University Choir Information Sheet

The University of Waterloo Choir
Fall Term 2026
Conrad Grebel University College
Director: Liska Jetchick | ljetchic@uwaterloo.ca
Collaborative Pianist: Nicole Simone

Fall 2026
*Subject to change on or before September 15th, 2026

The University of Waterloo Choir invites all students, faculty, staff, and community members to sing with us. This choir performs a variety of repertoire across a broad range of stylistic periods, genres, and cultures. An audition (Vocal Interview) is required for admission to the choir. Please go to the link listed under “Vocal Interviews” to schedule an interview and follow the steps.

A Word from the Conductor
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 eager to meet this term’s choir!
~Liska Jetchick

Audition Dates
Thursday, September 10th, 2026: 6:00pm – 9:30pm (CGUC Chapel)
Monday, September 14th, 2026: 5:30pm – 7:30pm (CGUC Rm 1208)

Interested singers are required to:
Step 1: Read the Choir Information Sheet (this sheet).
Step 2: Fill out the form online - Ensemble Participant Form
Step 3: Participate in a vocal hearing/audition. A link to sign up (for new singers) is shared once you fill out the Participant Form. 

Vocal Hearings/Auditions
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

Registration for Credit
If you are a student singing in the University Choir and wanting a 0.25 credit for the course, you must register for an ensemble on your course schedule through Quest (Choose Music 116 if this is your first time registering for any ensemble credit). This can be added on top of a regular 2.5 credit load without an advisor’s override.

Rehearsals
The University Choir is scheduled to rehearse from 7:00pm – 9:50pm on Tuesday nights (with a scheduled break about halfway through).

IMPORTANT DATES
1. First Rehearsal: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026 7:00pm – 9:50pm in the Grebel Chapel
2. Retreat: SUNDAY, September 27th, 2026 8:00am – 1:30pm (Location TBD)
3. Run-through Rehearsal: Thursday, November 19th, 2026 6:00pm – 9:50pm (Great Hall)
4. Dress Rehearsal : Friday, November 20th, 2026 6:30pm – 9:50pm Trillium Lutheran
5. Concert Date: Saturday, November 21st, 2026 7:30pm (call time: 5:30pm)

Location: Trillium Lutheran Church – 22 Willow St., Waterloo
Concert Attire: solid black dress top (minimum over shoulder), black bottoms (over knees); black shoes

Attendance Policy for UW Choir
A. Attendance is required at all rehearsals whether you are taking the course for credit or not. Please contact the director, Liska Jetchick, by email: ljetchic@uwaterloo.ca, and your section leader if you need to miss rehearsal.
B. 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.
C. 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.)
D. All singers must be present for the dress rehearsal and final concert. Non-credit members are subject to the same attendance requirements.

Music Fee
All singers are required to pay a $40 music fee and singers can keep the music at the end of the term.

Participation Fee
In addition to the music fee, there is a participation fee for all those not taking the course for credit to help out with the running of the choir. It is $30 for students (including grad students and post-docs) and $60 for community members. That said, if ever a fee is problematic, please contact Liska directly as finances should never act as a barrier to participation.

Piazza
Piazza will continue to be the primary method of communication for this course. Following a successful vocal hearing and prior to the first rehearsal you should receive an email invitation to the platform. Please email me directly if you have not received an email from Piazza by September 15th, 2026.