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.
Educational Opportunities
CSU Choral Conducting Workshop - June 4-6, 2025
Dates: June 4-6, 2025
Clinicians: Dr. David Hahn (CSU), Dr. Jason Max Ferdinand (University of Maryland), Dr. Jennifer Sengin (UMKC)
The Schwob Choral Conducting Workshop is designed to elevate the artistry and effectiveness of choral conductors. Led by Schwob faculty and distinguished guest clinicians, the workshop will feature conducting masterclasses and interactive sessions on rehearsal strategies, expressive conducting, and innovative programming. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct the semi-professional workshop ensemble, and receive constructive feedback in a supportive and collaborative environment. This immersive three-day workshop is designed for music educators, student conductors, church musicians, community ensemble leaders, and any conductor seeking to enhance their artistry. For more information and to register for the workshop, please click the button below:
Schwob Choral Invitational
Experience a full day of music, connection, and inspiration at the Schwob Choral Invitational, hosted each October at the world-class Legacy Hall. This dynamic event brings together exceptional high school choirs from across the region for a celebration of choral artistry and community.
Your choir will enjoy:
- A featured performance on the stunning Legacy Hall stage for an enthusiastic audience of music lovers, educators, and peers — professionally recorded for your convenience.
- Engaging workshops and clinics led by Schwob’s acclaimed choral and vocal faculty.
- Networking opportunities with fellow choir members and directors — build lasting friendships and professional connections.
- Inspiring performances by other top-tier high school choirs, our flagship ensemble—Schwob Singers, and students from our opera and musical theatre programs.
- Schwob swag, goodie bags, a FREE T-shirt, and lunch provided!
The day concludes with a powerful combined master chorus performance — a moving musical moment you won’t forget. Spots fill quickly each year! To request participation for your high school choir, please contact: Dr. David Hahn
Master of Music in Music Performance with a concentration in Choral Conducting
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 two-step process:
- Apply to the Columbus State University Graduate School
- 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.
For more information, please contact the Program Administrator and Director: Dr. David Hahn
Performance Opportunities
Schwob Singers
Schwob Singers is the flagship ambassadorial choral ensemble of the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University. Conducted by David Hahn, this 40-voice auditioned ensemble is composed of CSU’s most dedicated singers and focuses primarily on unaccompanied works for advanced chamber choir.
Schwob Singers has earned a growing reputation, as evidenced by recent juried invitations to perform at state and national conventions. Most recently, the ensemble appeared at the 2025 Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Annual In-Service Conference. Previous highlights include a performance at the 2024 Georgia American Choral Directors Association (GA-ACDA) State Conference and serving as the Resident Choir for the Graduate Conducting Masterclass at the 2023 Biennial National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) National Conference.
Through regular commissions, recordings, world premieres of new works, and collaborations with world-class performing artists, Schwob Singers remains committed to championing living composers and performing choral repertoire at the highest level.
To audition for Schwob Singers, please contact Dr. David Hahn at hahn_david@columbusstate.edu.
Conductor: Dr. David Hahn
Rehearsals: MW, 1:30pm - 2:50pm, F, 1:00pm - 2:20pm, RC 1714 (Choral Rehearsal Hall)
Course Number: MUSP 1090/3090/7090
Major Concerts:
- GA-ACDA Performance — Saturday, October 5 at 12:30 PM in Morgan Hall at Kennesaw State University
- "Let My Love Be Heard" — Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 7:30 PM in Legacy Hall
- GMEA Performance — January 30 - February 1, 2025 in Athens, GA
- "Listen in the Silence" — Thursday, March 13, 2025 at 7:30 PM in Legacy Hall
Recent Performances:
Repertory Singers
Repertory Singers is a mixed choral ensemble open to all CSU students by audition. Designed for singers who wish to participate in a high-level musical experience without the travel and time commitments of Schwob Singers, this ensemble offers a meaningful and rewarding performance opportunity each semester. Repertory Singers focuses on building strong ensemble skills, musical literacy, and familiarity with a wide range of choral repertoire. The ensemble also serves as a laboratory for graduate conducting students, offering a collaborative and supportive environment for musical growth.
To audition for Repertory Singers, please contact Dr. David Hahn at hahn_david@columbusstate.edu.
Choral Union
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
2024-2025 Season Performances:
Haydn, RVW, and Beethoven — Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at 7:30 PM in Legacy Hall
- Repertoire: Haydn Missa in Angustiis (Lord Nelson Mass), Ralph Vaughan Williams Toward the Unknown Region and Beethoven Hallelujah from Christ on the Mount of Olives
Of Life and Love — Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:30 PM in Legacy Hall
- Repertoire: A Sacred Place by Alex Berko, Liebeslieder Waltzes by Johannes Brahms, Five Hebrew Love Songs by Eric Whitacre, Introit/Kyrie by Maurice Durufle, and Keramos by James Mulholland
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.