You can't tell that the Ostfalia Choir was only founded two months ago. Choirmaster Uwe Döschner is quite moved by the performance of his singers. For a few weeks now, he has been rehearsing Carol of the Bells with around 40 students and staff from the university. Soprano, alto, tenor and bass create a cosy sound. "If someone had told me in October that we would be singing this song in four parts in December, I wouldn't have believed it."
Ostfalia University on Instagram: Click here for the choir recording of Carol of the Bells (external link, opens in a new window)
In the summer, Döschner came up with the idea of establishing a choir at Ostfalia University of Applied Sciences. "As a retired church musician, I was looking for an honorary position where I could work with young people. They have such beautiful vocal clarity. As I had read about Ostfalia in the press from time to time, but never about a choir, I called the university after my holiday and suggested founding a choir."
The choir rehearses every Wednesday at the Wolfenbüttel campus
Once a suitable room had been found, the weekly rehearsals began. These start every Wednesday in room 147, Am Exer 6 on the Wolfenbüttel campus with relaxation exercises. Shoulders are rotated, limbs stretched, tapped and shaken - and there is a lot of sighing. Then the singing begins with piano accompaniment, which ends with the rhythmic repetition of the sentences: "Pious frogs eat fresh spring onions. Cheeky frogs eat fresh fruit".
Many first-year students quickly make friends in the choir
Of the Christmas songs in the choir's repertoire, Sebastian Romainschick (27) particularly likes "the one that can also be heard in Kevin - Home Alone - Carol of the Bells." The mechanical engineering student joined the choir primarily because he had moved from Goslar and was looking to make friends. "It's not nice to come home after lectures to a flat with no one there. Thanks to the choir, I now have an appointment once a week that I can look forward to."
Singing experience is not important - anyone can join in
Vivienne Fokou-Neumann (20), a student at the Faculty of Social Work, has wanted to join a choir for a long time. She has been playing the guitar for ten years and is happy to now be able to realise her singing ambition with the Ostfalia choir. Above all, she appreciates "that anyone can sing along, regardless of experience." And if you don't hit the right note, it's no big deal. "We don't laugh at each other, we laugh together."
No auditions are necessary, by the way. Choirmaster Uwe Döschner: "I can recognise the pitch of someone's voice when they speak." As part of the cultural programme that makes Ostfalia a lively and diverse place to study, the choir is supported by start-up funding from the Ostfalia University Foundation. Other activities and leisure activities for students include university sports, the language centre, the international regulars' table and various student initiatives.
Next choir rehearsal: Wednesday, 7 January 2026, 5 to 6.30 pm, Room 147, Am Exer 6
The Ostfalia Choir is open to all students and staff, regardless of subject area or previous musical experience, and promotes an inclusive, international community. Participation is free of charge. Please register with Alexa Knieriem (see below) or Uwe Döschner (opens your email program).