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 six 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 choral placement 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 choral experiences expand to summers with international touring and entering competitions. 

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), Irvine, CA (2019), and a featured participation of the KU Chamber Choir at the 27th Preveza International Choir Competition in Preveza, Greece in July of 2023, where the choir won first prize in the Mixed Choir Category, the first prize in the Free Program category, a special prize from the jury for the “Best Program” and a special prize of the jury to Dr. Eduardo García-Novelli for the “Best Conductor.” 

Join us! We would love to have you! 

There are six 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.  

If you are interested in joining this outstanding KU tradition, please fill out this form. 

Choral Placement Registration

Choral placements for the 2024 Spring Semester will be done on Monday, January 15^th or via email appointment (mckennastenson@ku.edu & edugarno@ku.edu) 

What to expect:

• Location: Choir Room, Murphy Hall, Room 328 or Murphy Hall 216 (check your Calendly time to confirm location) 
• 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)  
  • Rhythmic exercises (if time allows)      

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.