Conservatory Choirs & Vocal Ensembles

Choir members in concert black clothing holding black music folders sing on the ��ý��Ƶ Chapel stage

Conservatory Choirs & Vocal Ensembles

World-class training prepares you and your fellow vocalists for exceptional performances in one of our award-winning choral ensembles. With four large ensembles, there’s a place for you in choir at ��ý��Ƶ.

Combine elite performance with trust, respect, and community. With five major concerts a year, you learn to work together quickly and closely to put on incredible performances. Work in master classes with leading choral ensembles like Chanticleer and Roomful of Teeth. Comprehensive training with voice lessons, musicology and ethnomusicology training, visual and aural skills, and more help you leave ��ý��Ƶ as a well-rounded, flexible choral performer. Discover valuable ensemble singing training for future vocal performers, future music educators, and future lifelong musicians.

Any student regardless of major can sing in our outstanding choirs. Audition requirements vary. Learn more about choir auditions.

Cantala

Conductor: Phillip A. Swan
Audition required, five performances a year

A select women’s ensemble comprised of primarily first and second-year students. Perform a wide range of unique and challenging repertoire that includes traditional women’s literature, world folk literature, and contemporary work. You can also perform and record new compositions by both established and emerging composers from both ��ý��Ƶ and around the world. Cantala annually joins forces with the ��ý��Ƶ Concert Choir, Viking Chorale and Symphony Orchestra in performances of choral-orchestral masterworks.

The name Cantala is the result of merging of two Latin words. “Cant” is the Latin root for “to sing” and “ala” translates as “wings.” The intended meaning is: “on wings of song.”

Five women dressed in concert black sing on the Chapel stage during a concert

Concert Choir

Director: Shannon Gravelle
Audition required, five performances a year

Concert Choir is a highly advanced mixed voice (soprano, alto, tenor, bass) ensemble that provides training for the aspiring professional singer. Experience a rich array of repertoire, performing both traditional and contemporary secular and sacred choral literature to the highest standards. This award-winning ensemble is regularly invited to perform at prestigious conferences and events including the American Choral Directors Association meeting.

Viking Chorale

Director: Shannon Gravelle
No formal audition required, five performances a year

Spark the joy of ensemble singing! All students with an interest in singing are invited to participate in Viking Chorale, no experience or audition required. Sing in all major campus concerts and perform in the multi-ensemble oratorio that takes place each year. A balanced rehearsal schedule helps you manage your academic demands while preparing you to perform at a high artistic level. Discover a supportive, fun, and community-focused ensemble experience as you sing a wide variety of repertoire from choral classics to contemporary masterworks.