Important Information: Upon acceptance in one of our ensembles, you will receive an acceptance agreement contract. You will have until Monday, June 14th, to return your signed contract to solidify your position in that ensemble. Participation in our ensembles requires an annual participation expense that will be outlined in your contract. You will see this cost on your Purdue student account at the beginning of each semester of participation.

Auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year are officially open. Submissions must be received by June 1, 2024.

To get started, fill out the following survey. At the end of the survey, you'll find a link to upload your audition video based on your preferred ensemble.

Refer to the information below to ensure you create the best audition video to showcase your talents!

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Vocalist Video Audition Instructions

All video auditions for vocalists should include the following parts:

1. Introduction

Be sure to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video (name, hometown, high school, etc.). Then, introduce the title, composer/songwriter and performing artist (if applicable) before each song.

2. Vocalizations (Scales)

Watch the appropriate ascending and descending vocalization videos below for your preferred voice part. Follow the instructions in the video and play each video in the background as you record a video of yourself singing along to the recording.

• Soprano & Alto (Ascending / Descending)
• Tenor & Bass (Ascending / Descending)

3. Two songs of contrasting style and tempo 

Both songs must include an accompaniment with no added vocals. Live or recorded accompaniments are both acceptable. Self-accompanied songs are also acceptable. The entire song or the best two minutes of each song is acceptable. When recording the audition video, make certain the balance favors the vocals more than the accompaniment.

Please note - if you are unsure which ensemble(s) you would like to audition for, email Jeff Vallier for assistance.

4. Interview Questions 

Record answers to the following questions:

• Describe a time when you accomplished something and what did you learn through this accomplishment?
• What inspires you each day to sing?
• Why do you want to be part of PMO?

5. Submit Video

COMBINE all four sections into ONE video before uploading, then RENAME your video file to include your first and last name (“JohnDoeVideoAudition.mov” for example), and finally, UPLOAD your video to the corresponding Dropbox link at the list below for each ensemble you wish to be considered for.

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Handbell Video Audition Instructions

Before you begin your handbell audition video, please download and learn the following music excerpt:

All video auditions for handbell musicians should include the following parts:

1. Introduction

Introduce yourself at the beginning of your video. Name, hometown, and major area of study are all good things to include.

2. Performance

Record yourself playing exercises 1-5 (optionally 6-7) from the excerpt. Play each line with a pause between each line. Take as much time as you want.

3. Interview

Record answers to the following questions

• Describe a time when you accomplished something and what did you learn through this accomplishment?
• What inspires you each day to ring?
• Why do you want to be part of PMO?

4. Submit Video

COMBINE all sections into ONE video before uploading, then RENAME your video file to include your first and last name (“JohnDoeVideoAudition.mov” for example), and finally, UPLOAD your video to the Dropbox link at the list below.

Tips for a successful audition video

• Play each exercise at a slow, steady tempo
• Don’t worry about mistakes – keep going!
• Strive to demonstrate your rhythmic reading skill and your overall handbell technique
• Wrong notes are fine – play them with passion and conviction!  

It is preferable to use handbells for your audition, if you have access through your church, school, etc.. However, you may use two wooden spoons. Label the spoons A and B CLEARLY so that it is evident which bell you intend to ring at which time. The A will be in your left hand; B in the right (lower bell is always in your left hand).

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Instrumentalist and/or Sound Technician Audition Instructions

Please email the director of the ensemble you wish to participate in for further directions, which can be found in the Ensembles section below. 

Ensembles

Learn more info below about each of our ensembles here at Purdue Musical Organizations, including vocal parts, rehearsal schedule, and specialty groups.

Purdue Bells (Handbell Choir)

Ringing five octaves of Schulmerich and Whitechapel handbells, the members of Purdue Bells blend traditional handbell ringing with innovative techniques to play styles from classical to jazz.

Purdue Bells rehearse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-2:45 PM. 

For questions and more information, email Director Jeffrey Warbinton.

Heart & Soul (SATB Choir)

Established in 2004, Heart & Soul is the newest addition to the vocal ensembles of PMO and specializes in gospel and contemporary Christian music, sprinkled with an occasional soul or R&B tune.

This ensemble rehearses Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-1:20 PM.

For questions and more information, email Assistant Director Scott Hines.

Purduettes (SSAA Choir)

Celebrating music of all genres with a vast repertoire including pop, classical, contemporary, country, swing, patriotic, Broadway, gospel and jazz, this talented troupe of alto and soprano voices represents the brightest and best from a variety of majors and areas of study.

Purduettes rehearse Monday through Friday from 11:30-12:20 PM.

For questions and more information, email Director Jeff Vallier.

University Choir (SATB Choir)

From its humble beginnings in 1933, University Choir once encompassed all voices from every ensemble in PMO, as many as 500-strong. Eventually established as its own full-time ensemble, this mixed-voice choir performs traditional sacred and secular concert music.

University Choir rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30-2:20 PM.

For questions and more information, email Director Jeff Vallier.

Purdue Varsity Glee Club (TTBB Choir)

With integrity, passion, unparalleled showmanship, and attention to every detail, members of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club have proudly served as ambassadors of the Purdue University with honor and dignity for over 100 years.

Glee Club rehearses Monday through Friday from 10:30-11:20 PM.

For questions and more information, email Director Bill Griffel.