Inspirational Chorale

 

The mission of the Inspirational Chorale is to keep the black sacred music tradition alive. The ensemble provides a forum where university students, regardless of ethnicity, can perform the various genres of the tradition. The Inspirational Chorale – as an integrated part of the Department of Music, the academic community, and the community at large – has enjoyed an illustrious reputation while performing for dignitaries and heads of state. The ensemble has made appearances at state and regional conferences, including the 2020 Regional Conference of the American Choral Director's Association.  The Chorale regularly tours both domestically and internationally, recently traveling to Ireland, China, and Jamaica.

The Inspirational Chorale is split into two sections:

Section one is an auditioned ensemble of 24-32 voices that performs a wide range of repertoire, including gospel music, spirituals, and sacred music from the traditional classical canon. Section one meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Section two does not require an audition and performs primarily gospel music and spirituals. Section two meets on Thursday evenings.

Audition Information


Section 001 (Audition Required)
 
Audition Dates: August 19th and 20th, 2025
Where: MUSC 225
How to Sign Up: Students interested in auditioning can secure a time slot by signing up on the sheet located outside of MUSC 335 (the choir room). Please list your name and email address in an available time slot. Each audition will last approximately 10 minutes.
 
Audition Requirements:
  • Listen to and perform an excerpt from a piece of Gospel music. You will have two opportunities to hear the short excerpt and pick out your voice part, then sing it as best you can, matching the style and utilizing appropriate performance practices. (Note, there will be no bass part - basses must be able to comfortably navigate the upper part of the range, either in head voice or using full chest resonance.)  For practice, examples of sections you will hear can be found in this folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1CIsIVsbKq8xz23_DV6esScuSO_C3n5ls?usp=sharing
  • Prepare an excerpt of "A Quiet Place" specific to your voice part. 
  • Be prepared to sightread several excerpts provided on the audition day.
  • If selected, Rehearsals will convene on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:00 - 3:15 PM
 
Section 002 (No Audition Required)
 
All students interested in joining the Inspirational Chorale (Section 002) are welcome and do not need to audition. Students can simply sign up to participate. This section performs traditional Gospel music and offers approximately four concerts during the academic year.  Rehearsals will convene on Thursdays, 6:30-8:00 PM
 
We look forward to welcoming new members to both sections of the Inspirational Chorale!
 
Contact: For inquiries, please reach out to Dr. Jeffrey Murdock at jeffreym@uark.edu.


Listen



Schedule

Inspirational Chorale (Section 001)
TR 2:00-3:15pm

Inspirational Singers (Section 002)
Thursday 6:30-8:00pm

Rehearsal Location: MUSC 335

Listed under: MUEN 14201, 24201, 34201, 44201, 46201, 54201.
Freshmen enroll in the 10000 level, sophomores in the 20000 level, etc.

Jeffrey Murdock

Dr. Jeffrey Murdock

Director