UMich Chorus difference

<p>Can anyone tell me what exactly is the difference between Orphenus Singers, University Chamber Choir, and University Choir?(repetoire/performance time/easiness of the auditions, etc.) </p>

<p>Does "1, 2" credits mean 1 for 1 semester and 2 for the whole year? What about those with "1 credit"? 1 credit for the entire year?</p>

<p>Is the audition harder for those choirs above and easier for the ones that are mostly consisted of non-music majors? Are the ones of non-music majors open to music majors?(do music majors audition for them as well?) If a music major is required to attend one of the choirs, will he/she be placed in a non-music major choir if she didn't get in the music major ones?</p>

<p>As for the Opera Chorus, is it basically the ensemble of an opera production? so the rehearsal time goes with the production? </p>

<p>also...do people audition for several chorus groups and then pick one? or do you have to be in that group once you get in?</p>

<p>Credit hours are by semester. Usually an opera chorus is staffed with undergraduate vocal performance majors, as part of their learning about the world of opera and production. Some operas have a lot of chorus demands, and others have very little…so how much rehearsal time will depend on the productions being mounted. If there is a general chorus sign-up, they will assign the singers to an ensemble, based on many factors, including voice, musicianship, balance, scholarship service requirements, etc. NASM (accrediting body) requires major ensemble participation every semester for degree credit in the performance areas, and how a school defines which ensembles are major and therefore qualify will vary. So a singer may be required to sing in the mixed ensemble, but participation in other groups will be an add-on, which can cause problems with the voice teachers, too much choral singing time. The reason behind the special designation of which groups are major are partly to keep the highest standard in the premiere performance groups, but more to expose the musicians to the standard repertory. </p>

<p>If there is an audition sign-up, they will place you. The audition will be pretty much the same for all singers. If you are a music major you will have to accept the ensemble to which they assign you. If you are not, you can drop the class. Good luck.</p>

<p>“1,2 credits” means that you can register the course for 1 or 2 credits. at UMich, ensemble course, small and large (even some non-ensemble courses), can be registered for less than its full credits. This is a consideration for double major/degree students so that they can save the credits for other courses without paying extra credit fees (18 is the max with your tuition). You can also participate in small ensembles without credit. As long as one member of the ensemble registers for credit, the group receives coaching by faculty. D has participated in chamber music without credit for several semesters. She doesn’t mind that it did not show on her transcript. It is what she loves to do.</p>