Choral And Vocal Ensembles
Bassic Tenacity (formerly Concert Choir)
T/TH 1:40-3:30pm (MUS 125-01)
Director: Timothy Koch, D.M.A.
Under the directorship of Dr. Timothy Koch, Bassic Tenacity is a non-auditioned, energetic, and entertaining Tenor/Bass ensemble made up of a variety of majors and departments across campus. The choir rehearses regularly and performs eclectic programs of music from virtually every historical period and genre. Bassic Tenacity performs at least three annual concerts in or around campus each year and frequently collaborates with other CCU and other area ensembles to perform large choral/orchestral works.
Calliope Chorus (formerly Concert Choir)
T/TH 1:40-3:30pm (MUS 125-02)
Director: Alyssa Cossey, D.M.A.
From kallos meaning “beauty” and ops, meaning “voice” - Calliope Chorus literally means “beautiful-voiced” chorus. Calliope also was the most prominent of the nine Greek Muses who presided over poetry, song, and the arts and sciences and was herself known for the “ecstatic harmony of her voice.” Under the directorship of Associate Director of Choral Activities, Alyssa Cossey, Calliope Chorus hopes to elevate the work of historically-excluded composers through programming and performance. This ensemble is open, without audition, to all treble singers on the CCU campus.
Calliope Chorus Recent Performances
Chamber Choir
M/W 3:00-4:15pm (MUS 125C)
Director: Timothy Koch, D.M.A.
The Chamber Choir is a small, auditioned, ensemble made up of mostly music majors/minors (but open to all majors by audition). As the flagship choral ensemble at Coastal Carolina University, the choir performs a wide variety of advanced repertoire, often performing with the Long Bay Symphony and the Carolina Master Chorale. The Chamber Choir frequently performs on regional recruiting and concert tours, and has been invited to perform at conventions of the South Carolina Music Educators Association, the American Choral Directors Association, and the College Music Society, among others. Chamber Choir has also performed with numerous celebrity musicians including Broadway stars Scarlett Strallen, Hugh Panaro, Capathia Jenkins, Debbie Gravitte, Alli Mauzell, Doug Lebrecque, Sal Viviano, and others.
Auditions for new members are held at the beginning of the fall semester, and membership in the ensemble is a full-year commitment. Members of the Chamber Choir must also be enrolled in either Calliope Chorus or Bassic Tenacity.
Opera Workshop
T/TH 4:30-6:00pm (MUS 130 O)
Director: D. Scott Ferguson
Each spring semester, Coastal Carolina University Opera Workshop presents public performances of opera, musical theatre, and operetta. Singers and actors have the opportunity to perform interesting and exciting repertoire while developing facility with spoken dialogue, appropriate singing styles, and stage movement. The goal of the Opera Workshop is to equip beginning and intermediate singer-actors with the diverse skills needed by American singers in the 21st century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be a music major to be in a choir?
A: Not at all! Our ensembles are made up of students from every major across campus. In fact, non-music majors make up about 40-50% of the choral program, often singing in multiple choirs throughout their time at CCU.
Q: Do I already have to know how to sight-read?
A: No, you just have to come with a positive attitude and an open mind. We teach sight-reading and audiation skills in all of our ensembles, and all levels of experience are welcome.
Q: What does the audition process include?
A: We prefer to think of our “auditions” as vocal placements because everyone is welcome in a choir at CCU. You will meet with Dr. Cossey and/or Dr. Koch at the beginning of the semester. They will hear you sing a series of warm-ups to learn more about your range and vocal tone and you may be asked to sing a short song (of your choosing - any style or genre). You may do some tonal memory exercises where they sing or play a few notes in a row, and you sing back what you hear. Finally, they may also ask you to complete rhythmic or melodic sight-reading examples so they can evaluate your current reading level and place you in the ensemble you will be most successful.
Q: What kind of music do the choirs perform?
A: The choral program at CCU is deeply committed to celebrating diversity by performing music from throughout history and around the globe. Over the course of four years at CCU, students will have the opportunity to sing choral masterworks, workshop, clinic, and premiere new works, and perform music from every genre from pop, jazz, gospel, and beyond.
Q: Is choir a class or a club?
A: Choir is a class and students can earn academic credit for the course. Students can register for 0 or 1 unit each semester and the course can be repeated 3 times to meet the “Artistic Expression” requirement of the Core Curriculum, or it can be repeated (with no limit) towards a Music Minor.
Q: What are the benefits of being a part of the CCU Choirs?
A: Since about half the members of the choral program are non-music major students, many enjoy the chance to have an outlet outside of their classes where they can have fun and meet new people. Also, it is a great place to build a family of musicians who care about each other. Singing in a choir at CCU provides not only musical enrichment but a built-in community.
Q: How can I get more information about the choirs at CCU?
A: Just send us an email. We would love to answer any questions you might have or set up a time to meet in person and hear you sing. Or, check us out on Youtube or Instagram @Calliope_Chorus_CCU and @Bassic_Tenacity_CCU.