Spring Choral Concert
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
2023-2024 Choral Concert Season


 

Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Angela Batey, is an auditioned mixed-voice choir which performs a variety of music from all historical periods. In addition to regular concerts on campus, the Chamber Singers have performed throughout the United States and abroad for community arts groups, State and Division Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, Christmas at Biltmore House, and as the invited residential choir at Canterbury Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, London, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh as well as in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, Ireland and Belfast and DownPatrick, Northern Ireland.

Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane, is an auditioned mixed ensemble whose membership represents a variety of academic disciplines. This choir performs music ranging from unaccompanied Renaissance motets to contemporary compositions. In addition to concerts on campus, the Concert Choir has performed on national public and cable television, with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and at conventions of various professional music organizations.

Men’s Chorale, conducted by Professor Tim Ward, is an auditioned TTBB ensemble dedicated to preserving the tenor/bass choir tradition and to performing a wide variety of music written specifically for those voices. In addition to regularly scheduled concerts, this group occasionally joins with other UT choirs to perform major works of the choral repertoire.

Women’s Chorale, conducted by Ms. Carolyn Gahan, is an auditioned SSAA ensemble that performs a wide variety of music written specifically for treble voices. This group, whose membership is drawn from throughout the university, performs in regularly scheduled concerts and periodically joins with other UT choirs to perform major works of the choral repertoire.

Gospel Choir, conducted by Professor Shawn Turner, is an auditioned SATB ensemble dedicated to choral music of the African-American tradition. The membership of this group is drawn from throughout the university and community and is the newest choral offering from the School of Music Choral Area.

UT Singers, directed by Professor Landon Paul, is an ensemble of vocalists who perform a variety of popular music. Each year this group performs for University audiences, alumni, civic groups, and school audiences. The UT Singers have been recognized by the State General Assembly as “Tennessee’s Musical Ambassadors.”

Spring Concert 2024

Tuesday,
March 19, 2024
7:30 p.m.


University of Tennessee
Concert Choir

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane, conductor
Sarah Kitts, graduate assistant
Dustin Lin, accompanist

Sing My Child
Sarah Quartel
(b. 1982)

Brett Beard and Vallie Comstock, soloists
Dustin Lin, djembe

 

Lux Aeterna (“Eternal Light”)
Fernando Moruja
(1960-2004)

 

By Night
Elaine Hagenberg
(b. 1979)

Waverly Watkins, graduate conductor
Hunter Wilburn, violin
Hannah Paulus, cello
Annika Blackburn, Lydia Dodd, and Burke Rivet, percussion

 

Underneath the Stars
Kate Rusby
(b. 1973)
arr. Jim Clements

Jasmyne Baker, soloist

 

Peegeldused tasasest maast (Reflections from a Plain)
Tonu Korvits
(b. 1969)

Hannah Paulus, cello

 

Let the River Run
Craig Hella Johnson
(b. 1962)

Carolyn Gahan, graduate conductor
Annika Blackburn, Lydia Dodd, and Burke Rivet, percussion

 

I Was Love
Jake Runestad
(b. 1986)

Zoë Stiles and Jaden Clark, soloists


University of Tennessee
Chamber Singers

Dr. Angela L. Batey, conductor
Sarah Kitts, graduate assistant
Tami Newsom, accompanist

Young Conductor’s Performance
Featuring students of the Graduate Choral Conducting Program

Morning Trumpet
arr. Wayne Hooper

Sarah Kitts, graduate conductor

 

O vos omnes
Blake Henson

Kaitlyn Smith, graduate conductor

Translation: O all you who pass along this way, behold and see
if there is any sorrow like unto my sorrow.

 

Nunc dimittis from Canticles in F
Peter Aston

Andrew Brittain, graduate conductor

 

Promised Land
arr. Jim Rogers

Carolyn Gahan, graduate conductor

 

Ubi caritas
Ola Gjeilo

Waverly Watkins, graduate conductor

 

Where charity and love are, God is there. His love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

 

Poetry in Music

At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners
Williametta Spencer
(b. 1927)

Williametta Spencer’s dramatic and exciting a cappella setting of the sonnet by metaphysical English poet John Donne begins, like the poem, with a single sentence swirling in energy, disorder, and calamity. The trumpets sound and the dead rise. The first few lines of At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners build up with increasing intensity to culminate in a shattering list of destructions. The style is impassioned, clamorous, and rhetorical. The formal devices of metaphysical poetry are made to serve an express purpose: they attempt to create the atmosphere of clamour and confusion which Donne

imagines will precede the end of the world. The writings of John Donne, who was Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (1621-1631) are expressions of one man’s wrestling with human nature, illness, pain, doubt, faith, trust, and hope. All of his texts are highly imaginative, evocative, personal, and heartfelt.

 

At the round earth's imagined corners blow
Your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise
From death, you numberless infinities
Of souls, and to your scattered bodies go.

All whom the flood did, and fire shall o'erthrow,
All whom war, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies,
Despair, law, chance hath slain, and you, whose eyes
Shall behold God, and never taste death's woe.
But let them sleep, Lord, and me mourn a space;
For, if above all these my sins abound,
'Tis late to ask abundance of Thy grace,
When we are there. Here on this lowly ground,
Teach me how to repent, for that's as good
As if Thou hadst seal'd my pardon with Thy blood.

