Choral Music at UW-L

UWL offers the following outstanding choral ensembles:

Concert Choir

• 65 member mixed choir
• premiere choir at UWL
• extensive auditions in Fall
• a majority of upperclass
• 15th - 21st centurey repertoire
• rehearses four days per week
• Oct. '03 WMEA performance
• May '06 tour to Germany / Austria
• conducted by Gary Kent Walth

Vocal Jazz

• 12-16 member mixed ensemble
• freshmen-senior membership
• fall auditions
• a diverse repertoire
• rehearsals three days per week
• solo singing emphasized
• Oct. '04 WMEA performance
• conducted by Gary Kent Walth

Männerchor

• 30-40 member male chorus
• freshmen-senior membership
• auditions for section placement
• 3-4 concerts per semester
• all-inclusive leterature
• rehearses 2 days per week
• conducted by Gary Kent Walth

Women's Chorus

• 45 member female chorus
• freshmen-senior membership
• fall auditions
• 3-5 concerts per semester
• outstanding treble literature
• regional spring regional tours
• conducted by Paul Rusterholz

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 Paul Rusterholz

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
• (when offered)

"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:

Dr. Terence Kelly
Coordinator of vocal studies, B.M. and M.M., Eastern Illinois University; D.M.A. University of Maryland

Dr. Soojin Kim
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

Dr. Paul Rusterholz
Choral music. B.A. (music) Macalester College; M.A. (music history); D.M.A. (choral music) University of Southern California.

Dr. Gary Kent Walth
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 coral 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

For more information contact:

Dr. Gary K. Walth walth.gary@uwlax.edu
Director of Choral Activities
Department of Music
UW-La Crosse
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-8409

Please feel free to contact the Music Department with any questions you might have about our degree programs and courses. We would be happy to answer you questions as well as give you a tour of our facility. For more information, please contact:

Dr. Greg Balfany,
Music Department Chair
UW - La Crosse
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-8409