Hillsdale College

Audition Process and Requirements

Choral Scholars FAQ
The on-campus audition is essential for prospective students to experience Hillsdale at its best.  It also provides an opportunity for students to witness the Choral Scholars in action.  Prospective students will have the opportunity to interact with current students and professors, which is the best way to appreciate the program.

Auditions for Chapel Choral Scholars are held in person on the Hillsdale College campus. The steps below outline the process for auditioning:
Timothy McDonnell, DMA

If you are interested in scheduling an audition, please use the contact information below. We will be happy to talk with you!
Timothy McDonnell, DMA
Director of Sacred Music and Associate Professor of Music
sacredmusicprogram@hillsdale.edu

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"Participating in the Chapel Choir has helped me to build my confidence and develop my musical skills. It’s a great community where everyone works hard together. I love being a part of Evensong and worshipping God with our music."

—Annie Brooks, ’23

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"Lively personal faith in Jesus Christ is a vital pillar of our campus culture. The sacred music program both expresses and enhances this culture. Worship led by our chapel choir expresses both gospel joy as well as musical excellence. It enlivens my own faith to be a part of it."

—ADAM RICK

Hillsdale college CHAPLAIN
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"There is something deeply meaningful about the fact that we do not prepare music for a performance so much as we prepare for a service of worship. I love the combination of traditional texts and unique compositions for Choral Evensong. It is a lot of work to learn new and complicated settings for each service, but it is glorious."

—Paul Lindauer, ’24

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"The saying attributed to Saint Augustine, 'He who sings prays twice,' truly encapsulates my experience with the Chapel Choir and Choral Evensong. I am able to combine my love for singing with my desire to praise the Lord, not only through a beautiful melody but also with words, and within a community that shares in the experience."

—Marie-Thérèse Romanos

Music and Philosophy

Choral Scholars FAQ

What is the weekly rehearsal schedule for Choral Scholars?

The Choral Scholars’ schedule is intensive but rewarding.  The framework is derived from the intercollegiate athletic model, and the opportunity to bond with colleagues through teamwork and camaraderie is likewise inculcated in the program.  Choral Scholars rehearse Sunday through Thursday in the late afternoons, with sung services on Sundays.  In the first semester of membership, Choral Scholars receive specialized and individualized training in musicianship and ensemble skills, which form that basis for a lifetime of excellent music making and enjoyment.

What if I don’t qualify as a Choral Scholar?  Are there other sacred music scholarship opportunities?

Sometimes qualified students audition for the Choral Scholars program, but because of the number of applicants, we are unable to accept all of them into the program.  A limited number of scholarships are available to qualified students who participate in the Chapel Choir, but who for some reason are either not eligible or able to participate in the Choral Scholars program.

Do I have to be a music major or minor to be a Choral Scholar?

Absolutely not! We welcome talented students who are excited about our work from every academic area.  Choral Scholars are drawn from a wide array of major study areas, and we believe this enriches the character of our environment.

Are there opportunities for lessons attached to the Choral Scholars Award?

Yes, students wishing to take private voice lessons can register for lessons without charge.

What if I am unable to audition during the specified in-person audition weekend?  Are alternatives possible?

On-campus auditions are required as part of the Choral Scholars application process.  We strongly recommend that students register for our Audition Weekend, November 22-23, 2024, to receive top priority for scholarship awards.  However, if travel to Hillsdale is not possible, we can make separate arrangements to hear you in person.  Note that our ability to make awards decreases as the recruitment cycle proceeds.

How do the Choral Scholars relate to the Christ Chapel Choir?

The Choral Scholars are the core members of the Christ Chapel Choir. The Scholars will have performances on their own, as well as their own training and development modules, but are fully integrated into the Christ Chapel Choir and its performance schedule.

What are the various performance opportunities for Choral Scholars?

Choral Scholars form the core of the Christ Chapel Choir, and therefore are part of all the sung choral services, concerts, and special events that the Chapel Choir performs throughout the school term.  Choral Scholars will also have their own rehearsals, separate from the full Chapel Choir, and will prepare services and other special events which they will perform on their own.

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