Seattle University Choirs

Celebrating music with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

  1. College of Arts & Sciences
  2. Academic Departments
  3. Department of Performing Arts and Arts Leadership
  4. Music
  5. Seattle University Choirs
Photo of Leann Conley-Holcom conducting the choir

The Seattle University Choirs consists of two auditioned ensembles (University Chorale and Chamber Singers) and one non-auditioned ensemble (University Singers). The choirs perform in concert at least once each quarter and engage in meaningful artistic collaborations. They perform both secular and sacred music from a broad range of traditions and time periods. All students who enroll in a choir, maintaining a B average grade, are eligible to receive merit and/or service scholarships.

We welcome new members into the choirs at the beginning of each quarter.

  • Auditions are required for University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and private voice lessons.
  • Auditions not required for Vocal Technique and Performance, Conducting and University Singers.

Scholarships are available to students, regardless of major, in recognition of outstanding merit/talent and in support of student leaders who participate in choir.

Upcoming Events

The Seattle University Choirs present CREATION SINGS, a holiday celebration in word and song, Friday December 6, 2024, 7:30pm at Seattle First Baptist Church. The choirs will be accompanied throughout the concert, and on the new cornerstone cantata Light of Peace (Karen Marrolli), by a vibrant Celtic band comprised of locals players Henry Lebedinsky (guitar, bodhrán), Tracy Doyle (Irish flute), and Elise Snoey (fiddle). Join us for seasonal favorites, old and new! Dr. Leann Conley-Holcom, Director of Choral Activities; Susan Bloomfield, Pianist in Residence.

Tickets $10 General Admission; $5 SU Community and 18 and under.

a flyer for a holiday concert called creation sings

Joining Seattle University Choirs

Auditions are:

  • Required for University Chorale, Chamber Singers, and private voice lessons.
  • Not required for Vocal Technique and Performance, Conducting and University Singers.

New members may apply to join at the beginning of each academic quarter.

Seattle University Choirs are open to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major. An audition/assessment is required for placement in all choral ensembles and private lessons. Auditions are held primarily during the first week of Fall Quarter each year, though new singers are accepted during the year based upon openings in our ensembles. If you are interested in joining a choir or beginning voice lessons mid-year, please reach out. We look forward to hearing you sing and finding a place for you in our music department.

Auditions include:

  • Singing a short section of a solo of your choice.
  • Vocalizing range.
  • Short musicianship evaluation.
  • Learning a new song: checking for retention, application of new ideas, willingness to learn and make mistakes.

Students are strongly encouraged to participate in choirs regardless of their major, and scholarships are available in recognition of outstanding merit/talent and in support of student leaders who serve our program.

Scholarship applications are received on a rolling basis with most positions filled for the coming year by early fall.
Leadership roles include:

  • Social Media Manager
  • Section Leaders
  • Crew
  • Concert House Manager
  • Choral Librarian
  • Communications Team

Who may apply:

All Seattle University students and prospective students who intend to participate in a choral ensemble are welcome to apply. Special consideration is given to students pursuing the Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Arts with a Music Specialization.

How to apply:

Submission Guidelines

All application materials must be submitted to conleyholcol@seattleu.edu.

  • The SU Choral/Vocal Scholarship Application, completed with your information/
  • Link to YouTube or Vimeo recording of you singing two songs in contrasting styles (pieces may vary in tempo, language, time period, genre, etc.). Depending on your level of study, appropriate choices include art songs, folk songs, hymns, or arias from opera, operetta, or oratorio.  English is appropriate for one or both selections.
  • One recommendation letter from a (non-family) music teacher (may be submitted directly from teacher if preferred)

Other information

Please note that to receive a choral/vocal scholarship, participation in your assigned choral ensemble(s) is required. Scholarship applications do not replace auditions during the first week of Fall Quarter, which are required for placement in choral ensembles.
For information on other forms of financial aid and scholarships available at Seattle University, please visit the financial aid office website. 

  • University Chorale - MUSC-1300-01 or -3300-01 (1 credit), T/Th 10:55 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., Audition required
  • Chamber Singers - MUSC-1310-01 or -3310-01 (1 credit), T/Th 1:35-3:00 p.m., Audition required
  • University Singers - MUSC-1340-01 (1 credit), W 6:00-8:00 p.m., Audition required; open to students/alumni/staff/faculty/community members
  • Private Voice Lessons – MUSC-1110 or 3110 (1 credit = 30 min weekly lesson; 2 credits = 60 min weekly lesson). Lessons scheduled independently with your instructor. Audition required, course fee is $100 per credit and can be offset with a choral scholarship if you also join an ensemble.

Our recent concerts

Enjoy the videos of our live streamed performances.

Questions?