{"id":17209,"date":"2025-04-10T14:05:40","date_gmt":"2025-04-10T18:05:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/?page_id=17209"},"modified":"2026-07-02T10:14:24","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:14:24","slug":"choruses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/bands-and-ensembles\/choruses\/","title":{"rendered":"University Choirs and Choruses"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"notice-box\">\n    <strong>Exam Block Conflict:<\/strong> If you are having trouble registering for any ensemble(s) due to a regularly scheduled exam block, you can still participate! Let us know what the conflict is by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/2024\/09\/03\/exam-block-cfa-mu-course-conflicts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">completing this form<\/a> and we will help get the desired course added to your schedule! In the meantime, complete the join form so we know you intend to participate!\n<\/div>\n<style>\n.notice-box {\n    background-color: #f8d7da;\n    color: #721c24;\n    border: 1px solid #f5c6cb;\n    padding: 15px;\n    border-radius: 5px;\n    margin-bottom: 20px;\n    font-family: Arial, sans-serif;\n    font-size: 1em;\n}<\/p>\n<p>.notice-box a {\n    color: #004885;\n    text-decoration: underline;\n}<\/p>\n<p>.notice-box a:hover {\n    color: #002855;\n}\n<\/style>\n<p><span>The Boston University Choral Program is open to all musicians in the campus community: undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and friends. BU community members sing alongside music performance majors from the School of Music, collectively forming the four distinct choral ensembles at Boston University. Each semester typically features a large choral work, often including orchestra and vocal soloists as well as small concerts of accompanied and unaccompanied music from the Renaissance to Contemporary music including music from diverse genres and cultures as well as standard classical music canon. The ensembles present at least one concert each semester, including an annual performance at Symphony Hall, the home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Rehearsals are held in the CFA at 855 Commonwealth Avenue on Monday or Wednesday evenings for BU University Choruses and Symphonic Chorus and Monday\/Friday midday for BU Chamber Choir; extra rehearsals are often held as performances approach and will be announced before the start of the semester.<span class=\"apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Vocal hearings to determine vocal range are generally held at the first and second rehearsals of each semester. Participating BU students\/BU community and Boston community members should register for the course, which is offered for either one, half, or zero credits.<o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Non-degree students, BU community members (staff, faculty, alumni, friends of BU), and greater Boston community members should register via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/admissions\/non-degree-courses\/application\/\">non-degree application each semester.<\/a><o:p><\/o:p><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Director: Dr. Daniel Parsley (<a href=\"mailto:dparsley@bu.edu\">dparsley@bu.edu<\/a>)<br \/>\nDirector of Choral Activities; Coordinator, Graduate Programs in Conducting<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Symphonic Chorus (MP 603\/MU 099\/199)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">125-voice symphonic chorus of majors and non-majors across the university. Spring. 2024 Symphonic Chorus highlights included a spring Boston Symphony Hall concert featuring Leonard Bernstein\u2019s\u00a0<em>Chichester Psalms,\u00a0<\/em>Ravel\u2019s\u00a0<em>Daphnis et Chlo\u00e9 ,\u00a0<\/em>and a spring concert featuring music across all genres, led by DMA graduate conducting students. Fall repertoire will soon be announced for a collaboration with the BU Symphony Orchestra and BU Symphonic Chorus and a collaborative performance at Boston Symphony Hall for the Boston 250th\u00a0anniversary All City Concert.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Course Time: Wednesdays, 7:00-10:00 PM<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>University Chorus: Soprano\/Alto Chorus (MP 601A, MU 098A ,MU 198A)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50-voice chorus of soprano\/alto voices of majors and non-majors across the university. No audition required. The ensembles rehearse concurrently and often join together for SATB repertoire as well as SSAA and TTBB repertoire. Fall 2025 highlights include a collaborative performance at Boston Symphony Hall for the Boston 250th\u00a0anniversary All City Concert, a fall family weekend performance, and a collaborative concert with the BU Symphony Orchestra.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Course Time: Mondays 6:30p-9:15p<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>University Chorus: Tenor\/Bass Chorus (MP 601B, MU 098B ,MU 198B)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">50-voice chorus of tenor\/bass voices (low) of majors and non-majors across the university. No audition required. The ensembles rehearse concurrently and often join together for SATB repertoire as well as SSAA and TTBB repertoire. Fall 2025 highlights include a collaborative performance at Boston Symphony Hall for the Boston 250th\u00a0anniversary All City Concert, a fall family weekend performance, and a collaborative concert with the BU Symphony Orchestra.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Course Time: Mondays 6:30p-9:15p<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>BU Chamber Choir (MP 604 A\/B)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40-voice mixed chamber choir of majors and non-majors across the university. Audition required. Auditions are held on 9\/1\/2025 from 2:30-5:30PM. Spring 2024 highlights included a spring performance of J.S. Bach\u2019s\u00a0<em>St John Passion\u00a0<\/em>with Handel &amp; Haydn Society (H+H) and BU Baroque Orchestra. Fall 2025 will include at least one large scale work with the BU Symphony orchestra, opportunities for chamber ensemble work, and a collaborative performance at Boston Symphony Hall for the Boston 250th\u00a0anniversary All City Concert.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Course Time: Mondays and Fridays 12:20p-2:05p<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact:<br \/>\nDaniel Parsley<br \/>\nDirector of Choral Activities; Chair of Graduate Conducting at Boston University<br \/>\n<a href=\"mailto:dparsley@bu.edu\">dparsley@bu.edu<\/a><br \/>\nLearn more about Daniel Parsley\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/cfa\/about\/contact-directions\/directory\/daniel-parsley\/\">here<\/a>.<strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">When do the choirs meet?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nBU Symphonic Chorus: 7-10pm every Wednesday night<br \/>\nBU Singers: 12:20-2:05pm every Wednesday and Friday<br \/>\nBU Soprano Alto Chorus: 2:00-3:15pm every Tuesday and Thursday<br \/>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What is the different between the choirs?