Choral Ensembles
Choral ensembles at the Schwob School of Music offer students an exceptional opportunity to explore their passion for singing in a supportive and enriching environment. In addition to regular concerts on campus in our beautiful 450 seat state-of-the-art concert space, Legacy Hall, our ensembles are regularly featured at high-profile university functions and some embark on national tours. Many of our ensemble members come from majors outside of the school of music and faculty, staff, and community members always hold a visible presence in our large symphonic chorus, Choral Union.
Performance Opportunities
Schwob Singers the flagship choral ensemble at the Schwob School of Music, is distinguished by its artistic excellence, vocal versatility, and interpretive prowess. Comprised of 35 undergraduate and graduate students across many disciplines, the ensemble explores a diverse repertoire, from classical masterpieces to cutting-edge contemporary works. Through regular commissions and performances of new works by highly regarded composers to collaborations with world-class performing artists, Schwob Singers continues to leave a legacy of superb university-level singing. The choir‘s performances at local, regional, and national venues are characterized by their emotional depth, technical precision, and a unique ability to connect with audiences. Whether in concert or competition, Schwob Singers consistently aims to share choral music with a wide range of audiences, showcasing the musical talents of Columbus State University and contributing to the rich cultural legacy of Columbus, Georgia. To audition for Schwob Singers, please contact Dr. David Hahn at hahn_david@columbusstate.edu.
Conductor: Dr. David Hahn
Rehearsals: MWF, 10:45 am - 12:00 pm, RC 1714
Course Number: MUSP 1090/3090/7090
Major Concerts:
- “Lux: Music of Light” — Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 7:30 pm in Legacy Hall
- “Lang & Lash” — Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Legacy Hall
Recent Performances:
Choral Union is the university’s large SATB symphonic chorus that welcomes students, faculty, staff, and members of the community. Choral Union is a vibrant, intergenerational chorus that regularly performs choral-orchestral repertoire and frequently collaborates with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Schwob Philharmonic, and the Schwob Wind Ensemble. Due to its once-a-week rehearsal schedule, the ensemble is geared toward experienced singers, but all are welcome. Recent repertoire includes Jocelyn Hagen’s The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, Brahms Requiem, Verdi’s Requiem, Orff’s Carmina Burana, Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Van’s A Procession Winding Around Me, Dett’s The Chariot Jubilee, and standard works from the canon. With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, no audition is required to join. Choral Union rehearses once per week on Tuesday evenings and performs two concerts per year. To join Choral Union, please contact Dr. Hahn for registration information at hahn_david@columbusstate.edu.
Conductor: Dr. David Hahn
Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm, RC 1714
Course Number: MUSP 1095/3095/7095
2023-2024 Season Performances:
“War and Peace” — Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at 7:30 pm in Legacy Hall
- Repertoire: Miserere in C minor by Jan Dismas Zelenka & A Procession Winding Around Me by Jeffrey Van
Lauridsen & Hailstork — Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 7:30 pm in Legacy Hall
- Repertoire: Lux Aeterna by Morten Lauridsen & I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Adolphus Hailstork
Master of Music in Music Performance
The Master of Music in Music Performance degree at the Schwob School of Music is an intensive two-year program designed to equip aspiring conductors for successful musical leadership in both academic and professional settings. Program highlights include:
- Competitive graduate assistantships, including full tuition waivers and yearly stipend
- Substantial podium time with all university choral ensembles
- Weekly hour-long conducting lessons
- Comprehensive two-year choral literature sequence
- Masterclasses with renowned guest artists
- National performance tours
- Practical training in managing a choral program and planning invitationals, tours, etc.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration with wind, orchestra, and choral faculty and studios
- Performances of commissions and premieres with distinguished composers
Students admitted to the MM program focus on choral literature and rehearsal techniques, receive comprehensive training in score study and analysis, repertoire knowledge, gestural fluency and communication, and the relationship between technique and rehearsal. Graduates typically go on to teach at the high-school or collegiate levels or pursue a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in choral conducting.
Applying to the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music is a three-step process:
- Apply to the Columbus State University Graduate School
- Apply to the Columbus State University Schwob School of Music
- Submit all materials below through Acceptd by February 1 for priority admission:
- Rehearsal footage (front view of conductor only) totaling no less than 15 minutes.
- Performance footage (front view of conductor only) totaling no less than 15 minutes.
- A video in which you address these topics: 1) speak briefly about yourself and your musical background; 2) describe your goals in pursuing graduate studies in conducting.
- Personal/Professional Statement: include a 2-3 page personal statement indicating how your background and life experiences, including cultural, geographical, financial, educational or other opportunities or challenges, motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Then, state your professional goals and include how this program and the Schwob School of Music will help you achieve your professional goals.
- Three letters of recommendation sent directly to Dr. Hahn from recommenders
- Current Resume/CV
- Repertoire list of works conducted
- Recent professional headshot
Once all applications and materials have been received, the School of Music faculty will review your application. If you are selected for an on-campus audition, we will contact you to schedule your audition which will consist of:
- a conducting lesson on the assigned repertoire with the Director of Choral Activities
- conducting and rehearsing a CSU choral ensemble on the assigned repertoire
- an interview with conducting and vocal faculty and meetings with current CSU students
- sight-reading, musicianship, and ear-training evaluations
Prior to the audition date, conducting applicants who are selected for an audition will be informed of the required work(s) to be prepared for the audition.
Faculty Director
Dr. David Hahn, the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities
Dr. David Hahn is a conductor, collaborator, and educator who has earned a reputation for his innovative programming, powerful interpretations, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of choral artists. As the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities at the Schwob School of Music, Hahn administers the master‘s program in choral conducting, teaches graduate conducting and choral literature, undergraduate conducting, conducts the Schwob Singers, Choral Union, and leads the annual Schwob Choral Invitational. Before joining the faculty at Columbus State University, he served as Director of Choral Activities at the University of Toledo.
