Choral Ensembles

The Department of Music is home to four outstanding choral ensembles and an opera workshop. The ensembles are open to all WSU students, faculty and staff. Each choral ensemble is taken for one credit hour, though some ensembles permit participation without enrollment by special arrangement with the conductor.

Concert Chorale

The Wayne State University Concert Chorale is the university's flagship choral ensemble and consists of 24 voices. Concert Chorale performs literature from the 15th to the 21st centuries, including frequent premieres of new works and collaborations with ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. The choir strives, through its diverse and demanding repertoire, to brings its audiences the best choral literature performed with the highest possible artistry and professionalism. Concert Chorale has performed and recorded internationally, including featured performances at festivals in Central and Eastern Europe. Admission is by audition with the conductor, and typically reserved for students in their second year of college or above.

Conducted by Brandon Waddles
Rehearsals: MWF 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Course number: MUA 2850 & 7850

Choral Union

The Choral Union, a mixed ensemble of over 50 voices, specializes in the finest repertoire from the Baroque through the twenty-first century, including distinctive choral works with orchestra, African-American literature, and compositions involving global and contemporary formats. Its major performance, the annual Salute to Detroit, has brought thousands of music lovers to concerts since its founding in 1967. The University Choral Union also performs as part of the WSU Symphonic Chorus in concerts throughout the Metropolitan Detroit community. The ensemble studies and performs exemplary repertoire, emphasizing artistic interpretation and comprehensive choral, vocal and musical development, in an enjoyable educational atmosphere. All students, faculty and staff are welcome and encouraged to participate!

Conducted by Brandon Waddles
Rehearsals: TuTh 1:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. and occasional F 12:30 p.m. 2:00 p.m.
Course number: MUA 2840 & 7840

Men's Glee Club

The award-winning Men's Glee Club has enjoyed a well deserved and long-standing tradition of excellence since it was founded in 1945 by the late Professor Emeritus, Dr. Harry M. Langsford, who directed the ensemble for over 45 years. Under his direction, Glee Club singers embarked on concert tours of Europe no fewer than 9 times. On three occasions they were awarded first prize (1968, 1981, and 1985) at the International Musical Eisteddfod, in Llangollen, Wales, where they competed against choirs from all over the world. In addition they were awarded first prize in the nation 1985 at the music competition, the Johnny Mann Choral Festival. Over the years they have sung by invitation for many MENC, ACDA, MSVMA and IMC conferences and conventions nationwide. Truly an outstanding WSU legacy of which all can be proud!

Conducted by Brandon Waddles
Rehearsals: MW 3:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.
Course number: MUA 2830 & 7830

Women's Chorale

Numbering 20 to 25 singers, the Women's Chorale enjoys performing exciting blends of music such as classical, jazz, pop, contemporary and world music. Performances occur locally and on campus. The ensemble nutures individual voices and skills as well as provides opportunities for members to bond with like-minded singers in the pursuit of technique and artistry.

Conducted by Brandon Waddles
Rehearsals: TuTh 3:00 p.m. 4:15 p.m.
Course number: MUA 2870 & 7870

Opera Workshop

Revived in 1990, the Opera Workshop's first full production was Mozart's Cosi fan tutte, a rollicking tale of faithful and unfaithful lovers. When not in rehearsal, Opera Workshop students work on diction in several languages, study movement, and polish their vocal skills.

Conducted by Frances Brockington ad3353@wayne.edu
Rehearsals: TuTh 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m.
Course number: MUA 2860 & 7860