Choral Music

The choral music program performs a broad range musical styles to engage singers of all levels. Our singers regularly perform choral masterworks with orchestra, an experience that few other liberal arts universities can offer.

University Chorus

About the University Chorus
Under the direction of Ryan Endris, the University Chorus is a large, mixed-voice ensemble that performs a broad range of traditional choral literature, often with an accompanying orchestra comprised of professional instrumentalists from the faculty and regional orchestras. Singing in the chorus is a wonderful way to meet new people, to represent your university, and to perform some of the greatest works of all time!

The chorus performs one major concert each semester. For this academic year, the fall concert was on Sunday, November 17, 2013, and the spring concert is on Sunday, April 20, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. All concerts take place in the Colgate University Memorial Chapel.

This spring, the Colgate University Chorus and guest orchestra will present works by master composers Johannes Brahms (Schicksalslied) and Ralph Vaughan Williams (Toward the Unknown Region and Five Mystical Songs). The chorus welcomes as guest concertmaster Delyana Lazarova, concertmaster of the Montgomery Symphony Orchestra. Rochester native Jesse Malgieri, baritone, will perform the solos in the Five Mystical Songs.

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Who can join the chorus?

This choral ensemble is open to all students, faculty, and staff after passing a brief, simple audition. The University Chorus is a community for those who love music and wish to participate in a choral ensemble that requires a minimal time commitment.

When does the chorus rehearse?

The University Chorus rehearses on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel. Additionally, one or two dress rehearsals are scheduled prior to the fall concert.

What if I have a scheduling conflict with the rehearsal times?

That’s okay! We know that the students at Colgate are engaged in a variety of activities, so we are willing to work with scheduling conflicts to the best of our ability. Simply contact Ryan Endris to discuss the time conflict and work out a reasonable solution.

I’m involved another singing group on campus. Can I still participate in the chorus?

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage our students to be involved a variety of music ensembles to have a well-rounded college music experience. Members of other singing groups and ensembles are most welcome in the University Chorus, and scheduling conflicts can easily be worked out with the director, Ryan Endris.

Joining the University Chorus

Auditions for the University Chorus are open to all student, faculty, staff, and community members. We are a large, mixed-voice choir that performs a broad range of music. Singers of all levels and experiences are welcome in the chorus; however, some singers might benefit from private voice lessons before joining.

A simple, brief audition is required to participate in the chorus for purposes of vocal placement in the ensemble and for the director to get to know each singer vocally. No prepared material is necessary for the audition, which takes place privately in Dana 106. For the audition, each singer will sing through simple vocal exercises and sight-sing a brief musical excerpt.

For questions or to schedule an audition time, please contact Ryan Endris, Director of Choral Activities, at rendris@colgate.edu.