Letter to Students Interested in Choirs

Dear New Cal Poly Student,

Welcome to Cal Poly! I want to let you know how glad I am that you have chosen Cal Poly for your college experience.  From your studies to the various clubs and activities you have to choose from, there is much at Cal Poly to keep you busy. We hope that you choose choir to be among them! And, there is much to enjoy on the Central Coast.

The choral program at Cal Poly is strong and exciting. We have four choirs from which to choose:

• PolyPhonics: This select group is the most advanced choral ensemble on campus. PolyPhonics is a highly visible ensemble and a touring choir that represents the university in the community, across the nation and internationally. Recent and upcoming tours include San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Carnegie Hall, England and France. 
  Rehearsals: Daily except Thursday, 11:10 a.m.–12 noon
• The University Singers: This is a large mixed choir which performs works for women's and men's chorus, as well as works for large mixed chorus. Included in its repertoire are sacred and secular works in many styles including newly composed works, as well as multicultural selections.
  Rehearsals: Wednesdays 4:10-6 p.m.
• Chamber Choir: The group specializes in the performance of works from the Renaissance and Baroque, as well as modern chamber music.
  Rehearsals: Daily except Friday 3:10-4 p.m.
• Cantabile: This select group is an advanced ensemble specializing in the performance of repertoire for soprano and alto voices. The ensemble performs a variety of repertoire ranging from the Renaissance to modern, jazz and other genres. This group has been honored with performance invitations to the California Music Educators Association Conference, and performed in spring 2023 at Lincoln Center in New York City. Here is video from a recent performance.
  Rehearsals: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 4:10–5 p.m.

All singers who wish to participate in choir at Cal Poly must take a choral placement hearing. This is a low-stress time for me to hear you sing and gauge your experience level. These placement hearings will take place during Week of Welcome (WOW) and at the beginning of the quarter. Please check the Cal Poly Choirs website for details regarding this process. You can sign up online!

The Cal Poly choir program prides itself on a long tradition of excellence in choral music, but more importantly, as a means for students to feel free to be themselves and express themselves creatively through song. The experience is all about making beautiful choral art, lifelong friendships and changing the world through music.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to meeting you in the fall.

Come join us!

Dr. Scott Glysson
Director of Choral Activities and Vocal Studies
(805) 756-1548