Auditions
Membership in Cappella is by audition only. Choristers receive sizable scholarships for their successful and faithful participation in rehearsals, vespers, Mass, and sectionals each week. Preliminary rosters and scholarship awards will be determined in the winter each year. Primary consideration for scholarship funds will be determined by February 19. Following, other supplementary positions may be added as funds are available. The class (MUS 214/414) meets Monday through Thursday in the afternoon (3:00-4:45pm).
Scholarship awards are based on musical talent and potential contribution to the ensemble. Scholarships can be stacked with most academic awards and may be renewable for up to four years. Cappella is not tied to any particular major, minor, or academic program. Any student on campus is eligible to audition if they are able to commit to the required time. Important to the audition are the following elements: vocal quality and experience, sight-reading skill, independent musicianship, the ability to recognize and repair mistakes, a desire to improve, strength of character, and the ability to contribute to the community.
We encourage you to schedule your audition (fill out form on this page) in conjunction with a visit to the University of Mary so you can see us in action, worship with us at Mass, experience a rehearsal or performance, attend a music class, and meet with our conductor, Dr. Rebecca Raber. We will hold live auditions during the academic year. Contact rlraber@umary.edu to schedule an audition at your convenience. If you live more than 250 miles from campus, we can arrange an audition via Zoom. A live audition on campus is preferred (and is easier for the student).
The audition deadline for live meetings & uploads is
February 13, 2026.
Your audition should demonstrate your technical and musical levels that show promise of successful college-level study, including technique, tone quality, expression, and musicianship. Please remember that any communication skills you demonstrate as well as proper deportment also contribute to your overall consideration as well as how well you follow directions, your professional dress, etc).
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS:
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Complete your live audition (at UMary or via Zoom)...email to schedule
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(Sight-reading, tonal memory, vocalization, and brief interview)
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UPLOAD your audition materials (videos and personal statement)
SINGERS: video recordings
Prepare these materials to upload:
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Ave Maria (chant, a cappella)
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Choose ONE: Steal Away or By an' By (spiritual, with accompaniment)
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1 classical solo of your choice (art song or aria, with accompaniment)
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Personal Statement on sacred music and what it means to you...essay (submit in audition form)
We are aways searching for fine student organists, who would also receive a scholarship award to both accompany and sing with the choir on a cappella works. Organists will play for Wednesday and Sunday Masses (including special music). We will always have a primary organist and others to help supplement the schedule, depending on skill and experience.
ORGANISTS:
Prepare these materials to upload:
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Organ solo (meditative, appropriate for Communion)
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Organ solo (festive, appropriate for Postlude)
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Heritage Mass (Gloria, Sanctus/Benedictus, Amen, Agnus Dei)
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Responsorial Psalm (play and sing)
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Personal Statement on sacred music (submit in audition form)
Email rlraber@umary.edu for organ audition music.
If you have any questions about Cappella,
please email rlraber@umary.edu or call 701.355.8374 for more information.