John Donne
(1572-1631)

 

There Will Be Rest
Frank Ticheli
(b. 1958)

Sara Teasdale's lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise, and this sonorous setting is superbly crafted by Frank Ticheli. An American poet and Pulitzer prize winner writing in the early 20th century, Teasdale wrote seven books of poetry in her lifetime and received public admiration for her well-crafted lyrical poetry which centered on a woman’s changing perspectives on beauty, love, and death. Like all of Teasdale’s works, every line in the poem has deep emotional meaning. At her death, she left twenty-two poems to be published in a collection under the title Strange Victory. “There Will Be Rest” is the last in the book and the poet’s final words.

 

There will be rest, and sure stars shining
Over the roof-tops crowned with snow,
A reign of rest, serene forgetting,
The music of stillness holy and low.
I will make this world of my devising
Out of a dream in my lonely mind.
I shall find the crystal of peace, – above me
Stars I shall find.

Sara Teasdale
(1884-1933)

 

I Dream A World
Connor Koppin
(b. 1991)

Dr. Wesley Baldwin, cello
Professor Hillary Herndon, viola

With Harlem Renaissance leader Langston Hughes' famous poetry at the forefront, the composer has created an emotional, gorgeous, and tender work that truly brings light to a darkened world. The poem heralds equality, empathy, and kindness, and the emotive setting fits seamlessly with that theme. Throughout, Hughes engages with themes of freedom and joy. The poet looks into the future and envisions a utopian version of the world. There, people do not battle against greed, avarice, or racism. Martin Luther King Jr. was a friend of Hughes and elements of his famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech can be traced back to Hughes’ poetry.

 

I dream a world where man No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn.
I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom's way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white, Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth And every man is free.
Where wretchedness will hang its head And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind, Of such I dream, my world!

Langston Hughes
(1902-1967)

 

Musicks Empire
Lloyd Pfautsch
(1921-2003)

A tour de force cornerstone of choral literature, this remarkable setting of a 17th-century poem by English metaphysical poet Andrew Marvell celebrates the power and influence of music. Marvell, a colleague and friend of John Milton, served for twenty-years in the English Parliament, and is considered by many the single most compelling embodiment of change seen in English society and letters in the course of the 17th century. In an era that makes a better claim than most upon the familiar term transitional, Marvell wrote a varied array of exquisite lyrics that blend Cavalier grace with metaphysical wit and complexity. Musicks Empire, in fact, celebrates the emergence of music itself into the world. Composer Lloyd Pfautsch sets the text in a manner which reflects the development of western music from unison chant at the beginning to rich sonorous chords by the end. The piece was commissioned in 1968 by Alfred Skoog, Director of Choral Activities at the State College of Arkansas for his choir to perform for the dedication ceremony of their Fine Arts Center and remains today as powerful as it was over fifty years ago.

First was the World as one great Cymbal made,
Where Jarring Windes to infant Nature plaid.
All Musick was a solitary sound,
To hollow Rocks and murm’ring Fountains bound.

Jubal first made the wilder notes agree
And Jubal tuned the Musicks Jubilee:
He called the Echoes from the sullen Cell,
And built the Organs City where they dwell.

Each sought a consort in that lovely place:
And Virgin Trebles wed the manly Base.
From whence the Progeny of numbers knew
Into harmonious Colonies withdrew.

Some to Lute, some to the Viol went,
And others chose the Coronet eloquent.
These practicing the Wind, and those the Wire,
To sing Men’s Triumphs,
Or in Heaven’s quire.

Then Musick the Mosaique of the Air,
Did of all these a solemn noise prepare:
With which she gained the Empire of the Ear
Including all between the Earth and Sphear.

Victorious sounds! Yet here your Homage do
Unto a gentler Conqueror than you:
Who though He flies the Musick of his praise,
Would with you Heavens Hallelujah raise.

Andrew Marvell
(1621-1678)

Dr. Angela Batey

Dr. Angela Batey is recognized as a prominent conductor, clinician, adjudicator and teacher whose wide variety of experience encompasses professional, university, high school, community and church choruses. Dr. Batey served ten years as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and is currently Associate Dean in the College of Music, Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and James Cox Professor of Music. She conducts the Chamber Singers and teaches conducting courses at the graduate levels. Dr. Batey is also Director of Music at Farragut Presbyterian Church.

She is a Past-President of the Tennessee American Choral Directors Association and is currently serving on the Executive Board of Southern Division ACDA.  Batey has been Associate Conductor of Schola Cantorum of Florida, a professional chorus and Associate Music Director of the Florida Ambassadors of Music, and Festival Director of the International Cathedral Music Festival.

Dr. Batey has appeared as a clinician for the American Choral Directors Association, South Carolina Music Educators Association, Florida Vocal Association, East Tennessee Vocal Association, West Virginia Vocal Association, Georgia Vocal Association, and is a frequent adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor of choral festivals, honors choirs and educational workshops. Her concern for excellence in education is the focal point of her teaching career.

