Choir

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. Whether you are an experienced vocalist or new to choral singing, there is a place for you in our choirs! Everyone is welcome to join our community of music-makers.

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 Eric Halsell at ehalsell@uark.edu.

Placement meeting process:
  1. Before completing the form, sign up for a “Placement meeting” with Professor Suchy: Placement Meeting Appointment.
  2. Placement meetings will take place in 335 at the Billingsley Music Building and will not be longer than 10 minutes.
  3. Make sure you complete this form before the placement meeting.
  4. Arrive 5 minutes before your appointment.
What to expect in your placement meeting with Professor Suchy:
 
Non-auditioned ensembles:
  1. Informal chat to help me learn about who you are as a person.
  2. Some vocalizing exercises to help me learn about your voice and range.
  3. Echoing a few melodies (4-6 notes) I will play on the piano.
  4. Optional singing of an excerpt (without accompaniment) of the musical selection of your choice. It can be a hymn, a pop song, an aria, etc.
  5. You will be notified about your placement by email on Wednesday evening.
Auditioned ensembles:
  1. Chat to help me learn about who you are as a person.
  2. Vocalizing to help me learn about your voice and range.
  3. Sight-singing to help me learn about your note-reading background.
  4. Echoing a few melodies (4-6 notes) I will play on the piano to learn about your ear.
  5. For Schola Cantorum auditions only: Sing the assigned excerpt from the Kyrie of Rheinberger's Mass in Eb. Link to the score.
  6. You will be notified about your placement by email on Wednesday evening.

We are lucky to have you singing with us!



AUDITIONED ENSEMBLES

 

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:

 

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.

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.