The Auburn University Singers is a show choir group that have been performing in Auburn for over 50 years. Thomas Smith, former director of Choral Activities, founded the group in 1972. Since its founding, the AU Singers have been performing and sharing their entertainment across the country, internationally and within the Auburn community.
Dylan Scott, senior in aviation, and Ella Nunn, junior double in Spanish and political science, talked about their involvement in the group.
“AU Singers is a special group of people who all share a love of making music for other people,” Scott said.
Nunn said Dale Farmer teaches the AU Singers the importance of making just one person’s day a little brighter by the end of their performances. The group wants everyone to leave each show already making plans to return to their next show and feel like a part of the Auburn family.
“I first joined my freshman year, which was in the year 2020. I joined during the pandemic, and I had to audition online. It was quite the unusual way to audition for AU Singers, but I did it, and it all worked out,” Scott said.
Scott's favorite memory is the group's trip to Disney World in May 2022. Scott said the group got to perform at Disney Springs and had multiple days to hang out in the different parks.
Nunn added they celebrated their 50th anniversary with food, music, dancing and rehearsals, followed by a special performance at the end of the reunion weekend.
Thomas Smith conducted the group in their final song, where past and present members sang together on stage. Nunn said at that moment she understood just how meaningful it is to be an AU Singer.
“Although I was a freshman at the time, I had never felt more thankful to be a part of something in my life," Nunn said. "I felt privileged to be among these kind, generous, fun and talented people."
There are many different roles involved with AU Singers, each with their own responsibilities.
"I serve as the president of AU Singers and am the former secretary. My role as president consists of serving as a liaison between Dr. Farmer and the choir, scheduling meetings with the other officers and administrative responsibilities among other tasks,” Nunn said.
Nunn believes an important part of her role as president is maintaining a positive and inclusive dynamic among group members. Nunn has many aspirations for the group and there is always something to be done. Ensuring that members feel comfortable, safe and happy around each other is her top priority.
"In addition to the spring and fall concerts, the Singers do many community performances around Alabama and go on trips in the summer," Scott said. "Our most recent trip was to Charleston and Myrtle Beach for our annual 'tour'. We also do social events such as our yearly formal which is always a blast."
Scott and Nunn said no experience is required to join AU Singers.
"You do not need to have had a history of having lead roles in musicals, winning dance competitions, things like that," Scott said. "A fun fact is that around a quarter of the AU Singers group now have had zero experience in show choir when first joining the group."
Nunn said some experience helps, but what is most important is "the skills you possess in your audition."
If someone is on the fence about joining AU Singers, Scott urged students to join if they love singing, making people happy or just music in general.
"Being a part of this group has been a highlight of my Auburn experience," Scott said.
Students can visit the Auburn University Singers website for more information about the group.
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