Handbook for Cast Members--Chapter 5
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Ball State University Singers 1993
Curtain Going Up!
Questions and Answers
Here are some of the most-asked questions regarding the Ball State University Singers. The accompanying answers should provide you with the necessary information regarding our exciting program. Reading through these questions should give you a more thorough understanding of our dynamic entertainment organization.
“What is University Singers?”
University Singers is a major choral ensemble conceived and developed by the Ball State University School of Music. The organization is know across the state and around the world as Indiana’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors.
“What is the purpose of University Singers?”
Our purpose is to:
A. Realize the goal of Ball State University to achieve excellence in teaching, scholarship, and public service.
B. Provide qualified students practical performance experience as well as preparation, training and development in the field of choral entertainment.
C. Develop a sense of creative exploration and mature professional responsibility within the participants.
“How long will I be in the program?”
Membership in University Singers is usually for a renewable one-year term.
“How are cast members chosen?”
Cast members are selected by audition, interview, or appointment at the discretion of the Director of University Singers. Auditions are held in the spring.
“What kind of cast members will be selected?”
Performing and non-performing cast members include: Singers/Dancers, Instrumentalists, and Technical Support Staff.
“How many cast members will be chosen?”
The size of the ensemble varies according to available talent. All participants are expected to reaudition each year. A typical 35-member cast includes: 20 Singers/Dancers, 10 Instrumentalists, and 5 Technicians.
“What are the selection criteria for Singers/Dancers?”
Aspiring performers should have an interest in all facets of performance organizations and exhibit talent and experience singing and movement ability. In addition, training in a variety of styles is encouraged.
“What are the selection criteria for Instrumentalists?”
The instrumental ensemble typically includes keyboards, bass, guitar, percussion, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and sometimes strings. In addition to skill and interest, versatility in a variety of styles is an important consideration.
“What are the selection criteria for Technicians?”
Sound engineers, who major in both music and physics, are assigned in consultation with the School of Music MET program. Theatre technicians with interest and experience in musical theatre and variety show lighting are selected through personal interview.
“How much time will I be involved in the program?”
Singer/Dancers meet five hours a week for vocal and choreography rehearsals. Instrumentalists rehearse three or four hours each week. Dress rehearsals, performances, and special events are also scheduled throughout the year.
“What kind of show will I be in?”
Through four decades of worldwide performances our audience has come to expect fresh, wholesome, honest, quality entertainment presented by bright, friendly, enthusiastic performers. Each season our musical variety show is built around the unique talents and interests of the cast. Repertoire often includes the best of Americana, Broadway, Top-40 hits, Jazz, Country, Novelty, and Instrumental and solo features. Through our songs of faith and laughter and love we strive to bring pleasure to people.
“What type of clothing will I need?”
Our performance wardrobe is provided by University Singers. Rehearsal dress is casual. Occasional open rehearsals for visiting VIPs requires a “dress-up” look. Because we’re a class act, we always travel in style. Men wear conservative navy-blue blazers and ties. Women travel in nice dresses appropriate to the season. Each cast member provides shoes to compliment our onstage costumes. We also require one black polo shirt with our stitched logo.
“What must I do to become a Cast Member?”
Membership in University Singers is open by audition to all students of Ball State University. Each Spring audition announcements are posted on campus and mailed to every high school in Indiana. Students who are selected to participate in the program sign a Letter of Agreement that outlines attendance, appearance, and conduct policies as well as the philosophy that has supported the continuing success and reputation of University Singers.
“What should I do if I have questions not addressed here?”
Please contact us should you have additional questions. Our address is University Singers, School of Music, Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, 47306. The School of Music office is open during regular business hours: (765) 285-5400. University Singers phone is (765) 285-5421. Our email is univsingers@bsu.edu.
Last cast photo 2007, an hour after the end of Spectacular 2007
Governance Document
Statement of Purpose
The Ball State University Singers, a major choral ensemble of the School, is a unit primarily responsible for public performing experience. University Singers demands of the participating students a sense of creative exploration as well as mature professional responsibility. University Singers serve the Indiana General Assembly as Indiana’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors. The organization was chartered in October 1964 by a vote of the music faculty and approval by president John R. Emens. One-year membership in University Singers is open by audition to all students of Ball State University. Members of the ensemble may register for up to three credits each semester.
Statement of Philosophy
Ball State University Singers was founded as a public service unit of the Department of Music in the College of Fine and Applied Arts (which preceded the current School of Music and College of Fine Arts). We are thus an institutionally mandated and supported entertainment organization whose purpose is to provide practical performing experience and to demand of participating students a sense of creative exploration as well as mature professional responsibility. The success of the organization depends upon the creative contribution of the members. To foster a sense of teamwork, all production activities--planning, preparing. and presenting--and called “The Show.” Participating singers, dancers, instrumentalists, technicians, and support staff are called “The Cast.” We emphasize the invaluable contributions of former cast members, the University Singers Alumni.
University Singers encourages personal and professional growth in cast members by providing a framework of attitude, appearance, and conduct policies. Our procedures are based on the tried-and-true methods of the best professional entertainment organizations. In addition we provide opportunities for leadership and service and for growth through travel and training outside the University. In fulfilling our role as Indian’s Official Goodwill Ambassadors we present, without apology, a fresh, wholesome, friendly organizational image. The content of our performances reflects our commitment to creating a positive, happy experience for our audience. We strive to bring pleasure by setting people at ease. Our brand of entertainment appeals to everyone through universal concepts like patriotism, nostalgia, hometown pride, faith, laughter, and love. The character of The Show called Ball State University Singers is built on Quality, Good Taste, Honesty, Sincerity, and Fun.
University Singers' energetic and talented band members, singers and dancers, technicians, arrangers and choreographers grow in artistic strength and leadership skill through daily rehearsals, production teams, and performance experience. University Singers is an institutionally supported organization designed to give students practical performing experience. The development of professional responsibility is one of the group’s main focuses, as is creative exploration and personal enterprise.