To be accepted into the choir, you need to pass a small audition. This audition is meant to assess your voice range, tone and pitch ability. It must be passed before you will be able to sing with the choir. In some cases, it may be necessary to arrange for individual coaching before becoming a member of the choir. If you have no prior experience, it is possible for you to become a member of this choir if you agree to regular coaching at the beginning of the year. If accepted into the choir, it will be necessary to purchase the appropriate concert attire. This will be available at the start of the academic year.

The Choir practices on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Abbey Church, and meets at 6 p.m. on Sunday evening to prepare for the 7 p.m. Choral Eucharist.

Students are encouraged to take their responsibility to the music and to the group seriously, and to honor the commitment they have made to these time-slots. Choir members are expected to take responsibility for managing conflicts with other activities according to their commitment to the choir, and are asked to keep the Director informed via e-mail about projected or unexpected absences, course conflicts, and lateness. Occasionally members are dropped from the choir roster due to excessive absences and/or lack of personal accountability.

Many students who are in the Choir also participate in the performances of the Abbey Players, and practice/performances for both groups are coordinated so that it is possible to participate in both activities, although not advisable for students who struggle to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

All rehearsal information will be sent to you upon your acceptance into the choir. Enter the church using the footbridge across from the large St. Benedict statue. Take the elevator downstairs and follow the signs to the rest rooms. The Director of Liturgical Music's office is in that area and is clearly marked.

Normally Choir members are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate for a lector or Eucharistic Minister. Casual, but nice. Slacks are fine for women but low-cut tops and bare midriffs are not allowed.

• Men: ties and/or jackets preferred but not required. Collared shirts are required. No shorts and t-shirts.
• All members: collared shirts or sweaters are required.

Since the choir practices in the church, attention needs to be paid to dressing respectfully. Polo-type shirts and/or button down shirts required for all. If you're only wearing a T-shirt, have a jacket or sweater to cover it up. Women's Short shorts are not allowed.

Choir members are required to purchase a choir gown or tuxedo. At the time of the audition you will be measured. Current prices will be distributed to all members at the beginning of the academic year (cost ranges from $60-$135). Tuxes and gowns are ordered the first week of school and arrive near the end of September -- plenty of time to get them tailored and hemmed.

Between 70 and 100 students, depending on how great the response is from your class.

The college choir is a liturgical choir and we sing the student Sunday evening Mass each week and on special occasions such as Family Weekend and other college events. In addition we have two special performances in our Concert Series: "DecemberSong" (the first Saturday after Thanksgiving Weekend) and an annual Spring Concert in March or April. In addition, selected members of the choir are given opportunities to sing at other events on campus. In addition to this, during Spring Break of even-numbered year, members of the choir CONCERT TOUR abroad.

Rehearsals are on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m., and Sunday evening at 6 p.m. (a warm-up for the 7 p.m. Mass). In addition there is one special weekend practice in the fall semester. That's all.

You will find, and choir members will back me up on this, that being in the choir will actually help you handle the academic pressure. It provides a stress release, the music refreshes the mind and soul and spirit and helps balance out your brain energies, it keeps you coming to church, it helps develop your spirituality, gives you a sense of belonging and an outlet for very worthwhile community service.

Any experience at all is desirable although some students have actually begun their singing careers in choir. There is a required audition which is not terribly difficult. You can get more information about the audition at the choir website.

Yes. The Abbey Players and the Choir arrange their schedules so that there are no rehearsal conflicts. Many students are involved in both programs (provided they can keep their grades up.)

All accepted members of the choir are eligible to go on Tour. The next tour will be during spring break of 2018. The destination will be to Ireland.

Email Eric Bermani, Director of Liturgical Music at ebermani@anselm.edu. Please send your name, address, e-mail and cell phone number. Please list what voice part you sing and briefly describe your former experience. Once registered, you will get further information via email when you come to campus.