Oklahoma Baptist University’s Music Preparatory Department will conduct auditions for Young Singers of Central Oklahoma choirs, for students in grades 3-12, on Tuesday, May 8, and Thursday, May 10, from 3-5 p.m. in Raley Chapel room 143.

All interested students in grades 3-12 from Shawnee and the surrounding area are invited to audition for age-appropriate groups of singers. For additional information or to audition by appointment on a different day, contact Conchita Hansford, OBU Preparatory Department director, at (405) 878-2319.

Auditioning students will be asked to sing “Happy Birthday” and are auditioned in order of arrival. Three choirs are available for various age groups. All girls and boys, with both changed and unchanged voices, are encouraged to audition. The tuition fee for each choir is $75 per semester or $150 for the year.

Shawnee Honor Choir, in its 30th year, is an auditioned group of third- through seventh-grade students from Shawnee and the surrounding area. The choir, directed by Hansford, is represented by 17 different schools from Midwest City to Seminole. The children study and perform a wide variety of music ranging from unison songs to the more challenged two- and three-part treble choir literature.

The choir performs annually in 12 area schools, presents four formal public concerts and frequently presents programs at community events.

Concert Choir is designed to provide eighth- through 12th-grade students with singing experiences that increase individual musicianship and enhance personal growth and development. Concert Choir is directed by Dr. Casey Gerber, OBU assistant professor of music and coordinator of music education.

Discovery Singers, for non-auditioned children ages 7 and up, is offered to help children develop their voices and prepare them for future choir success. The class meets on Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. and is taught by Gerber. No audition is needed for this choir. Parents should call Hansford at (405) 878-2319 to enroll a child.