Cantamus is a treble-voice ensemble created in 2000 and is one of four major choral ensembles at Iowa State University. Singers are selected by audition, range in year from freshmen to graduate students, and come from many fields of study across campus. They all share an enthusiasm for new and challenging repertoire, along with a love for adventurous programming. Recent commissions include works by Jodi Goble, Brad Burrill, Pietro Ferrario, Ko Matsushita, Levente Gyöngyösi, Abbie Betinis, Eric Barnum, and Nathaniel Adams.
Cantamus annually presents a four-concert season, which includes a choral orchestral Masterworks Concert and premieres. The ensemble rehearses three times a week and is comprised of music majors and non-majors. The ensemble has received invitations to give solo performances for the 2004 and 2010 North Central ACDA Conferences, the 2004 National MENC/NAfME Convention, and the 2013 and 2017 National ACDA Conferences. The ensemble is also an ISU student organization with a full leadership panel elected by the singers. In addition to our musical aspirations, we are a warm, vibrant social community with several events each year.
Cantamus rehearses on MWF from 11:00-11:50am.
Count Me In! is an SSAA a cappella group that draws from Cantamus and Lyrica. Learn more here!
Audition Sign-Up
2023 Auditions for all ensembles take place August 17-20th in Simon Estes Music Hall Rm# 209. Sign up for an audition with Dr. Rodgers by using the QR code below to fill out an online audition form and then choose an audition time.
If you are unable to sign-up for an audition time or posted times are not possible for you, please contact Dr. Rodgers (rodgersj@iastate.edu) to make other arrangements.
If you would like to get an ensemble on your schedule sooner, sopranos and altos should register for MUS 141, and tenors and basses for MUS 151B, as your class schedule permits. If you have an interest in auditioning for the Iowa State Singers (mixed ensemble) attempt to keep the 12:00 hour free in your weekly schedule (M-F). If you are interested in Cantamus, keep the 11:00 hour free on MWF. Final rosters will be determined during the first week of classes.
Audition Proces
Each audition will last about seven minutes. We’ll sing some brief vocalises and tonal memory exercises. You are encouraged to bring a prepared solo if you have one, but this is not at all required. Finally, a short sight-reading or rhythm passage may be a part of your audition depending on your goals.
For audio and video recordings over recent years, visit our Media page.