Dr. Batey holds two degrees from Birmingham-Southern College in Music Education and Musical Theatre, a master's degree from The Florida State University in Music Education and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina. In addition, she has studied Conducting with Hugh Thomas, Joseph Flummerfelt, Robert Shaw, Colleen Kirk, Clayton Krehbiel, Andre Thomas, Don V Moses and Larry Wyatt.

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane is the Interim Associate Director of Choral Activities and Lecturer of Music Education at the UT College of Music, where she teaches courses in music education, graduate choral literature, and choral conducting, and conducts the Concert Choir. Prior to joining the faculty at Tennessee, she taught courses and led ensembles at Saddleback College and the Claremont Colleges in Southern California. As Senior Teaching Assistant for the USC Thornton School of Music, she served as Associate Conductor of USC’s premier choral ensemble, the Chamber Singers, and as Lead Conductor of the University Chorus.

A conductor, music educator, and soprano from the southeastern United States, Spillane previously served as a choral director at both the middle and high school levels in the Fulton County and Gwinnett County School Districts in Georgia and holds over a decade of professional church music service. She was honored as the inaugural recipient of the GA American Choral Directors Association Young Director Award in 2019.

Dr. Spillane holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Music from the University of Southern California, where her fields of study were Musicology, Vocology, and Instrumental Conducting. Her dissertation research examined how trends in written range and tessitura impact vocal stamina in mixed-voice choral ensembles. She also holds the Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of Georgia, where she was a Carl Hoveland Fellow and graduate assistant, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Reinhardt University, where she was a summa cum laude graduate. Her conducting teachers include Cristian Grases, Tram Sparks, Larry Livingston, Jo-Michael Scheibe, Daniel Bara, J.D. Burnett, and Martha Shaw. She is an active member of ACDA, NAfME, and NCCO.

Tim Ward

Tim Ward has been the Director of Music for Church Street United Methodist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee since 2009. At Church Street, he oversees a music program of serval choirs and a concert series. Prior to this position at Church Street, he was the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge for more than 20 years. Choirs under Tim’s direction have performed at Tennessee American Choral Director's Association, a National YoutCUE Conference and the Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. His choirs have toured the US, Canada and England. Tim has a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he studied conducting with David Stutzenberger. Tim has taught junior high and high school choral music and is Past President of Tennessee American Choral Directors Association. A few years ago, Tim taught undergraduate conducting at the University of Tennessee and has really enjoyed this semester directing the Men’s Choir.

Landon Paul

Landon Paul is a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee and holds two degrees in Music Education (bachelor of music in music education) and Choral Conducting (master’s degree).  He hails from Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee and is in his sixth year of collegiate teaching experience between his time at UT and Johnson University. He directed UT Singers and conducted Women’s Chorale at UT. Professor Paul has also taught choral conducting, choral/vocal pedagogy, and the Vox Chorale ensemble at Johnson University. He also serves in full-time ministry as the Director of Corporate Worship and Men’s Ministry at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church and is pursuing ordination as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Shawn Turner

Shawn Turner is an alumnus of the UT College of Music, having completed a degree in Studio Music and Jazz.  He has experience teaching in middle and high school levels and is the lead male vocalist in Pinky Ring and Aftah Party, local professional entertainment bands performing classic and modern R&B, Funk and Soul musics.  He is also Artist in Residence at the Old City Performing Arts Center. Professor Turner has over twenty years of experience in church music ministry and currently serves as the Choir Director at Sevier Heights Baptist Church. He is excited to be joining the Choral Area of the College of Music in Fall 2023 as Director of Gospel Choir.

Carolyn Gahan

Carolyn Gahan is a second-year Graduate Teaching Assistant pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a degree in vocal music education. Ms. Gahan studied voice with Professor Andrew Wentzel, and was involved in various ensembles at the university and the Knoxville community. She served on the executive board for The University of Tennessee’s CNAfME (College National Association for Music Educators) chapter throughout her undergraduate education. Additionally, she gained experience student teaching in Knox County and Lenoir City Schools. She is an active musician at a church in the Knoxville Community. Ms. Gahan is a member of the National Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. 

Waverly Watkins

Waverly Watkins is a second-year Graduate Teaching Assistant pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She is the recipient of the prestigious Edward H. Hamilton graduate choral scholarship. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2022 with her bachelors of music in music education. Ms. Watkins studied voice with Professor Cecily Nall and has been involved in multiple UT ensembles throughout her university studies. She served as an officer in the College National Association for Music Educators and was the Music Education Specialist chair for the Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. Ms. Watkins student taught in Blount County Schools at Prospect and Rockford Elementary, as well as Heritage Middle and High School where she rehearsed and conducted multiple ensembles throughout the semester. In addition to her involvement with the University of Tennessee, Ms. Watkins is a choral scholar at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Knoxville. 

Sarah Kitts

Sarah Kitts is a first-year Graduate Teaching Assistant from Seymour, Tennessee pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She is a recent summa cum laude graduate from the University of Tennessee with her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. Ms. Kitts studied voice with Dr. Kimberly Roberts, and was a part of various vocal ensembles in the university and around the Knoxville area. She served as a member of UT’s CNAfME (College National Association for Music Educators) chapter, as well as Women of UT Music, TMEA (Tennessee Music Educators Association), and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). In addition, she gained teaching experience in both Blount County and Knox County Schools at Heritage Middle school and Farragut High school where she taught and led multiple choirs. Ms. Kitts is actively involved in the music scene at UT as well as leading worship at her church.

