Choral

Who We Are

Choral music thrives at Radford University, with three ensembles performing a variety of music throughout the year within the beautiful acoustics of The Davis Performance Hall in the Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Opportunities abound to perform locally and to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally. In February 2020, the Radford Singers traveled to New York City to sing on the highly acclaimed stage at Carnegie Hall.

All ensembles sing socially-conscious and culturally-diverse musics in themed concerts, which often focus on current social justice issues. Every singer is expected to spend time outside of the rehearsals practicing their music. At the collegiate level, we believe rehearsals are not just for learning pitches and rhythms, but rather for learning how to listen, collaborate with other singers, and for the in-depth study of the DNA of each musical work. We strive to accommodate all levels of music-reading abilities. 

Ensemble Descriptions 

University Chorus: MUSC 311, Mondays, 6 - 7:20 p.m.

University Chorus is a self-selected ensemble open to the entire Radford Community including professors, students, staff, and community members living in the New River Valley. Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass voices are all welcome. All incoming voice majors are required to sing in this ensemble. Previous choir experience is recommended but not required.

Chorale: MUSC 312, Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 1 - 1:50 p.m.

Chorale is an auditioned ensemble open to all treble voices. Each semester focuses on folk songs and vernacular music from many cultures and includes one or two performance opportunities a semester. Singers can be expected to work with current graduate conducting/music education students and undergraduate music education students. 

Radford Singers: MUSC 456, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:50 p.m.

Radford Singers is an auditioned ensemble open to all voice types within the university. Each semester focuses on a varied repertoire of music from the classical canon, music by living composers, and culturally diverse musics. Being RU’s flagship choral ensemble, Radford Singers performs multiple times per semester, regularly singing in the community and traveling to sing regionally, nationally, and internationally. A year-long commitment is expected when auditioning for Radford Singers.

Audition Information

Our choirs are open to all students, regardless of major. 

Voice placements/auditions for the auditioned choirs take place during the first week of classes. Singers are expected to sing a selection from a prepared solo piece (~32-measures), sight-read a provided example, and echo patterns played on the piano. To sign-up for an audition time, Dr. Bowen will email all singers no later than two-weeks before the beginning of the semester. Add your name to the list.

We strive to accommodate singers of varying experiences, so please reach out to Dr. Bowen with any questions or concerns regarding auditions. You can email her at mbowen16@radford.edu.

*Music majors and others who wish to audition for Chorale or Radford Singers should first register for MUSC311 and keep the slot open in their schedules for Chorale or Radford Singers. (Instrumental majors can still sing in Radford Singers even though the time overlaps with Wind Ensemble). 

Our Team

Meredith Y. Bowen, D.M.A.
Director of Choral Activities
mbowen16@radford.edu
Office: 540.831.5260

Kole Butler
Graduate Teaching Assistant
abutler50@radford.edu