The University has several vocal ensembles: the Collegiate Chorale, Singing Statesmen, Women's Choir, Laramie/UW Civic Chorus, Vocal Jazz Ensemble. The Collegiate Chorale is our premiere vocal ensemble; membership is based on audition only. The Laramie/UW Civic Chorus is a larger, community-based ensemble; membership is not based on audition.
Opera Theatre Workshop is a collaboration with the Department of Theatre and Dance which performs operas, operettas and musicals in addition to scenes programs and one-act operas designed for touring. Contact Dr. Larry Hensel for additional information.
The Collegiate Chorale
The University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale is comprised of forty of the finest choral singers on the UW campus. These talented musicians are dedicated to performing compositions from the fifteenth century through the present, including commissions written especially for them.
The Chorale has appeared on numerous state, regional and national convention programs of the American Choral Directors Association,
Music Educators National Conference and the Music Teachers National Conference. Touring opportunities have led to performances at the Grand Teton Music Festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Colorado and Avery Fisher Hall in New York. On the international stage, the Chorale has performed in the finest concert halls and cathedrals of England, Wales, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Mexico and Brazil. The Chorale regularly collaborates with the UW Symphony Orchestra as well as regional orchestras in performances of choral/orchestral masterworks. Recent performances have included Haydn's The Creation, the Verdi Requiem, and Carl Orff's Carmina Burana.
The Happy Jacks
More information on The Happy Jacks, a student-led auditioned male a cappella group, may be found by contacting Dr. Nicole Lamartine, the faculty advisor for the Happy Jacks.
Laramie/UW Civic Chorus
The Civic Chorus is a 90-voice ensemble comprised of UW faculty, staff and students and members of the Laramie community. The Civic Chorus rehearses one night per week and provides a vocational singers the opportunity to be part of an outstanding community organization and to express themselves through the art of choral singing. The Civic Chorus collaborates annually with the Collegiate Chorale at the Department of Music Gala Holiday Concerts and in performances of choral/orchestral masterworks. This is a non-auditioned ensemble.
The UW Singing Statesmen
One of the newest performing organizations on campus, the University of Wyoming Singing Statesmen are dedicated to providing outstanding service to the University, the state of Wyoming and to the rich tradition of male ensemble singing in the United States. What brings these talented young men together is the enjoyment of making music and the special camaraderie that is such an important part of the choral singing experience.
While focusing primarily on the standard male chorus repertoire, the Statesmen specialize in music unique to the University, state and region. Membership is open to any male singer enrolled at the university. Students from all walks of campus life are encouraged to participate in this ensemble. From athletes to valedictorians, leaders in student government, and clubs/fraternities/activities, the members bring with them a wide diversity in backgrounds and interests. The Singing Statesmen represent the pride and spirit of the University of Wyoming Cowboys.
The Women's Chorus
The Women's Choir specializes in performances of music written for female voices. Concert repertoire ranges from the Renaissance through the twenty-first century, including Broadway medleys and theatre pieces. The members of the Women's Choir are dedicated to the performance of compositions and arrangements by the many female composers that are emerging throughout the world. New members are welcomed each semester and are asked to audition (a simple and painless process) so that voice type and quality can be determined. Students from all majors on campus participate in the Women's Chorus, providing the participants with a broad experience and the opportunity to interact with an incredible group of creative, musical and spirited students.
Vocal Jazz Ensemble
The University of Wyoming Vocal Jazz Ensemble consists of 12-16 singers with rhythm section, performing standard and contemporary jazz repertoire in a variety of styles and genres. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble serves as an important educational venue for students to learn the history of jazz and the pedagogical methods for teaching this uniquely American art form. A strong emphasis is placed on improvisation and style development. The Vocal Jazz Ensemble rehearses two times per week and is open to all university students by audition.