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nBU Symphonic Chorus is our bigger chorus that performs yearly with our orchestra and requires no audition. BU Singers is a smaller chorus that includes music and music education undergraduates and graduate majors as well non-music major singers from over across campus. BU Soprano Alto Chorus is a SA choir of treble and treble identifying singers that includes music and music education undergraduates and graduate majors as well non-music major singers from over across campus. Across campus, there are also a cappella groups, the BU Choral Society, BU Graduate Singers Ensemble, a Marsh Chapel Choir, Seminary Singers, and a Gospel Choir. Email Dr. Parsley at dparsley@bu.edu to find out more about these opportunities. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How often (and where) do we perform?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nSymphonic Chorus performs 1-2 times a semester. Each semester alternates with a performance in the College of Fine Arts Concert hall (usually our Fall concert), outside venues, as well as a performance with the orchestra in Symphony Hall (usually one of the Spring concerts). BU Singers and BU Soprano Alto Chorus each perform twice per semester in the CFA Concert Hall, Marsh Chapel and other venues in the Boston area.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Is there an audition for Symphonic Chorus or Soprano Alto Chorus?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo singer will be turned away from Symphonic Chorus or BU Soprano Alto Chorus. However, each new member of Symphonic Chorus and BU Soprano Alto Chorus will do a simple voicing at the end of their first rehearsal in a group to assess vocal range and vocal color. This will help us place you in a voice part that is comfortable for you and where you will help the chorus sound at its best.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How do I get involved with BU Singers<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nBU Singers is open to all singers across the BU community. Rehearsals are WF from 12:20-2:00 PM. All BU Singers also sing in Symphonic Chorus or Soprano Alto Chorus. Email Dr. Parsley at parsleyd@bu.edu for more information on how you can join! <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What songs do we sing?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nIn Symphonic Chorus, most of our repertoire is from the Symphonic literature, for chorus and orchestra. In BU Singers and BU Soprano Alto Chorus, we explore choral music of a variety of styles including works from across the world, both with orchestra, accompanied, and unaccompanied. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Can I join BU Symphonic Chorus, BU Soprano Alto Chorus, and BU Singers if I am in Medical \/ Law \/ Business school or other graduate program?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYes! We have many graduate students from across campus that join us from across all 17 colleges at Boston University.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">If I am a BU alum and still in the area or a Boston region resident, may I join BU Symphonic Chorus, BU Soprano Alto Chorus, and BU Singers?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nWe often have signers from the Boston area and alumni join our choruses, though you do need to sign up as a non-degree student. Please visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/join\/non-degree-students\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">this page<\/a> to find out more.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">I am excited to join the choruses. How do I get more information on our first rehearsals?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nIf you register for the class, you will receive emails from the BU Choral team! Visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/bands-and-ensembles\/course-registration-info\/\">this page<\/a> to find out where how to register.<br \/>\n.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">What if I want to sing in Symphonic Chorus but I have no credits left in my load?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nCourse CFA MU 099 is a 0-credit option that you can sign up for.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">How are we graded in the choirs and do we have a final?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYour grade is determined by you showing up on time for rehearsals and performances. Your attendance at performances are considered your finals. Choruses do not meet after your last performance, so there is no \u2018final\u2019 during finals week. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Will I be graded differently if I am taking the class for 1 or 0 credits?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nNo, we have the same expectations for those who take the class for 1 or 0 credits and grade them the same way. There is no difference in the different call numbers.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Are there any leadership opportunities for me in the choruses?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nYes! We have section leaders, publicity and marketing chairs, culture chairs, and other assistants that help run the ensemble that are pulled from volunteers in the chorus. <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"bu_collapsible_container \" aria-live=\"polite\" data-customize-animation=\"false\"><h3 class=\"bu_collapsible\" aria-expanded=\"false\"tabindex=\"0\" role=\"button\">Why are Symphonic Chorus rehearsals held late in the evening?<\/h3><div class=\"bu_collapsible_section\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\nIn order to accommodate the schedules of both undergraduate and graduate students, unfortunately we cannot start the rehearsal earlier. We know this is a long evening, so we encourage you to bring water and rest during our breaks. Music and singing is proven to change our bodies and our brains! We hope the music you will sing in Symphonic Chorus and the friends you will make will be an uplift for the rest of your busy week.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Exam Block Conflict: If you are having trouble registering for any ensemble(s) due to a regularly scheduled exam block, you can still participate! Let us know what the conflict is by completing this form and we will help get the desired course added to your schedule! In the meantime, complete the join form so we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12288,"featured_media":0,"parent":10085,"menu_order":4,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17209"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/12288"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=17209"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17969,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/17209\/revisions\/17969"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/10085"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/bands\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}