Vocal Studies at the University of Tennessee

https://music.utk.edu/future-students/voice/

Whether your passion is for art songs, operatic arias or sacred music, it will be kindled during your tenure under the guidance of the voice faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Music. Drawing from a wide-ranging breadth of teaching and professional performing experience, the voice faculty will encourage and guide your growth in whichever direction you choose.

Kevin Class Kimberly Roberts
Eileen Downey Stephen Salters
James Marvel Andrew Skoog
Cecily Nall Renée Tatum

 

Studies in Vocal Music Education at the University of Tennessee

https://music.utk.edu/future-students/music-education/

The University of Tennessee has a long and honored tradition in the field of Music Education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Music Education program focuses on preparing prospective music educators for teaching music in grades K-12. The program is based on the National Standards for Arts Education in Music and the requirements for licensure established by the Tennessee Department of Education. The curriculum in vocal music education consists of courses in the latest techniques, strategies and methodologies for successful teaching. The music education faculty is diverse in its expertise and is current in the profession, often making local, national and international appearances and publishing in their respective areas.

Loneka Battiste David Royse
Fuller Lyon Laura Leigh Spillane

Michael Stewart

Men’s Chorale
Abe Abbott, Brett Beard, Jake Booher, Andrew Brittain, Benjamin Clark,
Jacob Cottrell, Jea’Von Crockett, William Dieal, Jacob Engle,
Jacob Hampton, Logan Kelly, Patrick Liposky, Daniel Lynch,
Drew Mattson, Aidan Moore, Joseph Pinzur, Cooper Sarphie,
Jackson Shriver, Nathan Taylor, Grant Trivette, Owen Wakefield,
Ryan Walker, Vlad Wheeler, James Willbanks, Andrew Williams, Jack W

 

Concert Choir
Jasmyne Baker, Brett Beard, Andrew Brittain, Jamie Burnett, Kennedy Byars,
Jaden Clark, Vallie Comstock, Alexander Davis, Carolyn Gahan, Eric Grigsby,
Kobey Harris, Vivian Hirst, Jantson Hundley, Reagan Imwalle, Sarah Kitts,
Virginia Klenske, Katherine Light, Avery Lyon, Daniella Martin, Daniel Lynch,
Breyana Meyer, Dahltyn Perkins, Joseph Pinzur, Leah Pruter, Ava Purkey,
Ivanna Rivera, Regina Rossi, Adison Shaw, Michael Skoda, Kaitlyn Smith,
Macy Smith, Zöe Stiles, Keelie Whitaker, Waverly Watkins, Luke Woodard,
Erica Zacharias

 

Women’s Chorale
Caden Ashton, Jen Baez, Alexia Bell, Alex Bozun, Natalie Caufman,
Madison Cutshaw, Jordyn Forbes, Britta Gaetjens, Cecilia Gerard,
Ashleigh Gideon, Afton Howard, Izzy Johnson, Vada Kaefang,
Samara Kassab, Sidney Kiner, Alaine Kirk, Ella Knight, Haleigh Latta,
Karley Lech, Natalie Lucksinger, Ashley Majni, Abigail McCarter,
Makayla Morgon, Annabelle Nalley, Eliza Noell, Sophie Noell, MC Northcutt,
Lexi Papadopoulos, Morgon Poston, Caroline Robinson, Alandra Savage,
Katie Scott, Kate Scully, Allison Thompson, Dighton Tokoi, Ella Trisler,
Jordyn Useforge, Katie Wilhoit, Abby Zupanc

 

Chamber Singers
Jackson Ahern, Deven Asbell, Sophie Barker, Ryan Beatty,
Sophie Bennett, Sana Boghani, Andrew Brittain, Hrishi Brooks, Braden Bruce,
Kevin Creelman, Amanda Fintak, Carolyn Gahan, Evan Gill, Arnashia Gray, Kyra Green,
Jackson Guthrie, Jonathan Hamner, Emma Howard, Jantson Hundley,
Katherine Jordan, Sarah Kitts, Alexa Ligons, Mikayla Maldonado, Ally McNabb,
Kallen Miller, Sherleen Mwaura, Sofa Owens, Amara Pappas, Emma Poppert,
Jasmin Power, Jacob Rinke, Solomon Sharp, Aidan Simmons, Kaitlyn Smith,
Kilmeny Sproles, Olivia Squires, Luke Tresner, Waverly Watkins, Rhiane West,
Sadie White, Logan Williams, TJ Williams, Teyah Young, Ameila Zahn

 

UT Singers
Matthew Bogardus, Hrishi Brooks, Braden Bruce, Zayli Christian,
Micaela DeCremer, Camden Elliot, Jacob Engle, Devan Hall,
Jasmine Hernandez, Ella Lewis, Mikayla Maldonado, Jacob Rinke,
Aidan Simmons, Georgia Smith, Luke Tresner, Teyah Young, Amelia Zahn

 

