Choir
The University of Arkansas Department of Music offers a diverse range of choral ensembles, each contributing uniquely to the cultural, academic, and community life of the university. Students and community members alike have the opportunity to perform repertoire from a wide spectrum of choral traditions and styles.
All ensembles are directed and mentored by Department of Music faculty and offer multiple performances each semester. Students may participate in more than one choir to expand their musical and collaborative experiences.
For more information about any of our choral ensembles, please contact
Dr. Jeffrey Allen Murdock, Director of Choral Activities
AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES
Chamber Choir
The University of Arkansas Chamber Choir is a 16-24 voice ensemble conducted by the Director of Choral Activities, which provides
a laboratory setting for developing undergraduate and graduate conductors to refine
their rehearsal techniques, conducting gestures, and leadership in an authentic ensemble
environment. Comprising graduate and undergraduate vocalists the Department of Music
and across the entire campus, all singers with music-reading experience are encouraged
to audition.
Inspirational Chorale
The University of Arkansas Inspirational Chorale performs music rooted in the Black gospel traditions of the American South, in addition
to non-idiomatic Black Sacred Music and other music by Black composers. As one of
the most visible and active choral ensembles at the university, the Inspirational
Chorale performs quite frequently - appearing in 12 or more performances per semester
and is regularly called upon for campus, community, state, and national events.
Founded in 1977, the ensemble will celebrate 50 years in 2027, marking it as the longest-running diversity initiative at the University of Arkansas. The choir continues to serve as a powerful vehicle for artistic excellence, spiritual
uplift, and cultural connection.
Schola Cantorum
The University of Arkansas Schola Cantorum, founded in 1957, is the oldest choral ensemble on campus. It will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2027, marking seven decades of musical excellence, achievement, and service through song.
Schola Cantorum has performed for U.S. Presidents, national dignitaries, and international audiences, and continues
to uphold a legacy of distinction and innovation. Membership is open by audition to
undergraduate and graduate students from all academic disciplines, and the ensemble
performs diverse repertoire ranging from classical masterworks to contemporary compositions.
NON-AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES:
Arkansas Gospel Chorale
The Arkansas Gospel Chorale welcomes both students and community members of all backgrounds and faiths. The ensemble
performs a variety of repertoire from the African American sacred music tradition,
including hymns, spirituals, anthems, and traditional and contemporary gospel. Community
singers may participate by registering through the Community Music School.
Collegiate Chorale
The Collegiate Chorale is the largest choir on campus, often formed by combining two or more university
ensembles for major choral projects and large-scale masterworks. This ensemble showcases
the spirit of collaboration that defines choral life at the University of Arkansas.
Master Chorale
The University of Arkansas Master Chorale is a non-credit ensemble open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community
members without audition. The group typically meets in the spring semester and collaborates with other choirs
in performances of major choral/orchestral works. Community singers may participate
by registering through the Community Music School.
Razorback Chorus
The Razorback Chorus welcomes all tenor and bass voices without audition. The ensemble performs a wide
range of music for lower voices and collaborates frequently with other university
choirs for combined performances.
Treble Chorus
The University of Arkansas Treble Chorus welcomes all soprano and alto voices without audition. The ensemble performs diverse
literature written for treble voices and frequently partners with other groups in
performances of choral masterworks.