Choral Music at UW-L
UW-L offers the following outstanding choral ensembles:
Concert Choir
- 55- 60 member mixed choir
- premiere choir at UWL
- extensive auditions in Fall
- a majority of upperclassmen
- 15th - 21st century repertoire
- rehearses four days per week
- Choir participates in major tours every 3-4 years
- conducted by Gary Kent Walth
Vocal Jazz Ensembles
(entrance into vocal jazz ensembles is by audition only, for audition materials click here... Info , Soarin' )
The Collegiates, 8 members, singing top level jazz arrangements and compositions, acapella and with rhythm section, rehearses 4 days per week, performs 5-10 times per semester.
Maroon and Gray, 12 members, performing vocal jazz and pop arrangements and vocal jazz compositions, acapella and with rhythm section, rehearses 2 hours per week, performs 3 times per semester.
La Cappella, 12 members, performing vocal jazz and pop arrangements for SSAA ensembles, acapella and with rhythm section, rehearses 2 hours per week, performs 3 times per semester.
Voices on Vine, 8 members singing vocal jazz and pop arrangements and compositions, acapella and with rhythm section, rehearses 2 hours per week 3 times per semester.
Männerchor
- 25-30 member male chorus
- freshmen-senior membership
- auditions for section placement
- 2-3 concerts per semester
- all-inclusive literature
- rehearses 2.5 hours per week
- conducted by Gary Kent Walth
Women's Chorus
- 45 member female chorus
- Freshmen-senior membership
- Auditions for section placement
- 3-5 concerts per semester
- outstanding treble literature
- regional spring tours
- Conductor to be announced
Choral Union
- 90-110 member symphony chorus
- student / community membership
- fall auditions
- 1 concert per semester
- Monday evening rehearsal
- major works often programmed
- conducted by David Richardson
Chamber Choir
- 10-12 member madrigal ensemble
- largely vocal / choral majors
- auditions as needed
- 1-2 concerts per semester
- 14th-17th century literature
- diverse performance experiences
- conducted by Terence Kelly
"Music is a gift to open up our lives. Once a life is opened, regardless of the length of time, the potential for change will never be the same."
Choral Music Faculty:
Coordinator of vocal studies, B.M. and M.M., Eastern Illinois University; D.M.A. University of Maryland
Music Education, voice, B.M. and M.M. in music education, Korea National University of Education and Ph. D. in music education, University of Southern Mississippi
Mr. David Richardson
Choral music. M.M. Vocal Accompanying, Manhattan School of Music.
Director of Choral Studies, Conducting. B.M. (music education/voice) Concordia College, Moorhead, MN; M.M and D.M.A. (choral conducting) University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
What students have to say about the UW-L Choral/Vocal Music Program
Choir is great! You get to meet people from many different academic areas on campus who come together to make beautiful music Sarah Jothen, Cashton, WI
Being a part of the choral program at UW-L has given me many opportunities to grow as a musician and as a leader in my chosen field of choral education. Wanda Miller, Lake City, MN
The choral program at UW-L is a great experience! For those singer who aren't music majors or minors, it's a great way to meet friends and be a part of a unified team. Matt Jorgenson, Onalaska, WI
It is a wonderful experience to be around other students, and great directors, who value music so much. Jessica Bari, Brooklyn Park, MN
A truly rewarding and fantastic experience for all. Alastair Kelly, Leicester, England
The UW-L choral program has a place for everyone, from serious musicians to those who just enjoy singing. Amy Becker, Faribault, MN
I have become a better musician and person because of my experiences in the choirs at UW-L. John Penza, Watertown, WI
Pictures!
Anna Mae Beyer singing "Masquerade."
Guest artist and alumni Reed Grimm during his masterclass.
La Cappella's Maddy Lambert
Maroon and Gray in performance.
Morgan Graves sings "Yesterday."
Voices on Vine's Dan Oakes.
For more information contact:
Dr. Gary K. Walth
gwalth@uwlax.edu
Director of Choral Activities
Department of Music
UW-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-8409