Music With Purpose
St. Joe's Swing Choir
The St. Joe’s Swing Choir is a co-ed musical ensemble of young men from St. Joe’s and young women from schools across the Buffalo area, combining singing and dancing to serve the community.
Backed by a live student band and technical crew, members rehearse each week to create performances rooted in faith, connection, and a shared mission to bring joy and hope to others.
Swing Choir is something beautiful beyond the singing and dancing. It's a catalyst for connection that unites people of different backgrounds. Throughout all four years I've been a member, I've experienced individual growth, like self-confidence. I cherish the shared love of through music, findng the strongest connection with the kids we perform for through their collective joy and innocence.
- maceo rodriguez '26
2026 Audition Dates
- Wednesday, May 20: New Member auditions from 3 pm - 8 pm
- Thursday, May 21: Returning member auditions 6 pm - 9 pm
- Wednesday, May 27: Callback auditions (you will be notified) 3:30 pm - 6 pm
Audition Process Details
- Auditions for the Swing Choir are held in the St. Joe's Cullen Center for the Arts on campus.
- Students should prepare to sing one (1) minute of a musical theatre song from a Broadway show that shows off their vocal range and abilities.
- The song selected should also showcase their enjoyment of singing and performing.
- Please bring sheet music in a binder or unstapled for the accompanist.
- Please bring comfortable clothes and shoes to dance in. A short dance combination will be taught following the vocal audition.
- Following the audition, you will be notified if you need to be seen at the callback audition.
- For the callback, please arrive prepared to dance and sing
- Bring your initial audition song as well as clothes to dance and move in.
- Additional music will be provided for you.
2026 -2027 General Schedule
| August | Summer Boot Camp (generally the third week), 9 am - 3pm |
| September – November | Regular rehearsals on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays |
| Thanksgiving – Christmas |
Approx. 6–10 concerts; usually one school-time concert per week |
| January – March | Rehearsals resume for the Dessert Show performance |
| April | Dessert Show Fundraiser Concert |
| April | Rehearsals for the Annual Goodwill Tour and Spring Showcase performance |
| May – June | Auditions for the upcoming year |
About Us
MISSION STATEMENT
Rooted in the Lasallian tradition, the St. Joe’s Swing Choir seeks to serve others through music, dance, and genuine human connection. Guided by the belief that every person deserves dignity and compassion and should feel seen and valued, members use the arts to bring comfort and hope to the communities they encounter.
More than performers, Swing Choir members strive to create meaningful connections with those they meet, especially individuals who may feel overlooked or forgotten. Through their presence and shared experiences, they hope to lift spirits and remind others that they are valued and cared for.
Expectations
Swing Choir is a top-level ensemble that requires extensive practice both in and out of rehearsal. Each student is required to work independently outside of rehearsals to memorize all music and dance.
Dance Captains and Section leaders will hold periodic sectionals outside of normal rehearsal time to meet with similar vocal parts and be sure notes, harmonies and dances are accurate and performance ready.
Rehearsals
Each member of the group is imperative to the family; therefore, attendance is required at every rehearsal and every concert.
Rehearsals are on Tuesday and Thursday from 6 -9 pm, and some Sundays between Noon -4 pm (times TBA based on Bills schedule).
There are a few weeks in February and March when the group goes on a brief hiatus as many of the students participate in the St. Joe’s spring musical.
Rehearsals and times are subject to change for the upcoming school year.
Cost
Members of the Choir pay $400 in dues to cover expenses throughout the year, which help cover food, transportation, costumes, and more. Band and Tech students pay $250 in dues.
Goodwill Tour - $500 - 800. We travel to one city each year to continue our service concerts and connections. The cities rotate between Boston, Washington D.C., Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia.
No student is prohibited from the ensemble due to financial constraints.
Watch Past Shows
Decades of Sparking Joy through Song
More than PerformanceS
Swing Choir traces its roots to the late 1960s and was formally founded in 1972. What began as a student performance group quickly grew into a longstanding tradition centered on service through the ministry of music.
Over the decades, the group has become known not only for its performances, but for its outreach to hospitals, nursing homes, Veterans organizations, cancer support communities, schools for children with special needs, and others throughout Western New York.
While styles, shows, and generations of students have evolved through the years, the heart of Swing Choir has remained the same: using music and compassion to bring people together and lift the spirits of others.
Swing Choir is so much more than any other performing group I have been a part of. It has completely changed my motivation for why I love performing. It is not about how to hit that high note or executing a set number of turns; it is about the connections you make with your audience. It has shaped my future career, one I know will be based in service, fostering genuine human connection.
- Anna Karassik '26, MSM
