Choral and Vocal Ensembles

Choral And Vocal Ensembles

Chanticleer Winter Concert 2023 (Alyssa Cossey) (Added 6/19/24) MCD

Calliope Chorus (formerly Concert Choir)
T/TH 1:40-3:30 pm (MUS 125-02)
Director: Alyssa Cossey, D.M.A.

From kallos meaning “beauty” and ops, meaning “voice” - Calliope Chorus means “beautiful-voiced” chorus. Calliope was the most prominent of the nine Greek Muses who presided over poetry, song, and the arts and sciences and was herself known for the “ecstatic harmony of her voice.” Under the directorship of Associate Director of Choral Activities, Alyssa Cossey, D.M.A., Calliope Chorus hopes to elevate the work of historically excluded composers through programming and performance. This premiere ensemble performs engaging and topical programs on campus and throughout the local community, frequently commissioning new choral works by contemporary composers, and is open to all soprano/alto singers on the CCU campus (including Scholars Academy students). 

Check out our Calliope Chorus Insta Account here

What Happens When a Woman
Where the Light Begins
Still I Rise
Never One Thing
What Was I Made For
Puzzle Pieces (2024 commissioned work by Coty Raven Morris) 

 

Bassic Tenacity (formerly Concert Choir)
T/TH 12:15-1:30 pm (MUS 125-01)
Director: Timothy Koch, D.M.A.

Under the directorship of Timothy Koch, Bassic Tenacity is a non-auditioned, energetic, and entertaining Tenor/Bass ensemble made up of singers from all majors and departments across campus. The choir rehearses regularly and performs eclectic music from every historical period and genre. Bassic Tenacity performs at least three annual concerts in or around campus annually and frequently collaborates with other CCU and area ensembles.. 

Always Look on the Bright Side of Life
Tell My Father

 

Chamber Choir* 
M/W 3:00-4:15 pm (MUS 125C)
Director: Timothy Koch, D.M.A.

The Chamber Choir is a small, auditioned, ensemble made up of mostly music majors/minors (but open to all majors by audition). This ensemble performs repertoire from a variety of time periods, with a focus on traditional works by major composers, often collaborating with the Long Bay Symphony and the Carolina Master Chorale. Chamber Choir has also performed with numerous celebrity musicians including Broadway stars Scarlett Strallen, Hugh Panaro, Capathia Jenkins, Debbie Gravitte, Alli Mauzell, Doug Lebrecque, and Sal Viviano. Auditions for new members are held at the beginning of the fall semester, and membership in the ensemble is a full-year commitment.

*Members of the Chamber Choir must also be enrolled in either Calliope Chorus or Bassic Tenacity.

Let the River Run
I Am Light


Opera Workshop
 

T/TH 4:30-6:00 pm (MUS 130 O)
Director: D. Scott Ferguson

Each spring semester, Coastal Carolina University Opera Workshop presents public performances of opera, musical theatre, and operetta. Singers and actors perform interesting and exciting repertoire while developing facility with spoken dialogue, appropriate singing styles, and stage movement. The goal of the Opera Workshop is to equip beginning and intermediate singer-actors with the diverse skills needed by American singers in the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to be a music major to be in a choir?

A: Not at all! Our ensembles are made up of students from every major across campus. In fact, non-music majors make up about 40-50% of the choral program, often singing in multiple choirs throughout their time at CCU. 

Q: Do I already have to know how to sight-read?

A: No, you just have to come with a positive attitude and an open mind. We teach sight-reading and audiation skills in all of our ensembles, and all levels of experience are welcome.

Q: What does the audition process include? 

A: We prefer to think of our “auditions” as vocal placements because everyone is welcome in a choir at CCU. You will meet with Dr. Cossey and/or Dr. Koch at the beginning of the semester. They will hear you sing a series of warm-ups to learn more about your range and vocal tone and you may be asked to sing a short song (of your choosing - any style or genre). You may do some tonal memory exercises where they sing or play a few notes in a row, and you sing back what you hear. Finally, they may also ask you to complete rhythmic or melodic sight-reading examples so they can evaluate your current reading level and place you in the ensemble you will be most successful.

Q: What kind of music do the choirs perform? 

A: The choral program at CCU is deeply committed to celebrating diversity by performing music from throughout history and around the globe. Over four years at CCU, students will have the opportunity to sing choral masterworks, workshop, clinic, and premiere new works, and perform music from every genre from pop, jazz, gospel, and beyond.

Q: Is choir a class or a club?

A: Choir is a class and students can earn academic credit for the course. Students can register for 0 or 1 unit each semester and the course can be repeated 3 times to meet the “Artistic Expression” requirement of the Core Curriculum, or it can be repeated (with no limit) towards a Music Minor.

Q: What are the benefits of being a part of the CCU Choirs?

A: Since about half the members of the choral program are non-music major students, many enjoy having an outlet outside of their classes where they can have fun and meet new people. Also, it is a great place to build a family of musicians who care about each other. Singing in a choir at CCU provides not only musical enrichment but a built-in community. 

Q: How can I get more information about the choirs at CCU?

A: Just send us an email. We would love to answer any questions you might have or set up a time to meet in person and hear you sing. Or, check us out on Youtube or Instagram @Calliope_Chorus_CCU and @Bassic_Tenacity_CCU.