When people think of show choir, they often think of popular media, including the television show "Glee," with its dramatic storytelling, expert song covers and entrancing dance numbers. However, the AU Singers, Auburn University's very own show choir, led by Conductor Dale Farmer, brings a whole new level of dedication and love towards art. The group, consisting of over 36 vocalists and 12 instrumentalists, is currently preparing for their Spring Show, a performance that is guaranteed to knock the socks off of anyone who watches.
Founded in 1972, the AU Singers started small with only 24 members, focusing on show tunes and pop music. Farmer was a part of that first group of singers and has seen the group through its many stages, even when their choreography was limited in its scale and they were still singing madrigals: a secular, acapella style of music made popular during the Renaissance era.
The group has since evolved, having grown almost double in size and now boasts clean and sophisticated choreography alongside their traditional pop songs and show tunes. They have even been able to take their singers outside of the country, with notable appearances in Italy, Canada and Germany.
They now prepare for their upcoming Spring Show, where they plan to do renditions of popular songs such as "Vogue" by Madonna and "Tell Her About It" by Billy Joel, along with several songs like Auburn's "Alma Mater" and "From a Distance" by Bette Midler that they sing every year. Though the show has no actual theme, each song shows its love and appreciation for the art of music itself.
“We want to express to people that music is not just what it is on the surface, but it's a font for expression, emotion andd fun,” said Nathan Price, a sophomore Vocalist for the AU Singers.
The group's schedule is packed with multi-weekly practices and nightly homework, all to present the best possible show for the audience.
Lauren Fuller, a senior Auburn student and the Chaplain for the AU Singers, says only one thing when asked about what makes the hard work, hours and hours of practice and sweat worth it.
“It’s show week. It’s so exhilarating," Fuller said. "Especially when we all walk on stage and do the 'Alma Mater' and then one of the guys goes, ‘And now, for the 50th something year, the Auburn University Singers!’ And then everybody goes crazy and it gets you excited to perform."
Even as the group comes up on 55 years of existence, one core value has stuck with the group: family.
“I joined because I love performing," Fuller said, “but I love it because of the people.”
When Farmer recruits for the Singers, he doesn’t just look for talented singers and dancers. He also needs to see that his students are dedicated and supportive before allowing them into the group.
“You don’t have to be a soloist to be in this group,” Farmer said. “You just have to have a good attitude, be dependable and be willing to commit the time that is required.”
This means that even when the day is long and a dance move is particularly hard, these singers are prepared to push through with a smile on their face because of their love for the art and the people around them.
If interested in joining the AU Singers, applicants must complete an audition process with Farmer. This process is divided into two parts: an audition video that is sent digitally, and an in-person audition that includes sight reading, a 16-count dance combination and a short interview with the director.
The AU Singers intend to represent the best of Auburn men and women through their organization. The group spreads happiness with their song and dance on stage by falling back on the Auburn Creed: "I believe in work, hard work." At the end of the day, they are able to rely on each other, not only as a group, but as a family.
For those interested in watching the group perform, they have opportunities at their annual Spring Show on April 25 and 26 in the Telfair Peet Theatre and a special appearance alongside Condoleezza Rice, where they will sing the national anthem on Monday, March 30, in the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center.
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Emily Edgy, a freshman majoring in social science and history education, is from Centreville, Alabama. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since the spring of 2026.
