Matthew J. Olson, Director of Choral Activities
The Carleton Choir
The Carleton Choir (MUSE 185) is a select vocal ensemble (SATB) of 50 voices performing concertized choral music from diverse genres. It strives for artistic excellence whether singing music from the Baroque period to contemporary choral music, or arrangements of spirituals, pop covers, or global songs. The choir regularly tours at no charge to members and collaborates with other choirs, orchestras, and guest artists. Recent highlights include performances of Mozart’s Requiem and Orff’s Carmina Burana, collaborations with Voces8, Cantus, Sequentia, and The Singers – Minnesota Choral Artists, annual performances with St. Olaf’s Chamber Singers, and genre-bending concerts with the band Rogue Valley and singer-songwriter, Carrie Newcomer. Singers demonstrate moderate to advanced musicianship skills and most have strong vocal background from voice lessons and/or high school choirs. An audition is required, and members are expected to commit to the entire academic year (with exceptions offered for varsity sports, off-campus program, and unique academic circumstances). Voice lessons are also strongly encouraged for members. The Carleton Choir rehearses Mondays from 4:45-6:15pm and Wednesdays from 4:45 – 6:00pm.
Carleton Voices
Carleton Voices (MUSE 186) is an ensemble of 40-50 singers for all voice types that sings an eclectic array of musical styles including musical theater, pop/rock, classical, gospel, American folk, jazz, and global folk songs. The ensemble regularly collaborates with guest artists ranging from folk bands and gospel trios, to visiting professional choirs and vocal soloists. Singers do not need to be able to read Western sheet music – rehearsals will be led via a mixture of learning modes including call and response, learning tracks, instrumental support, and sheet music. Each term, The Carleton Voices also collaborates with The Carleton Choir in rehearsals and a concert. A voice placement is required so that the instructor can learn about your vocal range, pitch matching skills, singing experience, and musical interests. The Carleton Voices rehearse Thursdays from 5-7:00pm and students need not commit beyond one trimester at a time.
Chamber Vocal Ensembles
Each term, members of the Carleton Choir may choose to participate in chamber vocal ensembles – typically octets – that are coached by the Director of Choral Activities and then perform as part of the choral concerts. Interested students may contact Matthew Olson to learn more.
Interested Singers
Interested singers (as well as prospective students) may contact Matthew Olson for more information regarding the choir program.
Carleton Choir auditions occur every spring for current students and during new student week for first years (as well as upperclass students off-campus the previous spring term). Auditions include vocal warm-ups, a range check, pitch matching exercises, and both rhythmic and melodic sight reading.
Carleton Voices voice placements take place every term. The casual meeting is an opportunity for the conductor to learn more about singer’s vocal range, tone, pitch matching, and music background.
Sign up for an audition via Moodle that take place during New Student Week.
Upcoming Highlights
In the 2025-2026 academic year, the choirs at Carleton look forward to hosting the professional ensembles 29:11 from South Africa, Cantus (MN), and Cappella Romana (OR) for concerts, masterclasses, and collaborations. In May, The Carleton Choir will perform a program with St. Olaf’s Chamber Singers and a chamber orchestra in Boe Memorial Chapel. And throughout the year, the choir will hold optional social activities include a Fall Bonfire on Mai Feté Island, winter sledding, off campus concert excursions, and choir dinners at their director’s home.
Recent Highlights
The 2023-2024 year began with two special collaborations with world-renowned professional choirs. In October, Carleton hosted Voces8 during which the Carleton Choir & Chamber Choir participated in a masterclass, and then performed alongside the acclaimed choir in concert. Carleton’s Medieval studies program also welcomed Sequentia – the leading experts on medieval choral music – for a week-long residency on Hildegard von Bingen that culminated in a performance. The 2023-2024 year also included a concert with St. Olaf’s Chamber Singers, collaborations with guest conductors and composers, and a performance of Mozart’s monumental Requiem for orchestra, choirs, and vocal soloists.
Recent Tours
2025 Winter Tour | Milwaukee & Madison
Highlights included concert collaborations with the Milwaukee High School of the Arts and the Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison, an opportunity to observe a closed rehearsal with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and Dashon Burton (baritone), and time enjoying downtown Milwaukee including the Art Museum and some German Polka.
2023 Winter Tour | Chicago & Madison
The 2023 winter tour included performances at Madison’s stunning First Unitarian Society, Chicago’s historic 4th Presbyterian Church, the Unitarian Church of Evanston, and a send-off concert in Minnesota. Singers also enjoyed a Q & A with internationally acclaimed countertenor, Reginald Mobley, before hearing him perform Carmina Burana with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Private Voice Lessons
Private voice lessons are strongly encouraged for members of the Carleton Choir and encouraged for members of Carleton Voices. Please visit the Private Voice Lesson Interviews.