Music

Performing Groups and Private Lessons

Choirs

Women's Choir (.5 credit per semester)
Lisa Beatty, director
Women’s Choir is a non-auditioned choir that performs on campus and at local churches. Students have an opportunity to improve their vocal skills and learn choral repertoire from a variety of musical styles. Rehearsals are Wednesday, 2:20 – 3:10pm in the choir room.

Chamber Choir (.5 credit per semester)
Elisa Cooper, director
Chamber Choir is an auditioned mixed choral ensemble that performs on campus and in the local community. Students in Chamber Choir have the opportunity to sing more challenging repertoire that will help improve their musical and vocal skills. Audition required. Rehearsals are Monday from 3:20-4:35pm in the choir room.

Ensemble (.5 credit per semester)*
Elisa Cooper, director
Ensemble is a smaller mixed group chosen from within the Chamber Choir. During spring break (March) the Ensemble travels on tour to other areas of the country (and occasionally Canada). Students in the Ensemble have the opportunity to sing more challenging repertoire that will help improve their musical and vocal skills. Audition and participation in Chamber Choir required. Rehearsals are Wednesday from 3:20-4:35pm in the choir room. CDs of previous Emmaus Ensemble groups are available for purchase here!

*Scholarships available

Small Groups
Each year, depending on interest, ability, and availability, some of the best singers have an opportunity to participate in a smaller vocal group such as a ladies trio or male quartet. These groups perform on campus, at local and regional churches, and occasionally other local events. The groups sing on tour if all of the members are also in the Ensemble. Rehearsals are scheduled based on availability of the students and directors, Miss Elisa Cooper or Dr. Lisa Beatty.

Instrumental Groups

Emmaus students can access instrumental performing groups in the community and at other colleges in Dubuque. Please contact Miss Elisa Cooper at ecooper@emmaus.edu for more information.

Dubuque Community String Orchestra
The DCSO rehearses on Emmaus’ campus on Monday evenings and is open to any string players. Students may register for the DCSO for 1 credit per semester if desired.

Clarke University Wind Ensemble
The Wind Ensemble is open to Emmaus students free of charge (no credit).

Dubuque Youth Symphony Orchestra
The DYSO is an auditioned ensemble for high school and college students under age 21. See www.dubuquesymphony.org/education-outreach/youth-ensembles for more information about cost, auditions, and schedule.

Private Lessons

Private lessons are available to all students ($150 fee per semester for 30 minute weekly lessons; 1 credit per semester). Emmaus offers voice and piano lessons on campus. Students interested in studying other instruments may take those lessons off-campus for Emmaus credit depending on availability of teachers.

Music Scholarships

Music Scholarships support Emmaus Bible College’s commitment to train qualified student musicians from any major for leadership roles in the Emmaus Ensemble.  Music scholarships (up to $400) are available to incoming students interested in singing in the Ensemble.  One of these scholarships may be awarded to a student who would like to play the piano for the Ensemble (this student may also audition to sing in the Ensemble when performing a cappella music).  An audition is required for any student interested in participating in the Ensemble, and students must audition by June 1st to be eligible for a scholarship. Note: Students who sing in Ensemble must also participate in Chamber Choir.

Audition Requirements

• Voice: One piece that best demonstrates your range and ability (such as an art song in English or a foreign language, hymn, contemporary piece, musical theater piece, etc.)
  • Audition will also include exercises to test your range, ear, and reading ability
  • Note: this part of the audition should be done on campus if at all possible; students may then submit a recording of the solo portion at a later date
• Piano: One classical piece or hymn arrangement and a choral accompaniment that will be sent to you prior to your audition
  • Audition may include some basic sight-reading

Please refer any questions about audition requirements to the Music Department Chair:  Miss Elisa Cooper, (563) 588-8000 x1302; ecooper@emmaus.edu.

To begin the scholarship application process, fill out our online auditon form here:

Music Audition & Scholarship FAQs