Gospel Choir
Alexander Anderson, Abbey Blalock, Jarret Bush, Karen Carter,
Jea'von Crockett, William Dieal, Jeanine Fuller, Abby Green,
Carolyn Greene, Nicole Hight, Anjanette Hile, Logan Holt,
Max Horsewood, Katie Kiser, David Lin, Kelly Mainor, Hana Maples,
Micah Owens, Rekiyah Owens, Jasmin Power, Jordan Ralls,
Jenny Ralls, Sharese Sims, Ashley Sims, Laura Taliaferro, Michael Westbrook

 

reVOLution
Sophie Barker, Evan Gill, Reagan Imwalle, Virginia Klenske, Karley Lech,
Natalie Lucksinger, Ally McNabb, Mary Chandler Northcutt, Emma Poppert,
Adison Shaw, Kilmeny Sproles, Allison Thompson, Dighton Tokoi, Sadie White

 

VOLume
Brett Beard, Ryan Beatty, Andrew Brittain, Alex Davis, Jacob Hampton,
Kobey Harris, JT Pinzur, Ryan Walker, Vlad Wheeler, TJ Williams

music.utk.edu/ensembles/choral

The University of Tennessee Choral Program has a long and rich tradition in choral excellence. Choral ensemble participation provides a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities for students all across campus. For many years, choral music at UT has been one of the largest student participation activities on campus. Thousands of UT students have shared the adventure of preparing and presenting concerts to audiences of all kinds and sizes—regionally, nationally and internationally—and from these encounters they take away valuable musical memories and friendships. The energy generated by these singers makes UT an exciting place to sing and creates a splendid setting in which to create music, develop personal artistry, and participate in the power of voices joined in song. In short, choral music at the University of Tennessee echoes the rest of the UT experience—new ideas, new approaches, and new understandings!

UT choral ensembles offer a myriad of opportunities for singers. All students may be a part of this exciting experience by participating in one or more of the University’s choirs: Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, or UT Singers. By singing in these choirs, students enjoy the rewards of performing a variety of great choral literature. They also benefit from these opportunities by developing lasting friendships with other students who have similar interests. All UT choirs are open to any UT student, regardless of major or previous choral background, and offer one hour of undergraduate or graduate credit as well as qualifying for the Applied Arts and Humanities requirement in VOLCore.

When you sing in choir at UT, you will find yourself performing music from across many centuries of tradition and experience. Our ensembles regularly perform with orchestra in larger works. Our singers are introduced to various languages, and are exposed to music from other cultures and epochs.

For students interested in being choral conductors, the College of Music offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs that lead to this career goal. The graduate choral conducting program features a wealth of conducting experiences in a variety of choral settings and an academic preparation that leads to successful careers in choral music. The curriculum focuses on literature, style, rehearsal techniques, score reading, and problem solving for each level of choir, and is designed to provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the choral repertoire. Graduates of the College of Music hold choral positions throughout the United States in public schools, churches, and colleges and universities.

Natalie L. Haslam Music Center • 1741 Volunteer Boulevard
 Knoxville, TN 37996-2600 • 865-974-3241 • music.utk.edu

All-East/All-State Preparatory Clinic 
August 26, 2023
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center

Fall Concert
September 26, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

UT Singers Homecoming Concert
November 3, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall,
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center

Women's Chorale Showcase Concert
November 05, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Chamber Singers Outreach Concert
November 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Winter Concert
November 28, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Choral Arts Concert
February 06, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Spring Concert
Chamber Singers & Concert Choir
March 19, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Spring Concert
Men's and Women's Chorales, UT Gospel Choir, &
Contemporary a cappella ensembles
March 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Chamber Singers Choral Evensong
April 28, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge

A Cappella Ensembles Concert
May 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Come Sing With Us!  All UT choirs are open to any UT student, regardless of major or previous choral experience.  Our traditional ensembles satisfy the VOLCore requirement for Applied Arts and Humanities and are a great way to meet and develop lasting friendships with other students who have similar interests. Click here to get more information.

We hope you enjoyed this performance by the UT Choirs. Private support from music enthusiasts who attend more than 200 free UT concerts every year enables us to improve educational opportunities and develop our student artists’ skills to their full potential.

If you would like to join the many others who help the UT College of Music, you may make a gift to the UT Choral Program Fund by sending a check payable to the UT Foundation with UT Choral Fund in the memo line. Please send checks to: UT College of Music, 117 Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, 1741 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996.

To learn more about how you can support the College of Music, contact

Chris Cox, Director of Development, 865-974-3331 or ccox@utfi.org.

UT Choral Logo

Spring Choral Concert
Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 7:30 p.m.
2023-2024 Choral Concert Season


 

Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Angela Batey, is an auditioned mixed-voice choir which performs a variety of music from all historical periods. In addition to regular concerts on campus, the Chamber Singers have performed throughout the United States and abroad for community arts groups, State and Division Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, Christmas at Biltmore House, and as the invited residential choir at Canterbury Cathedral, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, London, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh as well as in Dublin, Cork, and Limerick, Ireland and Belfast and DownPatrick, Northern Ireland.

Concert Choir, conducted by Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane, is an auditioned mixed ensemble whose membership represents a variety of academic disciplines. This choir performs music ranging from unaccompanied Renaissance motets to contemporary compositions. In addition to concerts on campus, the Concert Choir has performed on national public and cable television, with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and at conventions of various professional music organizations.

