Department of Music
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3037
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Phone: (307) 766-5242
Fax: (307) 766-5326
Email: musicdpt@uwyo.edu

Choirs

Welcome

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).

Let us know you're interested in singing with us by completing this form.

Singing Statesmen Program, at the Northwest American Choral Directors Association, January 2024

Choral Ensembles

Bel Canto

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.

Instructor: Prof. O'Neil Jones, ojones@uwyo.edu
Course Numbers: MUSC 1415/3415/5815

Collegiate Chorale

The University of Wyoming Collegiate Chorale is comprised of 40 of the finest choral singers on the University campus. Membership is by audition only. 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 University of Wyoming 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.

Instructor: Dr. Brian C. Murray, bmurray7@uwyo.edu
Course Numbers: MUSC 1400/3400/5800

Happy Jacks

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.

Instructor: Dr. Brian C. Murray, bmurray7@uwyo.edu

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.

Instructor: Dr. Brian C. Murray, bmurray7@uwyo.edu
Course Numbers: MUSC 1405/3405/5805

Laramie Civic Chorus

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.

Instructor: Prof. O'Neil Jones, ojones2@uwyo.edu
Course Numbers: MUSC 1417/34174/5817

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

Department of Music
University of Wyoming
1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3037
Laramie, Wyoming 82071
Phone: (307) 766-5242
Fax: (307) 766-5326
Email: musicdpt@uwyo.edu