New MHCC choral director hosts auditions for two choirs

The new MHCC choral director is excited for the possibilities of the choirs he will be directing here on campus.

Hired last month, Kevin Lambert will be directing both chamber and symphonic choirs. The choirs will be performing a variety of music, ranging from classical to contemporary, and in a variety of styles.

Lambert earned his masters in choral conducting from Portland State University in June. Prior to the degree, he taught middle and high school in Houston, Texas, and at a high school in Ohio. Between his undergraduate degree and these schools, Lambert spent a year in India teaching and learning music.

Auditions for the choirs will be during the first week of classes. Each audition will be a maximum five minutes long. He hopes to have auditions finished by Thursday.

Lambert is hoping to have the choirs perform on campus and in the community to get the word out about the choirs and to get in the habit of performing live. He would like to get in several performances before the end of term Dec. 6 performance in the College Theater.

“Auditions are inherently nerve racking for anyone who does them,” Lambert said, “but I’d like to think I’m a friendly person and I’m not out to scare anyone.”

What Lambert will be evaluating during auditions is range of voice, ability to match pitch, ability to sight-read music, and how developed their ear is. There is no preparation needed and anyone is welcome to try.

“I’m not expecting perfection in anything here,” said Lambert about the auditioning. “I mean, that’s the point of taking these classes.”

Anyone can audition for the choirs, not just music majors. The chamber choir is more for those with some choir experience, and will be performing a challenging and varied range of music. The ability to read and remember music and stable vocal techniques are requirements for this class. The symphonic choir is open to all community members, with no requirements beyond the audition. Students will be placed in the class that best fits their level once they have auditioned.

Lambert said there are problems with the online registration for the choir classes and hopes students will not think they are not allowed to sign up. He is working with staff to get the problem fixed.

For those interested in trying out, come by and sign up for a slot in Lambert’s office, Room 2130 in the Performing Arts wing. The auditions will be in the office. Times are today from 2 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 to 11 a.m. and 2 to 6 p.m.

“I hope it’s a good experience for anyone who’s willing to come try,” Lambert said.

Besides teaching choir, Lambert is also teaching two piano classes and two aural classes. In aural classes, students learn to hear and read music.

Lambert said that while there is a lot of validity to traditional choral music, he will bring in music from around the world to add to the traditional.
For more information, contact Lambert at [email protected].