Men’s Chorale, conducted by Professor Tim Ward, is an auditioned TTBB ensemble dedicated to preserving the tenor/bass choir tradition and to performing a wide variety of music written specifically for those voices. In addition to regularly scheduled concerts, this group occasionally joins with other UT choirs to perform major works of the choral repertoire.

Women’s Chorale, conducted by Ms. Carolyn Gahan, is an auditioned SSAA ensemble that performs a wide variety of music written specifically for treble voices. This group, whose membership is drawn from throughout the university, performs in regularly scheduled concerts and periodically joins with other UT choirs to perform major works of the choral repertoire.

Gospel Choir, conducted by Professor Shawn Turner, is an auditioned SATB ensemble dedicated to choral music of the African-American tradition. The membership of this group is drawn from throughout the university and community and is the newest choral offering from the School of Music Choral Area.

UT Singers, directed by Professor Landon Paul, is an ensemble of vocalists who perform a variety of popular music. Each year this group performs for University audiences, alumni, civic groups, and school audiences. The UT Singers have been recognized by the State General Assembly as “Tennessee’s Musical Ambassadors.”

Spring Concert 2024

Tuesday,
March 19, 2024
7:30 p.m.


University of Tennessee
Concert Choir

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane, conductor
Sarah Kitts, graduate assistant
Dustin Lin, accompanist

Sing My Child
Sarah Quartel
(b. 1982)

Brett Beard and Vallie Comstock, soloists
Dustin Lin, djembe

 

Lux Aeterna (“Eternal Light”)
Fernando Moruja
(1960-2004)

 

By Night
Elaine Hagenberg
(b. 1979)

Waverly Watkins, graduate conductor
Hunter Wilburn, violin
Hannah Paulus, cello
Annika Blackburn, Lydia Dodd, and Burke Rivet, percussion

 

Underneath the Stars
Kate Rusby
(b. 1973)
arr. Jim Clements

Jasmyne Baker, soloist

 

Peegeldused tasasest maast (Reflections from a Plain)
Tonu Korvits
(b. 1969)

Hannah Paulus, cello

 

Let the River Run
Craig Hella Johnson
(b. 1962)

Carolyn Gahan, graduate conductor
Annika Blackburn, Lydia Dodd, and Burke Rivet, percussion

 

I Was Love
Jake Runestad
(b. 1986)

Zoë Stiles and Jaden Clark, soloists


University of Tennessee
Chamber Singers

Dr. Angela L. Batey, conductor
Sarah Kitts, graduate assistant
Tami Newsom, accompanist

Young Conductor’s Performance
Featuring students of the Graduate Choral Conducting Program

Morning Trumpet
arr. Wayne Hooper

Sarah Kitts, graduate conductor

 

O vos omnes
Blake Henson

Kaitlyn Smith, graduate conductor

Translation: O all you who pass along this way, behold and see
if there is any sorrow like unto my sorrow.

 

Nunc dimittis from Canticles in F
Peter Aston

Andrew Brittain, graduate conductor

 

Promised Land
arr. Jim Rogers

Carolyn Gahan, graduate conductor

 

Ubi caritas
Ola Gjeilo

Waverly Watkins, graduate conductor

 

Where charity and love are, God is there. His love has gathered us into one.
Let us rejoice and be pleased in Him. Let us fear, and let us love the living God.
And may we love each other with a sincere heart.

 

Poetry in Music

At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners
Williametta Spencer
(b. 1927)

Williametta Spencer’s dramatic and exciting a cappella setting of the sonnet by metaphysical English poet John Donne begins, like the poem, with a single sentence swirling in energy, disorder, and calamity. The trumpets sound and the dead rise. The first few lines of At the Round Earth’s Imagined Corners build up with increasing intensity to culminate in a shattering list of destructions. The style is impassioned, clamorous, and rhetorical. The formal devices of metaphysical poetry are made to serve an express purpose: they attempt to create the atmosphere of clamour and confusion which Donne

imagines will precede the end of the world. The writings of John Donne, who was Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (1621-1631) are expressions of one man’s wrestling with human nature, illness, pain, doubt, faith, trust, and hope. All of his texts are highly imaginative, evocative, personal, and heartfelt.

 

At the round earth's imagined corners blow
Your trumpets, angels, and arise, arise
From death, you numberless infinities
Of souls, and to your scattered bodies go.

All whom the flood did, and fire shall o'erthrow,
All whom war, dearth, age, agues, tyrannies,
Despair, law, chance hath slain, and you, whose eyes
Shall behold God, and never taste death's woe.
But let them sleep, Lord, and me mourn a space;
For, if above all these my sins abound,
'Tis late to ask abundance of Thy grace,
When we are there. Here on this lowly ground,
Teach me how to repent, for that's as good
As if Thou hadst seal'd my pardon with Thy blood.

