Auditions for the 2023-2024 academic year will officially open April 1, 2023!
To begin the audition process, start by completing the following survey:
PMO AUDITION SURVEYFind more details below on video audition instructions for vocalists, handbells, instrumentalists, how to submit video files, and info on each ensemble.
Please email Jeff Vallier with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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All video auditions for vocalists should include the following parts:
Be sure to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video. Then, introduce the title, composer/songwriter and performing artist (if applicable) before each song.
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.
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.
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All video auditions for handbell performers should include the following parts:
Be sure to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video. Name, hometown, and major area of study are good things to include in your introduction.
Record yourself playing exercises 1-6 from the excerpt. Play each line with a pause between each line. Take as much time as you want.
It is preferable to use handbells for your audition. If you have access through your church/school, that’s great! However, in this time of pandemic, 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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Please email the director of the ensemble you wish to participate in for further directions, which can be found in the ensemble list at the bottom of this page. If you are unsure which ensemble you would like to participate in, please email Jeff Vallier for assistance.
Established in 2004, Heart & Soul is the newest addition to the vocal ensembles of Purdue Musical Organizations. A mixed-voice ensemble of 30 singers, Heart & Soul specializes in gospel and contemporary Christian music, sprinkled with an occasional soul or R&B tune. Upbeat, soulful and inspirational are fitting descriptives for this dynamic ensemble.
Heart & Soul also has a small specialty group called Prism. Specialty groups offer yet another opportunity for performance and musical involvement.
Rehearsing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-1:20 p.m., Heart & Soul is open to any student, undergraduate and graduate alike, by audition. Guitarists, bassists, drummers and sound technicians are also encouraged for membership in Heart & Soul’s rhythm section.
Please email questions to Scott Hines, Senior Accompanist & Associate Choral Director.
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.
Known for an ever-polished and professional look and style, the Purduettes consistently highlight the considerable musical talents of the more than 60 vocalists through full-ensemble selections as well as small group and solo presentations.
Founded in 1942, and having celebrated their 80th anniversary in 2022, the Purduettes have inspired audiences around the globe. The ensemble has performed throughout Canada, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Costa Rica.
Maintaining a high level of academic achievement, the Purduettes pursue excellence on and off the stage, employing a leadership honorary and a mentor program to help further the development and lives of each individual, while involving Purdue alumni and community leaders through the outreach efforts of the program.
The Purduettes provide energetic and quality entertainment suitable for audiences of all ages and backgrounds, all the while connecting the University to alumni, friends and communities worldwide.
For additional information about the ensemble, including the audition process, please email director Jeff Vallier.
Established in 1979, Purdue Bells is the only instrumental ensemble in Purdue Musical Organizations. 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. The ensemble also rings five octaves plus the lower octave of Malmark choir chimes.
Purdue Bells includes specialty groups ranging from the Four-In-Hand Quartet and the Off-the-Table Quartet to the Shaker Chime Ensemble. These specialty groups allow ringers to hone their leadership skills as well as to further develop their ringing technique.
Rehearsals for Purdue Bells are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:30-2:45pm. The ensemble is open to any student, undergraduate and graduate alike, by audition. Previous ringing experience is helpful but not necessary.
Please email director Dr. Jeffrey Warbinton for more information and questions.
With integrity, passion, unparalleled showmanship and attention to every detail, the members of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club have proudly served as ambassadors of the University with honor and dignity for more than 125 years.
Founded in 1893, this select ensemble has entertained on behalf of Purdue University for campus, community, state, national and international events, averaging between 50-60 appearances each year. Embodying the spirit of service above self, the members of the Purdue Varsity Glee Club represent different backgrounds and hometowns across the country, consistently maintaining a high level of academic excellence with majors ranging from engineering to education to management to biological sciences.
This dynamic musical troupe employs a versatile repertoire including gospel, vocal jazz, swing, contemporary hits, romantic ballads, classical choral selections, barbershop, folk melodies, patriotic standards, familiar opera choruses, country and novelty tunes, and utilizes small groups and outstanding soloists to further enhance each show.
Under the direction of William Griffel and Scott Hines, the Purdue Varsity Glee Club continues to share a sound all its own through one-of-a-kind arrangements in tailor-made performances for audiences of all ages.
For additional information about the ensemble, including the audition process, please email director Bill Griffel.
University Choir proudly continues Purdue Musical Organization's already-established tradition of musical excellence with style and flair. 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 choir music, spanning Renaissance to Contemporary, and occasionally venturing into repertoire that includes gospel, musical theater, world music, and everything in between.
University Choir rehearses Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1:30-2:20 p.m., and can be seen performing in the Purdue Christmas Show, the PMO Fall and Spring Shows, and singing at various events in the greater Lafayette area and beyond.
For additional information about the ensemble, including the audition process, please email director Jeff Vallier.