Auditions and Admission

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 non-auditioned mixed group), the Opera Studio (separate audition info below) and the Vocal Jazz Ensemble.

Meistersingers, Vox Angelis, University Singers and Vocal Jazz placements take place during the first week of school. Fall 2024 dates and times to be announced.

During that week, you’ll sign up for a time to sing for Choir Director Dr. Michael Porter. During that placement appointment, you’ll be asked to sing a short, prepared work (anything you feel comfortable singing), do some simple sight singing and some short vocal exercises.

Please sign up for a placement audition time slot, fill out the form linked below and bring it to your placement appointment. From there, Dr. Porter will discuss your singing goals, schedule and preferences to help you find the perfect choir fit.

For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Porter. 

Choir Placement Form

Auditions for Opera Theatre will take place on Wednesday, August 23rd, in C200 from 1:30-2:50pm. No sign-up or appointment is required. Simply arrive during the scheduled audition window, leaving yourself plenty of time.

Students will perform one aria/song. Please bring a clean copy of your music for pianist Dr. Chad Spears.

If you have any questions, contact Dr. Seppala. Jeffreyseppala@boisestate.edu

Requirements for admission into the Department of Music at Boise State University consist of two main steps:

1. Apply to Boise State
2. 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.

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

Schedule an Audition