About
The University of Waterloo Chamber Choir is a small ensemble of about 25 voices that performs several times during the Fall and Winter Terms.
Acceptance is by audition and at the discretion of the director. The audition will assess musical gifts and technical skills, as a basis for membership.
Non-student singers (faculty, staff, community members) may also inquire about auditions, but preference will be given to current University of Waterloo students.
Director
Rehearsals
Days: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Time: 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Location: Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Key dates for involvement
First Rehearsal: Thursday, September 17th 4:00pm - 5:30pm
Term End Concert Dress Rehearsal: Friday, November 27th 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Term End Concert: Saturday, November 28th 7:30pm, St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church
Audition dates
All singers must audition each Fall term. Normally, singers continuing from Fall to Winter do not need to re-audition.
Thursday, September 10th 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Tuesday, September 15th 2:30pm - 5:30pm
Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Audition repertoire
Please learn one of the following folk songs for your audition, or bring an art song of your choice. You may sing in any key: choose a starting pitch that is suitable to your voice and range.
Steps to join
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Fill out the Participant Form (see following).
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Register on Quest if you'd like to receive credit (see following for full sequence details).
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Prepare & show up for your audition.
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If accepted, come to the first rehearsal. If not accepted, try again next term!
Participant form
All new ensemble applicants and returning ensemble members must fill out this form to participate every term. Winter 2026 coming soon.
Register for credit
Ensemble credit = 0.25 units. Add to normal course load or ask your advisor for a permission code to override your course limit.
Credit sequence details
Credits are accrued in sequence. If it is your first time participating in an ensemble, register for Music 116 and continue incrementally up the sequence for each new term or additional ensemble.
Important: it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate.
Course requirements
1. Engaged participation and attendance at weekly rehearsals (see Attendance Policy, below).
2. Individual preparation, as assigned, for rehearsals. Choristers are responsible for learning assigned materials on their own and must be prepared to demonstrate proficiency in small groups or individually from time to time.
3. Participation in all Chamber Choir concerts and additional rehearsals, as needed.
Participation fees for extracurricular members
Students participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the choir, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Attendance policy
For details about your expected attendance and for mandatory steps to follow in case of an absence, please review the following guidelines.
Awards
The Helen Martens Choral Music Award
This award is for students enrolled in one of the Music Department choirs. Choristers who exhibit a passion for choral music and demonstrate vocal excellence in choral singing will be considered. Note: Choir members who show leadership skills in rehearsals and concert preparation are preferred.
