Choirs

Department of Music

Welcome to the University of Wyoming Choral Area's website. The University of Wyoming Choral Program provides high-quality musical experiences for music majors, non-music majors, and community members alike through six choral ensembles: Collegiate Chorale (auditioned, SATB), Bel Canto (non-auditioned, SA), Singing Statesmen (non-auditioned, TB), Civic Chorus (non-auditioned, SATB), 7220 Blues (auditioned, SATB) and the Happy Jacks (auditioned, TB).

Frequently, the choirs at UW combine to perform major works with orchestra. Recently, the choirs performed Brahms’ Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45 with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra (2022). This spring they will perform Mozart’s Requiem in D minor, K. 626 with the UW Symphony Orchestra.

Through tours (both domestic and international) and conference performances, the choirs at the University of Wyoming have shared their music making outside of Laramie. Lately, members of the choirs have been fortunate to tour locally in Wyoming (2022) and throughout Texas (2023). Historically, the choirs at the University of Wyoming have participated in international tours (Spain, Brazil, England, Scotland, Mexico, Russia, Poland, Austria, The Netherlands, Germany, France, England, and Wales). The choirs have shared their music making regionally through performances at Northwest American Choral Directors Association conventions (Collegiate Chorale—2020, 1990; Bel Canto—2018; & Singing Statesmen—2024 & 2012).

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Bel Canto specializes in performances of music written for treble voices. Concert repertoire ranges from the Renaissance through the twenty-first century, including Broadway medleys and theatre pieces. The members of the Bel Canto are dedicated to the performance of compositions and arrangements by the many female composers that are emerging throughout the world. Students from all majors on campus participate in Bel Canto, providing the participants with a broad experience and the opportunity to interact with an incredible group of creative, musical, and spirited students.

Group photo of members of Collegiate Chorale

The University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale is the premier ensemble of the University of Wyoming Choral Program. Since its founding more than 80 years ago, Collegiate Chorale has had a distinguished history of conductors that include George Gunn, Carlyle Weiss, Nicole Lamartine, Holly Dalrymple, and Brian C. Murray. Collegiate 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 Teton Village, Wyoming; Boettcher Concert Hall in Denver, Colorado; and Avery Fisher Hall in New York. On the international stage, Collegiate Chorale has performed in the finest concert halls and cathedrals of England, Wales, France, Germany, Italy, Austria, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Mexico, and Brazil. Collegiate Chorale regularly collaborates with the University of Wyoming Symphony Orchestra as well as regional orchestras in performances of choral/orchestral masterworks. Recent performances have included G. F. Handel’s Messiah (2025), Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana (2025), W. A. Mozart’s Requiem (2024), Elaine Hagenberg’s Illuminare (2023), and Johannes Brahms’ ein Deutsches Requiem (2022). The choir has also premiered several works recently through commissions and consortiums including Jeff Lippencott’s American Patriot Hymn (2025), Timothy Takach’s We Are Phoenix (2025), and Reginal Wright’s “Imagined Corners” (2025).

Photo of Happy Jacks members in black and cold uniform jackets

The University of Wyoming Happy Jacks is an auditioned tenor-bass ensemble that performs a diverse body of repertoire. Individual members of the Happy Jacks strive to continually increase their musicianship skills, thereby positively contributing to collaborative and high quality musical performances. Filled with school-spirit, the Happy Jacks enjoy a sense of camaraderie and congeniality that permeates rehearsals and performances alike.

Man singing in black suit and yellow tie

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 tenor-bass choral singing in the United States. This non-auditioned ensemble serves as a musical outlet to students from all walks of campus life, bringing with them a wide diversity in backgrounds and interests. The Singing Statesmen represent the pride and spirit of the University of Wyoming Cowboys.
While focusing primarily on the standard tenor-bass chorus repertoire, the Statesmen specialize in music unique to the University, state, and region. Membership is open to any tenor-bass 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.

Laramie Civic Chorus singing on stage in uniform

The Civic Chorus is a non-auditioned ensemble of university faculty, staff, and students and members of the Laramie community. The Civic Chorus rehearses one night per week and provides avocational 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.

Choral Ensembles

Click through the photos to learn more about each ensemble.

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Bel Canto

Instructor:

Prof. O'Neil Jones
ojones@uwyo.edu

Course Numbers:
MUSC 1415/3415/5815

Collegiate Chorale

Instructor:

Dr. Brian C. Murray
bmurray7@uwyo.edu

Course Numbers:
MUSC 1400/3400/5800

Happy Jacks

Instructor:

Dr. Brian C. Murray
bmurray7@uwyo.edu

Singing Statesmen

Instructor:

Dr. Brian C. Murray
bmurray7@uwyo.edu

Course Numbers:
MUSC 1405/3405/5805

Laramie Civic Chorus

Instructor:

Prof. O'Neil Jones
ojones@uwyo.edu

Course Numbers:
MUSC 1417/3417/5817

Directors of Choral Activities

Dr. Brian C. Murray
Director of Choral Activities

Office: BCPA 3051
Email: bmurray7@uwyo.edu

Dr. O'Neil Jones
Associate Director of Choral Activities

Visiting Associate Professor, Choral Music Education

Office: BCPA 3052
Email: ojones2@uwyo.edu

Portraits of the two Choral Directors of UW

Choirs

Department of Music

Choral Ensembles

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Bel Canto

Collegiate Chorale

Happy Jacks

Singing Statesmen

Laramie Civic Chorus

Directors of Choral Activities

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