John Donne
(1572-1631)

 

There Will Be Rest
Frank Ticheli
(b. 1958)

Sara Teasdale's lyric poem looks to the stars for serenity and promise, and this sonorous setting is superbly crafted by Frank Ticheli. An American poet and Pulitzer prize winner writing in the early 20th century, Teasdale wrote seven books of poetry in her lifetime and received public admiration for her well-crafted lyrical poetry which centered on a woman’s changing perspectives on beauty, love, and death. Like all of Teasdale’s works, every line in the poem has deep emotional meaning. At her death, she left twenty-two poems to be published in a collection under the title Strange Victory. “There Will Be Rest” is the last in the book and the poet’s final words.

 

There will be rest, and sure stars shining
Over the roof-tops crowned with snow,
A reign of rest, serene forgetting,
The music of stillness holy and low.
I will make this world of my devising
Out of a dream in my lonely mind.
I shall find the crystal of peace, – above me
Stars I shall find.

Sara Teasdale
(1884-1933)

 

I Dream A World
Connor Koppin
(b. 1991)

Dr. Wesley Baldwin, cello
Professor Hillary Herndon, viola

With Harlem Renaissance leader Langston Hughes' famous poetry at the forefront, the composer has created an emotional, gorgeous, and tender work that truly brings light to a darkened world. The poem heralds equality, empathy, and kindness, and the emotive setting fits seamlessly with that theme. Throughout, Hughes engages with themes of freedom and joy. The poet looks into the future and envisions a utopian version of the world. There, people do not battle against greed, avarice, or racism. Martin Luther King Jr. was a friend of Hughes and elements of his famous ‘I Have A Dream’ speech can be traced back to Hughes’ poetry.

 

I dream a world where man No other man will scorn,
Where love will bless the earth And peace its paths adorn.
I dream a world where all Will know sweet freedom's way,
Where greed no longer saps the soul Nor avarice blights our day.
A world I dream where black or white, Whatever race you be,
Will share the bounties of the earth And every man is free.
Where wretchedness will hang its head And joy, like a pearl,
Attends the needs of all mankind, Of such I dream, my world!

Langston Hughes
(1902-1967)

 

Musicks Empire
Lloyd Pfautsch
(1921-2003)

A tour de force cornerstone of choral literature, this remarkable setting of a 17th-century poem by English metaphysical poet Andrew Marvell celebrates the power and influence of music. Marvell, a colleague and friend of John Milton, served for twenty-years in the English Parliament, and is considered by many the single most compelling embodiment of change seen in English society and letters in the course of the 17th century. In an era that makes a better claim than most upon the familiar term transitional, Marvell wrote a varied array of exquisite lyrics that blend Cavalier grace with metaphysical wit and complexity. Musicks Empire, in fact, celebrates the emergence of music itself into the world. Composer Lloyd Pfautsch sets the text in a manner which reflects the development of western music from unison chant at the beginning to rich sonorous chords by the end. The piece was commissioned in 1968 by Alfred Skoog, Director of Choral Activities at the State College of Arkansas for his choir to perform for the dedication ceremony of their Fine Arts Center and remains today as powerful as it was over fifty years ago.

First was the World as one great Cymbal made,
Where Jarring Windes to infant Nature plaid.
All Musick was a solitary sound,
To hollow Rocks and murm’ring Fountains bound.

Jubal first made the wilder notes agree
And Jubal tuned the Musicks Jubilee:
He called the Echoes from the sullen Cell,
And built the Organs City where they dwell.

Each sought a consort in that lovely place:
And Virgin Trebles wed the manly Base.
From whence the Progeny of numbers knew
Into harmonious Colonies withdrew.

Some to Lute, some to the Viol went,
And others chose the Coronet eloquent.
These practicing the Wind, and those the Wire,
To sing Men’s Triumphs,
Or in Heaven’s quire.

Then Musick the Mosaique of the Air,
Did of all these a solemn noise prepare:
With which she gained the Empire of the Ear
Including all between the Earth and Sphear.

Victorious sounds! Yet here your Homage do
Unto a gentler Conqueror than you:
Who though He flies the Musick of his praise,
Would with you Heavens Hallelujah raise.

Andrew Marvell
(1621-1678)

Dr. Angela Batey

Dr. Angela Batey is recognized as a prominent conductor, clinician, adjudicator and teacher whose wide variety of experience encompasses professional, university, high school, community and church choruses. Dr. Batey served ten years as Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and is currently Associate Dean in the College of Music, Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Music, Director of Choral Activities, and James Cox Professor of Music. She conducts the Chamber Singers and teaches conducting courses at the graduate levels. Dr. Batey is also Director of Music at Farragut Presbyterian Church.

She is a Past-President of the Tennessee American Choral Directors Association and is currently serving on the Executive Board of Southern Division ACDA.  Batey has been Associate Conductor of Schola Cantorum of Florida, a professional chorus and Associate Music Director of the Florida Ambassadors of Music, and Festival Director of the International Cathedral Music Festival.

Dr. Batey has appeared as a clinician for the American Choral Directors Association, South Carolina Music Educators Association, Florida Vocal Association, East Tennessee Vocal Association, West Virginia Vocal Association, Georgia Vocal Association, and is a frequent adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor of choral festivals, honors choirs and educational workshops. Her concern for excellence in education is the focal point of her teaching career.

