Choral

The choral ensemble experience at the University of Kansas is diversified and comprehensive — ranging from traditional to experimental, classical to jazz, and the intimate to the grandiose. Each of our seven choirs has its own identity, and they all combine for special events such as the annual Holiday Vespers, and other major concerts with the KU Symphony Orchestra.

If you are passionate about singing, then KU has a choir for you. Ensembles are open by audition to all students at the University, regardless of major. Whether you are an accomplished singer or someone seeking to develop and refine your vocal abilities, you will find a place in one of our choirs. KU choirs perform various concerts throughout the school year, and then combine with the Symphonic Orchestra for the Holiday Vespers in December and a major concert in the spring semester. In addition to performances in the fall and spring semesters, KU also boasts a Summer Chorus that provides an opportunity for additional performances in the summer months.

The KU choirs enjoy an excellent national reputation, having made recent appearances at regional and national American Choral Directors’ Association conventions, performances on National Public Radio and Public Television, and recent tours to England (1998), France (1999), Hungary (2000), Brazil (2001), Australia (2002), the Eastern United States (2003), Colorado (2004), Los Angeles/San Diego (2005), Austria/Germany/Italy (2005), cities and towns in Kansas (2005), Dallas (2006), Chicago (2005 and 2006), England/Scotland (2007), Italy (2010), Costa Rica (2018) and Irvine, CA (2019).

Membership in KU Choirs is open, by placement, to any KU student.

There are five choirs in our program, each with its own purpose, tradition, and different levels of musical experience.

Choirs meet at various times throughout the week, allowing students to participate in a choir that fits their busy class schedules.

Opportunities for Community Members

Join the KU Symphonic Chorus for our Annual Holiday Vespers performances. Members of the community are encouraged to join our Monday evening rehearsals to sing some wonderful Holiday music with the KU Choir and Orchestra. 

• Rehearsals will take place on Mondays, November 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6:30-9:00 p.m., in Murphy 328. 
• Dress rehearsal: December 2, from 6-10 p.m. at the Lied Center. 
• KU Vespers Holiday Concert: December 5, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Lied Center. For more information about joining the 2021 season of Vespers, contact Dr. Eduardo Garcia-Novelli at edugarno@ku.edu.

Our choral department is led by very talented faculty, Dr. Garcia-Novelli and a team of Graduate Teaching Assistants. It is our mission to see everyone who sings with us grow in their musicianship as singers and collaborators with other musicians. Join us! You'll be glad you did.

Choral Placement Registration

Choral placements for the 2023-2024 year will be done in August on the days listed below. Sign up for a choral placement.

• Placement Days/Times: 
  • Wednesday August 16th - 1 - 4 pm
  • Thursday August 17th - 9-12, 1 - 4 pm
  • Friday August 18th - 4pm - 7 pm
  • Saturday August 19th - 9 - 12, 1 - 4 pm
  • Sunday August 20th - 2pm - 5 pm

What to expect:

• Location: Choir Room, Murphy Hall, Room 328
• Your choir audition placement will last for 10 minutes and will include:
  • Brief introductions
  • Vocalizations
  • Tonal Memory Exercises
  • Sight Reading
  • Singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” a cappella, pick the best key for your (music located on google form below) 
  • Singing the middle pitch of a chord provided (if time allows)    
  • Rhythmic exercises (if time allows)      
  • A prepared solo is not required, but you may sing one (1 min or less, a cappella) if so you wish.

Questions/Concerns

Please direct all questions and concerns to KU Choral Division to mckennastenson@ku.edu and edugarno@ku.edu.

Placement Results

Placement results for all choirs will be posted in August.