Wisconsin Singers seeks new talent for 2009-10

The Wisconsin Singers will hold auditions for 2009-10 on Sunday, May 17, and Sunday, May 24. Auditions are open to students of any major.

The Wisconsin Singers has entertained audiences nationwide for more than four decades, helping concert sponsors to raise tens of thousands of dollars each year for local service organizations, music boosters and UW–Madison alumni chapters.

In October, the Offices of the Dean of Students (ODOS) drew Singers in as an arm of the division promoting the Wisconsin Experience, the concept that students can learn both in and out of the classroom. Director/producer Robin Whitty-Novotny says this is an exciting move for the group and notes that the students themselves are primarily responsible for managing this entertainment “business.”

Whitty-Novotny says students come to Singers with a variety of skills from diverse backgrounds. In fact, Wisconsin Singers involves more than 20 different majors on average who take advantage of the group’s leadership and involvement opportunities to hone professional skills they may apply to any career. The program also offers internships in public relations, marketing, graphic arts and business management.

“What brings the students together is their passion to perform American pop music or work in off-stage production, along with a desire to promote this university,” she adds. “What they step away with is leadership experience that becomes as valuable to them as the music.”

The group is currently seeking both performers and backstage technicians. UW–Madison students of any major are eligible to audition.

“I would encourage anyone excited about performing popular music to contact us and find out more. We offer a chance for you to represent your university as its ‘Official Ambassadors of Good Will through performing,’” says Whitty-Novotny.

To find out details, visit this site. To schedule an audition, contact the Wisconsin Singers Office at 263-9499.