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Auditions (April - June)

Purduette performing a solo during a concert

Auditions are now closed for the 2025-26 academic year and will reopen April 2026. 

Please see audition instructions below. All applicants must fill out the following survey. At the end of the survey, you will be prompted to upload your audition video based on your selected ensemble. Email directors with any specific ensemble-related questions!

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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.

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.

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.

SUBMIT AUDITION

Handbell Video Audition Instructions

 

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 the six exercises in this YouTube video. Please find a link to the full list of exercises in the video description.

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!  

SUBMIT AUDITION

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. 

SUBMIT AUDITION

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 Bill Griffel.

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)

Since 1942, the Purduettes have entertained audiences around the globe with music spanning a wide range of genres, including pop, classical, contemporary, country, swing, patriotic, Broadway, gospel, and jazz. Accompanied by piano, synthesizer, bass, guitar, and percussion, their repertoire includes both choreographed selections similar to show choir performances as well as traditional concert choir literature.

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

For questions and more information, email Director Jeff Vallier.

University Choir (SATB Choir)

This close-knit community of 75 SATB singers focuses on excellence and the joy of singing. University Choir performs both traditional and contemporary choral/concert music from a wide variety of languages, cultures, and composers. Recent works include “Considering Matthew Shepard” and Beethoven‘s “Symphony #9” as well as works by Stroope, Whitacre, Saunder Choi, Dillworth, Hagenberg, Robert Ray, Shawn Kirchner and many others.

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 AM.

For questions and more information, email Director Bill Griffel.