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Join an Ensemble

Join Calvin's vibrant community of musicians, no matter your major! Look for specific audition details below.

How to Join a Choral Ensemble

For information about placement in Oratorio Chorus, please visit their page.

Any current ÇÑ×ÓÊÓÆµ student is eligible to audition for our choirs.

There’s a place for you in our choral program. Singing in a choir at Calvin is a joyful, meaningful experience, and we hope you’ll invite a friend to audition too!

Ensemble placements are for the entire academic year, unless you are studying abroad.

In your audition, please indicate which ensemble is your top choice. While we can’t guarantee placement in your preferred group, every effort is made to place you in the best ensemble fit.

Fall auditions are for: 

  • Campus Choir
  • Women’s Chorale
  • Oratorio Chorus

The rosters for Capella and Gospel Choir are already set for the 2025-2026 academic year. Auditions will open in April 2026 for rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Auditions will take place in Dr. Mark Stover’s studio office (Covenant Fine Arts Center, Room 170 – lower level).

You can schedule your audition on:

  • Friday, August 29
  • Saturday, August 30
  • Monday, September 1

We strongly encourage you to sign up for the earliest audition time that works with your schedule.

Be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early to check in and complete a brief form before your audition time. This helps us stay on schedule and ensures a smooth experience for everyone. Auditions last for 5 minutes. (That's it!)

If you have questions or can’t make any of the scheduled audition times, please email Dr. Stover to arrange an alternative (mark.stover@calvin.edu). 

Your 5-minute audition will consist of:

  • Vocalizations
  • Sight reading
  • Tonal memory
  • A prepared solo (about 30 seconds) excerpt of a song you love. This could be a hymn, worship song, folk song, pop song, musical theatre—whatever best showcases your voice. No accompanist provided, so plan to sing a cappella.

How to Join an Instrumental Ensemble

If you played an instrument in high school, there is a place for you in our program

We recognize that auditions can be nerve-wracking; however, keep in mind that auditions are just a way for the director to get to know you and your playing. In other words, you're already "in" if you have high school experience. Auditions just help ensure a great experience for all involved!

In-person auditions are typically held at the beginning of each academic year, but it is possible for students to join at the start of the spring semester, too.

Interested woodwind, brass, and percussion students should contact Dr. Tiffany Engle (tiffany.engle@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time. Auditions typically include:

  • Designated scales
  • Prepared solo (etude, solo piece, anything you love to play) that best demonstrates your musicianship OR prepared literature excerpts (distributed in advance)
  • Sight reading

Interested string players should schedule an .  

Auditions typically include:

  • Prepare one piece of your own choice that best represents your musical skills and personality. An orchestral excerpt, an etude, a solo, or movement from a longer composition would all be acceptable. 
  • Prepare a 2 (or 3) octave scale of your choice. 
  • Orchestral Excerpt(s) contact Dr. Xander Koops (xander.koops@calvin.edu)
  • A short sightreading excerpt will be included during the audition process.

Woodwind, brass, and percussion students interested in playing in Orchestra should complete a concert band audition since players are assigned through their participation in Wind Ensemble.

All interested students should fill out this . Contact Prof. Steve Sudduth (steven.sudduth@calvin.edu) if you have any questions.

All interested students should contact Prof. Lisa Sung (lisa.sung@calvin.edu) for more information and to schedule an audition time.

Other Ensembles and Opportunites