Performance
Choirs
University Chorale
One of eight choral ensembles at Michigan State University, the 55-member University Chorale is the university’s premier choral ensemble, comprising the best graduate and upper-level undergraduate singers in the College of Music. The Chorale has been honored by several invited performances at conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, including appearances at ACDA national conventions in 1983, 1989, and 2007. In addition, the Chorale was invited to appear in concert for the Mozart Bicentennial Masses-In-Concert Series at Lincoln Center. It has appeared in concert at Chicago’s Orchestra Hall and at the CBS Radio Network’s Cavalcade of Christmas Music. In 1995, the Chorale appeared in the Eisteddfod (Wales) International Choral Festival. In 2002, the ensemble performed at the College Music Society national meeting. In recent years, the Chorale has sung eight sets of performances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
To hear performances of the University Chorale at the ACDA national conference in Miami (2009) and divisional conference in Chicago (2008), click here.
State Singers
The 50-member MSU State Singers, an auditioned undergraduate ensemble, includes music majors and some talented nonmusic majors. This choir enjoys a proud heritage and is recognized as the oldest singing organization on campus. The State Singers ensemble appears in concert throughout Michigan, frequently joining the University Chorale and University Symphony for major works and convention appearances.
Women's Chamber Ensemble
Women’s Chamber Ensemble is a 32-voice auditioned choir, providing women with opportunities to sing outstanding repertoire with a special emphasis in contemporary writing. The group performs regularly throughout the year.
Women's Glee Club
Women’s Glee Club, an ensemble of nearly 120 singers, is a popular performing ensemble in the glee tradition. It consists primarily of nonmusic majors and performs several times each semester. Performing a vast array of music—from Renaissance through contemporary—the Women’s Glee Club participates in instate festivals and often collaborates with ensembles from other universities. This ensemble is open to all female MSU students with an interest in singing.
Men's Glee Club
Men’s Glee Club, which consists of nearly 80 singers, is a popular performing ensemble in the glee tradition. For the most part, it includes nonmusic majors and performs several times each semester.
Campus Choir
The Campus Choir is a popular 50-member mixed ensemble of men and women from across the university. It performs a wide variety of musical styles from throughout history and around the world. Open to all students at MSU, the Campus Choir performs twice a semester and often collaborates with musicians at the College of Music.
Chamber Choir
The Chamber Choir is composed of approximately 20-24 singers selected by the conductor (a graduate student in choral conducting) for their vocal and sight-reading abilities. The group studies and performs music from a range of stylistic periods generally not suited for the larger choral ensemble. This ensemble meets only one hour per week and is not available for academic credit.
Choral Union
The Choral Union, a large mixed chorus of 125 voices, is designed to bring the campus and community together in a joint musical effort. Repertoire focuses on the major choral and orchestral works, performed with both the Lansing Symphony Orchestra and the MSU Symphony Orchestra. Recent master works include Bruckner Te Deum, Schubert Mass in G, Mahler Symphony No. 2,Brahms Requiem, Handel Messiah, Mozart Requiem, Verdi Requiem, Orff Carmina Burana, Bach St. John Passion, and Beethoven Symphony No. 9.
Membership is open to adults and high school and college students and consists primarily of mid-Michigan residents and MSU students. Community members pay a participation fee of $45 per semester. MSU students may register as a community member or for academic credit. Previous choral singing experience is required. To register for Choral Union as a community member, please visit the MSU Community Music School's website. For information about the MSU Choral Society, please click here.
Choral Ensemble Faculty
David Rayl, director of choral programs
Johnathan Reed, associate director of choral programs
Sandra Snow, professor of music education and choral conducting
