Choral

Who We Are

Choral music thrives at Radford University, with three ensembles performing a variety of music throughout the year within the beautiful acoustics of the Davis Performance Hall in the Covington Center for the Visual and Performing Arts. Opportunities abound to perform locally and to travel regionally, nationally, and internationally. In February 2020, the Radford Singers traveled to New York City to sing on the highly acclaimed stage at Carnegie Hall, and we are planning to return there in June of 2027.

All ensembles perform repertoire from a broad variety of cultures, styles, and historical periods. Concerts range from performances of well-known masterworks to themed programs, drawing diverse repertoire into an artistic, socially-conscious dialogue on a particular topic, event, or issue. Every singer is expected to spend time outside of the rehearsals practicing their music. At the collegiate level, we believe rehearsals are not just for learning pitches and rhythms, but rather for learning how to listen, collaborate with other singers, and for the in-depth study of the craftsmanship behind each musical work. We welcome all levels of music-reading abilities and prior experience!

Ensemble Descriptions 

University Chorus: MUSC 311, Mondays, 6 - 7:20 p.m.

University Chorus welcomes singers from the entire Radford Community, including professors, students, staff, and community members living in the New River Valley. The ensemble is open to all voice types. All incoming voice majors are required to sing in this ensemble. Previous choir experience is recommended but not required.

Chorale: MUSC 312, Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays, 1 - 1:50 p.m.

Chorale is an auditioned ensemble, focusing on the development of student leaders. Inspired by the model of New York's C4, this ensemble creates a vibrant, collaborative space where conductors, composers, and singers choose repertoire, plan rehearsals, and conduct performances. Specializing in music of the past 25 years and elevating voices who are otherwise getting overlooked, this ensemble is focused on the future of choral music.

Radford Singers: MUSC 456, Tuesdays/Thursdays, 12:30 - 1:50 p.m.

Radford Singers is an auditioned ensemble open to all voice types within the university. Each semester focuses on a varied repertoire of music from the classical canon, music by living composers, and culturally diverse selections. Being Radford University's flagship choral ensemble, Radford Singers perform multiple times per semester, regularly singing in the community and traveling to sing regionally, nationally, and internationally. A year-long commitment is expected when auditioning for Radford Singers.

Audition Information

Our choirs are open to all students, regardless of major.

Voice placements/auditions for the auditioned choirs take place during the first week of classes. Singers are expected to sing a short selection from a solo piece, sight-read a provided example, and echo patterns played on the piano. To sign up for an audition time, Prof. Rogers will email all singers in the two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester. Add your name to the audition interest list.

We welcome singers of all experience levels and backgrounds, so please reach out to Julian Bryson with any questions or concerns regarding auditions. You can email him at jdbryson@radford.edu.

*Music majors and others who wish to audition for Chorale or Radford Singers should first register for MUSC311 and keep the slot open in their schedules for Chorale or Radford Singers. (Instrumental majors are welcome to sing in any ensemble!) 

Our Team
Julian Bryson, Ph.D.
Director of Choral Activities
jdbryson@radford.edu
Office: 540-831-5177