Ensembles

• Campus Choir - A mixed choir (SATB) that focuses on sacred music and regularly helps lead and supplement music in Chapel services.
• Capella - A mixed concert choir (SATB) that performs diverse choral literature from all historical eras on campus and on frequent tours.
• Gospel Choir - An ensemble that offers the opportunity to sing in a variety of styles, including spirituals, African music, anthems, jazz, as well as traditional and contemporary gospel music.
• Oratorio Chorus - A large community chorus that presents Handel's Messiah each December.
• Women's Chorale - A treble concert choir (SSAA) that presents a wide range of repertoire on campus, in the community, and on performance tours.

How to Join

CLICK HERE TO SCHEDULE YOUR AUDITION FOR THE 2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR

Welcome to the audition process for the 2025–2026 Calvin University Choirs! We’re so glad you're here—and we want you to know: there’s a place for you in our choral program. Singing in a choir at Calvin is a joyful, meaningful experience, and we hope you’ll invite a friend to audition too!

Who can audition?
Any current Calvin University student is eligible to audition for our choirs. Please note: ensemble placement is for the full academic year.

Audition Details
Auditions will take place in Dr. Mark Stover’s studio office (Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 170 – lower level).
Auditions last for 5 minutes (that's it!) and occur on:

• Friday, August 29
• Saturday, August 30
• Monday, September 1

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and complete a brief form before your audition time. This helps us stay on schedule and ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

If you have questions or can’t make any of the scheduled audition times, please email Dr. Stover to arrange an alternative (mark.stover@calvin.edu). We strongly encourage you to sign up for the earliest audition time that works with your schedule.

What to Expect in Your 5-Minute Audition
The audition will consist of:

• Vocalizations
• Sight reading
• Tonal memory
• A prepared solo (about 30 seconds) excerpt of a song you love—this could be a hymn, worship song, folk song, pop song, musical theatre—whatever best showcases your voice. No accompanist provided, so plan to sing a cappella.

Important Audition Notes

• Please indicate which ensemble is your top choice.
• Fall auditions are for: Campus Choir, Women’s Chorale, and Oratorio Chorus.
• While we can’t guarantee placement in your preferred group, every effort is made to place you in the best ensemble fit.
• Ensemble placements are for the entire academic year, unless you are studying abroad.

The rosters for Capella and Gospel Choir are already set for the 2025-2026 academic year. Auditions will open in April 2026 for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors for the 2026-2027 academic year.

• Jazz Band - An ensemble that performs a variety of jazz literature in both big band and combo settings.
• Orchestra - A full symphony orchestra that performs major concerts each semester, including the annual presentation of Handel's Messiah, while also engaging in regular performance tours.
• Symphonic Band - A concert band comprised of students, faculty, and alumni that performs traditional literature in multiple concerts each semester, both on campus and in the surrounding community.
• Wind Ensemble - A smaller, versatile concert band (typically one player per part) that relies on flexible instrumentation to perform diverse repertoire in multiple performances on and off campus. 
• Marching Band - An ensemble that performs at Calvin football games. This ensemble is open to all interested students, instruments, and levels of experience.
• Pep Band - An ensemble comprised of traditional band instruments, drum set, and electric bass that entertains fans and supports the men's and women's basketball teams at home games.

How to Join

If you played in high school, there is a place for you in our program! Live auditions are typically held at the beginning of each academic year, but it is possible for students to join at the start of the spring semester, too. We recognize that auditions can be nerve-wracking; however, keep in mind that auditions are just a way for the director to get to know you and your playing better. In other words, with high school experience, you're already "in;" auditions just help ensure a great experience for all involved!

Jazz Band 
All interested students should contact Prof. Lisa Sung (lisa.sung@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time.

Orchestra 
Interested string players should contact Dr. Xander Koops (xander.koops@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time. Auditions typically include:

• Designated scales
• Prepared literature excerpts (distributed in advance)
• Sight reading

Concert Band (Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble) 
Interested woodwind, brass, and percussion students should contact Dr. Tiffany Engle (tiffany.engle@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time. Auditions typically include:

• Designated scales
• Prepared solo (etude, solo piece, anything you love to play) that best demonstrates your musicianship OR prepared literature excerpts (distributed in advance)
• Sight reading

Woodwind, brass, and percussion students interested in playing in Orchestra should complete a concert band audition since players are assigned through their participation in Wind Ensemble.

Athletic Band (Marching Band, Pep Band)
All interested students should contact Prof. Steve Sudduth (steven.sudduth@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time.

Collaborative Musicianship

This course fosters the study and performance of music designed for small ensembles. As such, participating students are encouraged and expected to assume leadership in repertoire selection and rehearsal organization. Faculty members offer support and guidance through regular "coachings" that supplement students' independent work in their assigned ensembles. The course culminates with a chamber recital slated at the end of each semester.

Collaborative Musicianship is open to all instrumentalists and vocalists who meet the demands of musicianship. 

Rehearsal Information: Mondays, 5:30 - 6:30pm, with students arranging their own additional rehearsal times.

Director

• Alumni Choir - A mixed choir (SATB) comprised of Calvin University alumni.
• Calvin Community Symphony - Open to any West Michigan musician with a desire to join a committed group of musicians bringing classical music to life.

How to Join

Musicians interested in joining Alumni Choir should express an interest at alumnichoir@calvin.edu.

Musicians interested in joining the Calvin Community Symphony should visit their website at calvincommunitysymphony.org.