About
The University Choir is a large choir of approximately 70 singers, performing a variety of works from the past and present.
Acceptance is by interview 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) are also welcome and encouraged to audition!
Director
"I truly believe that to sing in a choir is a unique and powerful experience. It is a place where everyone is welcome, just as they are; where body and soul are the instruments; where music is used as a conduit in the exploration of universal themes of humanity and in the discovery of new cultures and ideas. The University Choir strives to provide an environment where all have opportunities to learn, create, connect, and become the most musical version of themselves. These beliefs are central to my approach to choral music. I am grateful for the privilege of making music with the University Choir and am always eager to meet each term’s choir!" - Liska
Rehearsals
Days: Tuesdays (starting second week of classes)
Time: 7:00 - 9:50pm (with a mid-way break)
Location: Chapel, Conrad Grebel University College
Key dates for involvement
Winter Term dates coming soon!
First Rehearsal: Second week of term
University Choir Retreat: Saturday, October 3rd 8:00am-1:30pm
Term End Concert Dress Rehearsal: Friday, November 20th 6:30–9:30pm
Term End Concert: Saturday, November 21st 7:30pm, Trillium Lutheran Church
Audition dates
Anybody interested in participating in the choir is required to audition, regardless of whether they have previously participated in the University Choir.
Auditions include:
- a range check (where is it most comfortable for you to sing)
- a note sing-back (notes are played, and then you sing them back)
- some sight-singing (singing the notes on a page)
The purpose of this is to help the director get a sense of your voice and musicianship skills, and for returning members, how these are continuing to develop.
Winter Term audition info coming soon!
Audition repertoire
Please learn the following folk song, "Down by the Sally Garden", for your audition. You may sing in any key: choose a starting pitch that is suitable to your voice and range.
Returning members
Every term, returning University Choir members must:
- Fill out a Participant Form (see below)
- Indicate (via Piazza form or email to Liska) your interest in returning
- Show up to the first rehearsal
- Register for credit OR pay the Ensemble Fee, as applicable
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 University Choir concerts and additional rehearsals, as needed.
4. Participation in the University Choir retreat, held once each term, usually on a weekend day.
Participation & sheet music fees
ALL University Choir members must pay a sheet music fee: $40
You may keep the music after the end of term.
Participation fees apply accordingly:
Students (including grad students & post-docs) participating as an extracurricular: $30
Non-students: $60
Once accepted into the choir, please make your payments via our online portal below.
Attendance policy
- Attendance is required at all rehearsals whether you are taking the course for credit or not. Please contact the director, Liska Jetchick, by email, and your section leader if you need to miss rehearsal.
- You are allowed one (1) excused absence without jeopardy to your credit. If singers must be absent more than once due to illness, they are expected to contact Liska to make an appointment for a vocal check-in.
- For students who require special accommodations due to significant illness or extenuating circumstances, please see this site. (Includes Verification of Illness Form [VIF], Self-Declaration, Religious observances, etc.)
- All singers must be present for the dress rehearsal and final concert. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.
Communication via Piazza
Piazza will continue to be the primary method of communication for this course. Following a successful audition and prior to the first rehearsal, you should receive an email invitation to the platform.
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.
