Choral Music at San José State
The San José State University Choral Program has a long and distinguished reputation as one of the finest in the country. The choirs have been selected to perform at American Choral Directors Association conferences, and have won several national and international awards. SJSU choirs provide an opportunity to participate in making music at the highest level within a community of people that encourages future performing artists and educators.
Auditions for choral ensembles for Spring 2010 can be made through appointment with Dr. Quist through the end of this semester. ALL SJSU STUDENTS are welcome to audition for the choirs, regardless of major. Students interested in Concert Choir or Chamber Singers must audition if they have not already done so. If you have additional questions, please contact Dr. Quist:
Amanda.R.Quist@sjsu.edu
Interested in applying to SJSU to be a voice major?
Undergraduate students must first apply to the University, and the
deadline for Fall 2010 admission is November 30, 2009.
1. Please visit the SJSU application website:
http://www.csumentor.edu/
2. Please go to the Request for Application link for the School of Music:
http://www.music.sjsu.edu/music
3. Sign-up for and attend one of three scholarship audition dates:
November 7, 21, or December 5, 2009 by contacting Prof. Joseph Frank at:
franktenor@aol.com
4. Please contact Dr. Quist for more information.
Interested in graduate study in Choral Conducting?
Information is listed below in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
Fall Events
Inaugural Choral Concert
SJSU Choirs
Friday, October 23, 2009, 7:30 p.m.
Campbell United Methodist Church
1675 Winchester
Campbell, CA
Real Men Sing Festival
High School Invitational for male singers
Dan Earl, clinician
Friday, October 30, 9:00am-1:00pm
Holiday Benefit Concert
J.S. Bach's Magnificat in D
Concert Choir and Chamber Singers
in collaboration with the SJSU Symphony Orchestra
Also featuring the music of Brahms, Beethoven, and Arvo Part.
Pre-concert music begins at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 5, 7:30 p.m.
Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
90 South Market Street, San Jose, CA
For tickets, please contact the choral office - (408) 924-4332
(Tickets will also be available at the door, but they are likely to sell out, so order yours early! Don't miss this amazing holiday music event.)
Ticket prices:
$50 for preferred seating, includes reception
$25 general, $15 students
***Anyone who donates $25 or more over the cost of their ticket will receive tickets to the reception.***
Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols
Sunday, December 6, 3:00pm
SJSU Spartan Memorial Chapel
Tickets available at the door.
How do I join the choirs at San José State?
Contact Dr. Quist at (408) 924-4645 or come to the School of Music and Dance, Room M-262. All students receive academic credit for all choir courses. Auditions for Concert Choir and the Chamber Singers are typically held the week before each semester begins. Auditions for Spring 2010 should be made through appointment with Dr. Quist.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, scholarship awards are based on performance level and the needs of the School.
Do I need to be a music major to sing in the choirs?
No, the choirs are open to both majors and non-majors.
Do all voice majors sing in the choir?
Yes, all voice majors are required to sing in the Concert Choir.
How often do the choirs rehearse?
All choirs meet as regularly scheduled classes. The Concert Choir and Chamber Singers rehearse four hours per week, and the Women's Chorus rehearses two hours per week.
Do you offer a Masters degree in Choral Conducting?
SJSU is proud to offer the Master of Arts in Choral Conducting. Come and study in one of the country's most beautiful climates while working with a faculty dedicated to your growth through personal attention.
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:
- VHS tape or DVD of a recent performance and at least 10-15 minutes of rehearsal. Recordings should be made facing the conductor from the perspective of the ensemble.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Materials should be submitted by January 30th, 2010 to:
- Dr. Amanda Quist
- Director of Choral Activities
- San José State University
- One Washington Square
- San José, CA 95192-0095
