Choir students raise their voices in different ways every day, according to those participating in the program.
Chamber choir president Seth McCollough, senior in instrumental and vocal music education, is involved in conductors' chorus, men's chorus, chamber choir and gospel choir.
McCollough studies with a vocal coach and takes instrumental classes. Each choir class lasts 50 minutes. He also participates in concerts on select Sundays, which last an hour and half to two hours.
"Each day is different," McCollough said.
William Powell, director of choral activity, said the days start with a warm-up, which changes depending on the class' goal.
Some days, choir members focus on balance in their warm ups by making sure one section does not stick out from the rest, according to Powell.
Powell said other days they will focus on blending by making sure no one is standing out within the section.
The rest of the day consists of learning new songs or mastering just one. Chamber choir often focuses on one piece per day.
"Just like an actor with a script, we have to be true to the composer and the style of the piece," Powell said.
Alumnus Taylor Vogl was in chamber choir, men's chorus and opera workshop. He also taught singing technique.
Vogl said he only spent two choir-related hours per day, and two and a half to three hours per day practicing.
Powell or another music major lead the warm-ups, according to Vogl.
Vogl said most of the chamber choir's rehearsal was focused on phrasing words in the music, not necessarily just the notes. The choirs sometimes break into sections to practice.
"Dr. Powell was good at helping us see what a piece was trying to tell us," Vogl said. "That is what made us one of the best choirs in the region."
Vogl said Powell gives students a good feel for the style of each piece.
Amanda Anderson, senior in music education and vocal performance, is involved in chamber choir and AU Singers.
Anderson said she spends two to three hours in class, and two to three hours practicing per day.
Anderson also described her day in chamber choir as varying from day to day. After the 10-minute warm-up, Powell and the choir discuss what they're working on.
"We come to a collected, understood and agreed upon meaning for what the composer is saying," Powell said.
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