does not require an audition! – you should attend ALL rehearsals of the ensembles you would like to join during the first week. This way you can learn more about the repertoire to be learned, the organization, the total program, and the commitment involved. Please read the Syllabus posted below to confirm you can make all the concert commitments.

Be sure to sign up for an audition by Friday, 8/29. Choir lists will be posted by Tuesday, 9/2.

Auditioning for a Tell School Choral Ensemble?

Here’s what you do:

  1. Read the abbreviated syllabus and concert schedule provided above. Be sure you can commit to a choral ensemble and perform on the Fall concert dates (Fall concert:  Saturday, 11/1; GSS: 12/4; 12/6-12/7).
  2. Sign up for a 10-minute audition slot that is convenient for you. All auditions will be held in my office (Winter 222). Please consider a time within the following blocks, if possible:
    • Monday, 8/25: 10:00 – 11:20 a.m. ; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
    • Tuesday, 8/26: 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday, 8/27: 10:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. ; 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
    • Thursday, 8/28: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ; 1:00 – 2:10 p.m. ; 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.
    • Friday, 8/29: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

            Sign up for your audition by clicking the Sign-Up Genius link below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4CAFAA2CABFDCE9-57977256-tell

3. Complete a Choral Audition Form found on my blog or in the envelope outside of WVPAC 222, which is where the audition will take place. Bring the completed sheet to your audition or send a PDF of the completed document to Dr. Gemmell. Click below for a PDF of the Audition Form.

Audition Form

Tell School Choirs AUDITION FORM_FA25Download

4. For the Interview-Audition, you will:

                   a) Sing a simple song or, for Chorale, a prepared selection in your preferred style

                   b) Vocalize to demonstrate your range

                   c) Echo  tonal patterns to check your ear

                   d) Sight read a choral part to check your music reading ability

NEW members are welcome and encouraged to join all choirs.

Previous experience is helpful, but not required. Come join the fun!!

More information?  Contact:  Dr. Jeffrey Gemmell (jeffrey.gemmell@millersville.edu)

MU Choir Descriptions and Video Highlights    

Remember: ALL choirs are OPEN to ALL students!

University Choir (MWF 12-12:50 pm) is an auditioned ensemble of 60-80 members that explores a diverse repertoire of exciting vocal music from around the world. From the Renaissance to Contemporary Periods, this ensemble concentrates on challenging choral repertoire of the highest quality. An infinite variety of songs and enjoyable juxtaposition of styles is a common theme of all concerts.

University Chorale (TTh 2:30-4:00 pm) is a very select ensemble with a maximum of 30 members, the majority of which are upper class voice majors. The main focus of this choir is to create innovative performances of sophisticated mixed-choir literature that is varied in style, international in scope, and universal in theme. Just recently, the ensemble performed the U.S. premiere of Oscar Navarro’s The Seven Trumpets with the Lancaster Symphony Orchestra, performed in concert with musical theater legend Patti LuPone, and performed Mozart’s Coronation Mass to rave reviews.

Cantilena Women’s Choir (MW 5:30-7 pm) is a chamber ensemble specializing in music written for their specific choral instrument. All students are welcomed and there is ample opportunity for student direction. Repertoire is supremely varied with many opportunities to perform on and off campus.

Choral Union is the name given to the exciting (and large) choir that emerges when all of the above ensembles perform together in concert. This practice is most common for the “Glorious Sounds” concert, but also occurs regularly in Fall and Spring concerts.

Tell School of Music Spring Choral Concert, April 26, 2025, “Contemporary Voices: Expressions of Light.” Use the Index below to cue to a performance for specific ensemble.

INDEX:

Chorale: 00:24 – Shank: The Boy Who Picked Up His Feet to Fly 05:45 – Tichelli: Earth Song 09:05 – Culloton: Sinner Man

Cantilena: 11:37 – Leonarda: Ave Regina Caelorum 14:34 – Gimon: “Fire” from Elements 16:36 – Johnson: Let the River Run

University Choir: 18:57 – Hogan: The Battle of Jericho 21:10 – Williams: Red River Valley 25:43 – Williams: Seeking Light

Choral Union: Hagenberg: Illuminare 29:54 – I. Splendor 33:21 – II. Caritas 38:00 – III. Nox 41:42 – IV. Munera pacis 48:05 – V. Illuminare his