Fall 2026 Chamber Choir
Music 59, Section 2763
Jeremiah Selvey Convento, Director
On November 6, 7:30 p.m. in The Edye, the SMC Chamber Choir will perform a fundraising concert entitled “From Longing to Belonging: Finding Each Other,” in which we explore what it means to seek connection in a world increasingly marked by distance, division, and uncertainty. The program invites us to look beyond the boundaries that separate us and imagine how, even now, we might find our way toward one another.
In addition, SMC Chamber Choir & SMC Concert Chorale, directed by Dr. Jeremiah Selvey Convento, will collaborate with a professional chamber orchestra in a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Gloria, as well as works by Pärt, Adams, and Gjeilo at The Broad Stage on Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. The concert title “And Yet We Sing: Bringing Light into the Darkness” reflects the human journey through uncertainty, struggle, and hope, an experience that resonates deeply in our everyday lives and in the world around us. Even in times of darkness, light persists, beauty emerges, and the human spirit continues to rise.
Both programs will include opportunities for possible solo and small ensemble experience.
Voice Placements (PAC 309)
- Wednesday, August 25, 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.
First Rehearsals/Callback Rehearsals
- Tuesday, September 1 | 3:45 to 5:05 p.m. | PAC 107
- Thursday, September 3 | 3:45 to 5:05 p.m. | PAC 107
Weekly Rehearsals
The Edye in the Performing Arts Center, Room 107
August 31 to December 14.
- Full Choir Rehearsals: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3:45 to 5:05 p.m.
- Rotating Sectionals & Small Ensemble: Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6:35 p.m.
Additional Required Calls
- Saturday, October 31 | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. | PAC 309 | “From Longing to Belonging” Retreat
- Saturday, December 5 | 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | PAC 309 | “And Yet We Sing” Retreat
- Wednesday, December 9 | 5 to 10 p.m. | PAC 107 | “And Yet We Sing” Dress Rehearsal #1
- Thursday, December 10 | 5 to 10 p.m. | Broad Stage | “And Yet We Sing” Dress Rehearsal #2
- Friday, December 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Broad Stage | “And Yet We Sing” Concert Performance
- Call Time: as early as 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 16 | 7 to 8:30 p.m. | PAC 107 | “Final Exam”: Open Rehearsal & Auditions/Placements for Next Semester
Auditions
(to be completed prior to first rehearsal)
Chamber Choir is SMC’s most advanced choir and requires a voice placement, during which the director will listen for the same requisite skills required of Concert Chorale (see information under Voice Placements for Concert Chorale), as well as your ability to demonstrate significant potential for vocal growth and development and musicianship skills (music literacy, tuning, listening, etc.). The director will be listening to your range (and tone quality throughout your range), your capacity for pitch memory up to 4 sequential notes, your ability to sight read, and your ability to learn on your own a section of music without supportive resources. The combination of music reading, consistent singing tone, choral experience, and personal drive and commitment that you bring will help determine where you best fit in SMC’s choral program.
Requisite Skills
In addition to the skills assessed in the audition, you must also be able and willing to practice language, notes, rhythms, vocalism, and artistry on your own outside of rehearsal to reinforce what we accomplish in the rehearsal and to learn whatever you may not have picked up in the allotted rehearsal time. This commitment typically requires 1-2 hours per week outside of rehearsals. We regularly provide online tools as well as tutoring to help you improve and become more efficient in your practice.
Fall 2026 Concert Chorale
Music 55, Section 4169
Jeremiah Selvey Convento, Director
SMC Concert Chorale & SMC Chamber Choir, directed by Dr. Jeremiah Selvey Convento, will collaborate with a professional chamber orchestra in a performance of Antonio Vivaldi’s Magnificat and Gloria, as well as works by Pärt, Adams, and Gjeilo at The Broad Stage on Friday, December 11, 7:30 p.m. The concert title “And Yet We Sing: Bringing Light into the Darkness” reflects the human journey through uncertainty, struggle, and hope, an experience that resonates deeply in our everyday lives and in the world around us. Even in times of darkness, light persists, beauty emerges, and the human spirit continues to rise.
This choir will include opportunities for possible solo and small experience.
Voice Placements (PAC 309)
- Wednesday, August 25, 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.
First Rehearsal
- Wednesday, September 2 | 6:45 – 9:50 p.m. | PAC 107
Weekly Rehearsals
The Edye in the Performing Arts Center, Room 107
August 31 to December 14
- Full Choir Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:45 to 9:50 p.m.
- Rotating Sectionals: Wednesdays, 6 to 6:45 p.m.
Additional Required Calls
- Saturday, December 5 | 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. | PAC 309 | “And Yet We Sing” Retreat
- Wednesday, December 9 | 5 to 10 p.m. | PAC 107 | “And Yet We Sing” Dress Rehearsal #1
- Thursday, December 10 | 5 to 10 p.m. | Broad Stage | “And Yet We Sing” Dress Rehearsal #2
- Friday, December 11 | 7:30 p.m. | Broad Stage | “And Yet We Sing” Concert Performance
- Call Time: as early as 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, December 16 | 7 to 8:30 p.m. | PAC 107 | “Final Exam”: Open Rehearsal & Auditions/Placements for Next Semester
Voice Placements
(to be completed prior to first rehearsal)
Concert Chorale does NOT require auditions, just a screening to ensure that you match pitch easily and that you are placed into the proper section given your vocal development and range at the beginning of the semester. If you have been in a performance with the director at SMC and your voice has not changed, you do not need to do a voice placement. All others must complete a voice placement in order to be eligible to participate. During your voice placement screening, the director will listen to your voice so they can best place you into the section of the Chorale where you will most successfully achieve both your best vocalism and contribute most significantly vocally and musically to the Chorale’s artistic product.
Requisite Skills
While reading music is not required as a starting point, you will be expected to learn your way quickly around a musical page, so you can keep up in rehearsal. Don't worry! We can pair you with a seasoned veteran to help mentor you; we just ask that you be eager and ready to learn. Additionally, you should be able to match basic pitch. You must also be willing to practice languages, notes, rhythms, vocalism, and artistry on your own outside of rehearsal to reinforce what we accomplish in the rehearsal and to learn whatever you may not have picked up in the allotted rehearsal time. This commitment may require as little as 15 minutes a week if you are advanced, or perhaps 2-3 hours a week if you are a beginner and/or struggling. We regularly provide online tools as well as tutoring to help you improve and become more efficient in your practice.