The Division of Music is to offer quality educational opportunities that provide students
with the technical skills and the theoretical and historical knowledge necessary for
professional competence in their chosen areas of specialization.
The UAM Chamber Choir is taken from the membership of the Concert Choir. Members must
not only be accepted into the Concert Choir but must also pass another audition for
Chamber Choir participation. This ensemble of 18-24 singers performs literature conducive
to a small group and performs the Madrigal Feaste, Bach cantatas, chansons, part songs,
madrigals, and some of the more difficult chamber literature of the twentieth century.
In addition to their scholarships for Concert Choir, Chamber Choir members enjoy extra
financial aid for their talent and dedication.
Membership in this premier choir is by audition only. The Concert Choir performs a
wide variety of choral and choral-orchestral literature ranging from the Renaissance
era through the present. Singers who are asked to participate in this choir are both
music and non-music majors and enjoy recognition as members of one of the finest choirs
in the state. Generous scholarships are available for students possessing exceptional
talents. The Concert Choir performs concerts on and off campus and tours every other
Spring semester.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
An audition is required for all entering undergraduate music majors for scholarship
consideration and/or placement in an ensemble. Auditions are typically held on campus
at advertised times and dates throughout the school year. Additional audition dates
for incoming freshman or first-time students may be arranged by contacting the appropriate
program director (Director of Bands, Director of Choral Activities).
Generally, auditions consist of prepared pieces selected by the student and sight-reading.
Regarding prepared materials, music from two contrasting styles is preferred. (Technical
and lyrical). Most students choose all-region audition music, all-state audition music,
or music performed at a solo and ensemble competition. Contact the appropriate program
director (Director of Bands, Director of Choral Activities) for specific repertoire
requirements or more information.
Auditions for current and first-time students regarding specific performing ensembles
are held on a semesterly basis. These ensembles include the Wind Symphony, Concert
Band, Jazz One, Second Jazz Band, Third Jazz Band, Jazz Combos, or any other small
ensembles. Jazz and Combo auditions will be held in August for Fall Semester placement
and January for Spring Semester placement. Wind Symphony and Concert Band auditions
will be held in November for Spring Semester placement. Program directors and the
Chair of the Division of Music reserve the right to schedule auditions as needed.
Ensembles in the Division of Music are ability-based groups and one’s position within
an ensemble is not guaranteed. If a student does not audition and still wishes to
participate in an ensemble, with the ensemble director’s permission, the student may
enroll in the lowest ensemble and sit last chair in their respective section."
If you have any questions or concerns, please call 870-460-1060.
Contact Information
We want to be responsive to your questions or issues. You can use the email link at
the left, or contact us through the following methods:
Scott Bearden, M.M
Director of Choral Activities
Assistant Professor of Music
Voice
Office: Music Building 217
Phone: 870-460-1560
beardens@uamont.edu
Dr. Dana Ihm, Ph. D.
Associate Professor of Music
Choral Director/Ear Training & Sight Singing/Voice
Office: Visual and Performing Arts 205
Phone: 870-460-1288
ihm@uamont.edu
