Royal Purple

Issue date: 9/5/07 Section: Arts & Lifestyle

Media Credit: photo submitted Robert Gehrenbeck directs choral activities on campus.

Even if you simply enjoy signing along to the radio or singing in the shower, all students interested in showcasing their vocal talents are welcome to try out for choir.

The UW-Whitewater Music Department choir auditions began yesterday and will run until tomorrow at the Center of the Arts outside Room 1003. The auditions are required for students who want to join the UW-Whitewater Concert Choir, Women's Chorale or Chamber Singers.

Robert Gehrenbeck, UW-Whitewater assistant professor of music and director of choral activities, wants to encourage more singers from outside of the music department to join the vocal choirs on campus.

"This year, we'd like to increase the total singers from 180 last year to 200 or more," Gehrenbeck said. "It's always fun to hear new students we have not met before. I look forward to being amazed by students who are new to the choir program to sing a really strong audition. Often times, a student comes in looking very shy and apologizing in advance, and then it turns out that he or she can sing really well."

Gehrenbeck wants singers to not only perform their best, but to try to make them understand the emotional meaning of the words and the music that makes singing a rewarding experience.

"I want singers using their whole mind and body while singing," Gehrenbeck said. "I expect my choir members to work hard, but I hope they have fun."

Most students who have tried out in the past find the auditions very easy and relaxing.

Sophomore bass chamber singer Michael Roemer enjoyed his audition and likes being a member of the Chamber Singers.

"It's a good way to meet and have fun singing with a group of new people," Roemer said.

Senior alto singer Calli Matzke thought the auditions were easy, but the commitment of being in the choir requires dedication and hard work. Matzke practices for about an hour three to four times a week, and she sometimes practices outside of class. Matzke said the commitment of practicing her vocal skills and learning music pays off for all the hard work after performing two to three times a semester.

"Music has been a great means to express myself, and choir singing has always been a big part of my life." Matzke said. "From rehearsing to actual performance, the choir auditions have taught me a lot about singing and music."

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