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Choral Activities - Columbus State University

The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music

Choral Activities

Choral Ensembles at the Schwob School of Music are under the direction of Dr. David Hahn, the Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music and Director of Choral Activities.

Schwob Singers is the premiere choral ensemble at the Schwob School of Music comprised of talented undergraduate and graduate students across many disciplines at Columbus State University. Membership is by audition only, and students are expected to make a full-year commitment due to the frequent performance schedule and representation at regional and national conventions. Repertoire selections are diverse and typically include works from the standard canon as well as contemporary choral works and premieres of newly commissioned works. The Schwob Singers are frequently invited to sing on and off campus and have been invited to sing at Carnegie Hall. They have also won awards such as the The American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music. To audition for Schwob Singers, please contact Dr. David Hahn at hahn_david@columbusstate.edu.

Conductor: Dr. David Hahn
Rehearsals: MWF, 11:00 am -11:55 am, RC 1714
Course Number: MUSP 1090/3090/7090

Major Concerts:

  • Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at 7:30 pm — Legacy Hall
  • Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 7:30 pm — Legacy Hall (world premiere by Guest Composer in Residence, Michael Gilbertson)

Choral Union is a large SATB symphonic chorus open to all students, faculty, and staff as well as members of the community — no audition is required. The Choral Union 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 and/or strong readers but all are welcome. Recent repertoire includes the Brahms Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Carmina Burana, Handel‘s Messiah, the Mozart Requiem, and standard works from the canon.

Conductor: Dr. David Hahn
Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 pm - 9:15 pm, RC 1714
Course Number: MUSP 1095/3095/7095

2022-2023 Season

Fall: Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart with orchestra and guest soloists

  • Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7:30 pm — Legacy Hall

Spring: The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci by Jocelyn Hagen with chamber orchestra

  • Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 7:30 pm — Legacy Hall

Master of Music in Performance (Choral Conducting)

The Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University offers a Master of Music Performance degree in Choral Conducting. The program is a two-year commitment, designed to prepare conductors in effective musical leadership at the academic or professional level. It is expected that the applicant will have had some prior experience as a conductor.

Master of Music students specialize in choral literature and rehearsal techniques. Students will receive weekly lessons in addition to ample podium time with the university choral ensembles. This program is designed to enhance your abilities in score study and analysis, repertoire knowledge, gestural fluency and communication, and the relationship between technique and rehearsing.

  • Bachelor‘s degree in Music Performance or Music Education (choral)
  • Public school teaching experience is highly desired but not required
  • Acceptance to the CSU Graduate School and Schwob School of Music (no G.R.E. requirement)

  • Graduate Assistantship Award includes full In-State or Out-of-State tuition waiver plus a modest monthly stipend for the two years of degree program.

  1. Contact Dr. Hahn as early as possible to inform of your interest in the program
  2. Apply to both the Columbus State University Graduate School and Schwob School of Music
  3. Submit all materials below by December 1
    • Private links (YouTube or other) to rehearsal and performance footage (front view of conductor only) totaling no more than 30 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 C.V. or Resume, along with a List of Works Conducted
    • Recent professional photograph or headshot

  • 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.
  • Applicants will interview with conducting and vocal faculty and meet current CSU students.
  • Applicants will be tested on sight-reading, musicianship, and ear-training.
  • Applicants will have a conducting lesson on the prepared repertoire, then rehearse and conduct a CSU choral ensemble on the prepared repertoire.

David E. Hahn, DMA
The Paul S. and Jean R. Amos Distinguished Chair in Music
Assistant Professor of Music/Director of Choral Activities
The Joyce and Henry Schwob School of Music
Columbus State University
Columbus, GA
706.641.5261

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