The University Choir meets every Tuesday in the Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC) Chapel from 7:00 to 9:50 pm beginning the second week of classes. This large choir of approximately 70 singers performs a variety of works from the past and present. A brief audition (vocal interview) is required. Acceptance into the University Choir is by interview and at the discretion of the director, Liska Jetchick. The University Choir is open to students from all Faculties, staff, and Faculty members.
1. Participant form
To participate in the University Choir you need to fill out the Fall 2026 Participant Form every term. There is no LEARN for Ensembles, so this is a crucial step. Read the confirmation notice so you get the audition link. If you have any further questions please email the Ensemble Coordinator, Sonja Seiler.
2. Audition
Thursday, September 10th, 2026: 6:00pm – 9:30pm (CGUC Chapel)
Monday, September 14th, 2026: 5:30pm – 9:30pm (CGUC Rm 1203)
Anybody interested in participating in the choir is required to do a vocal hearing/audition, regardless of whether they have previously participated in the University Choir. Everyone can expect to do: 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), and some sight-singing. The purpose of this is to help the conductor get a sense of your voice and musicianship skills, and for returning members, how these are continuing to develop.
Returning Choristers
Choristers who sang in the University Choir during Winter 2026 or Spring 2026 terms: please contact Liska on or before September 3rd for a quartet group and piece of music.
New Singers or Returning Choristers from before Winter 2026
For anybody who is either new or who has not participated in recent terms: you will be provided with a link to sign up for an individual audition slot after completing the Ensemble Participant form.
Audition Repertoire
You are asked to please learn the piece Down by the Sally Garden in preparation for your audition. The piece is to be sung a cappella. However, it may be transposed into any key, if more comfortable.
If you have questions, please contact Sonja Seiler at (519) 885-0220 x24256 or by email: sonja.seiler@uwaterloo.ca
3. Quest
Register on Quest if you are taking the Ensemble for credit. Also note it is your responsibility to drop the course on Quest if you do not pass the audition or choose not to participate. An Ensemble credit is 0.25 units AND you can add this on a normal course load or ask your advisor for permission to override your course limit. Please note that students not taking Ensemble for credit will be charged a $30 fee, while non-students will pay a $60 fee.
View Credit sequence →
4. Course requirements
- In person rehearsal Tuesday nights from 7:00-9:50 most weeks. Tuesday, September 15th will be the first rehearsal.
- Read the Information Sheet
- Participation in a choir retreat. Sunday, September 27th 8:00am-1:30pm (location TBD)
- Fall Term Concert: Saturday, November 21 at 7:30pm, Trillium Lutheran Church
- Other singing opportunities may also be arranged.
New Award: The Helen Martens Choral Music Award
This award is open to students enrolled in one of the Music department choirs (e.g. Chamber, University or Chapel choirs)
University Choir Evaluation Form for Spring 2026