Choir Placement Information
One of the many great things about singing at Boise State is that anyone who wants to sing will be placed in a choir — no one gets turned away. We have five great ensemble options: Meistersingers (our top select group), Vox Angelis (our select treble ensemble), University Singers (a “town and gown” mixed group), the Opera Studio (separate audition info below) and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Meistersingers, Vox Angelis, Vocal Jazz and University Singers placements take place during the first week of school.
If you would like to audition for Meistersingers (including returning singers), please sign up for a time-slot with Dr. Hutton, prepare a short, prepared work (anything you feel comfortable singing), and bring sheet music for the accompanist. You will be able to sing that along with some simple sight-singing and vocal exercises.
If interested in joining University Singers or Vox Angelis and it is your first time singing in a choir under the direction of Dr. Hutton, please also register for a time to vocalize with him to determine proper ensemble placement (returning USingers and Vox Angelis choristers need not sign up for a placement audition unless you are interested in Meistersingers).
Rehearsals for all choirs will begin the week of August 25th, 2025.
When registering for classes, please register for the choir that is your preferred ensemble.
For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Hutton at richardhutton@boisestate.edu.
Opera Theatre Auditions
Fall 2025 auditions for the Opera Theatre studio will take place the first week of classes. Exact time and date will be announced soon.
Be prepared to perform one song by memory.
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Seppala at jeffreyseppala@boisestate.edu
Department Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission into the Department of Music at Boise State University consist of two main steps:
- Apply to Boise State
- Audition for the Department of Music
Note that these steps only apply if you want to major or minor in music. Any Boise State student is eligible to participate in our ensembles — regardless of major. Other than auditions for the Blue Thunder Marching Band, our ensemble directors typically hold membership auditions and placement auditions during the first week of classes. More information on the ensembles and their types of auditions can be found at Boise State Music Ensembles.
Area Audition Information
Students should prepare two memorized selections in contrasting styles. At least one of the selections must be in English.
Examples of suggested repertoire include selections from the “Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias” collection or The First or Second Book of Solos compiled by Joan Boytim. Aural and sight singing skills will be assessed during the audition.
If an in-person audition is not possible, students may submit a video recording and set up a Zoom meeting with faculty for their aural and sight singing assessment. We recommend using the Appcompanist App or a live pianist for recorded auditions.
Questions? Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Seppala