Dr. Batey holds two degrees from Birmingham-Southern College in Music Education and Musical Theatre, a master's degree from The Florida State University in Music Education and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Choral Conducting from the University of South Carolina. In addition, she has studied Conducting with Hugh Thomas, Joseph Flummerfelt, Robert Shaw, Colleen Kirk, Clayton Krehbiel, Andre Thomas, Don V Moses and Larry Wyatt.

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane

Dr. Laura Leigh Spillane is the Interim Associate Director of Choral Activities and Lecturer of Music Education at the UT College of Music, where she teaches courses in music education, graduate choral literature, and choral conducting, and conducts the Concert Choir. Prior to joining the faculty at Tennessee, she taught courses and led ensembles at Saddleback College and the Claremont Colleges in Southern California. As Senior Teaching Assistant for the USC Thornton School of Music, she served as Associate Conductor of USC’s premier choral ensemble, the Chamber Singers, and as Lead Conductor of the University Chorus.

A conductor, music educator, and soprano from the southeastern United States, Spillane previously served as a choral director at both the middle and high school levels in the Fulton County and Gwinnett County School Districts in Georgia and holds over a decade of professional church music service. She was honored as the inaugural recipient of the GA American Choral Directors Association Young Director Award in 2019.

Dr. Spillane holds the Doctor of Musical Arts in Choral Music from the University of Southern California, where her fields of study were Musicology, Vocology, and Instrumental Conducting. Her dissertation research examined how trends in written range and tessitura impact vocal stamina in mixed-voice choral ensembles. She also holds the Master of Music degree in Conducting from the University of Georgia, where she was a Carl Hoveland Fellow and graduate assistant, and the Bachelor of Music Education degree from Reinhardt University, where she was a summa cum laude graduate. Her conducting teachers include Cristian Grases, Tram Sparks, Larry Livingston, Jo-Michael Scheibe, Daniel Bara, J.D. Burnett, and Martha Shaw. She is an active member of ACDA, NAfME, and NCCO.

Tim Ward

Tim Ward has been the Director of Music for Church Street United Methodist Church, Knoxville, Tennessee since 2009. At Church Street, he oversees a music program of serval choirs and a concert series. Prior to this position at Church Street, he was the Director of Music at First United Methodist Church of Oak Ridge for more than 20 years. Choirs under Tim’s direction have performed at Tennessee American Choral Director's Association, a National YoutCUE Conference and the Holston Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. His choirs have toured the US, Canada and England. Tim has a Bachelor of Sacred Music degree from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC and a Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he studied conducting with David Stutzenberger. Tim has taught junior high and high school choral music and is Past President of Tennessee American Choral Directors Association. A few years ago, Tim taught undergraduate conducting at the University of Tennessee and has really enjoyed this semester directing the Men’s Choir.

Landon Paul

Landon Paul is a proud alumnus of the University of Tennessee and holds two degrees in Music Education (bachelor of music in music education) and Choral Conducting (master’s degree).  He hails from Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee and is in his sixth year of collegiate teaching experience between his time at UT and Johnson University. He directed UT Singers and conducted Women’s Chorale at UT. Professor Paul has also taught choral conducting, choral/vocal pedagogy, and the Vox Chorale ensemble at Johnson University. He also serves in full-time ministry as the Director of Corporate Worship and Men’s Ministry at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church and is pursuing ordination as a teaching elder in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Shawn Turner

Shawn Turner is an alumnus of the UT College of Music, having completed a degree in Studio Music and Jazz.  He has experience teaching in middle and high school levels and is the lead male vocalist in Pinky Ring and Aftah Party, local professional entertainment bands performing classic and modern R&B, Funk and Soul musics.  He is also Artist in Residence at the Old City Performing Arts Center. Professor Turner has over twenty years of experience in church music ministry and currently serves as the Choir Director at Sevier Heights Baptist Church. He is excited to be joining the Choral Area of the College of Music in Fall 2023 as Director of Gospel Choir.

Carolyn Gahan

Carolyn Gahan is a second-year Graduate Teaching Assistant pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She recently graduated summa cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a degree in vocal music education. Ms. Gahan studied voice with Professor Andrew Wentzel, and was involved in various ensembles at the university and the Knoxville community. She served on the executive board for The University of Tennessee’s CNAfME (College National Association for Music Educators) chapter throughout her undergraduate education. Additionally, she gained experience student teaching in Knox County and Lenoir City Schools. She is an active musician at a church in the Knoxville Community. Ms. Gahan is a member of the National Music Educators Association and the American Choral Directors Association. 

Waverly Watkins

Waverly Watkins is a second-year Graduate Teaching Assistant pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She is the recipient of the prestigious Edward H. Hamilton graduate choral scholarship. She graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2022 with her bachelors of music in music education. Ms. Watkins studied voice with Professor Cecily Nall and has been involved in multiple UT ensembles throughout her university studies. She served as an officer in the College National Association for Music Educators and was the Music Education Specialist chair for the Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. Ms. Watkins student taught in Blount County Schools at Prospect and Rockford Elementary, as well as Heritage Middle and High School where she rehearsed and conducted multiple ensembles throughout the semester. In addition to her involvement with the University of Tennessee, Ms. Watkins is a choral scholar at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral in Knoxville. 

Sarah Kitts

Sarah Kitts is a first-year Graduate Teaching Assistant from Seymour, Tennessee pursuing her master’s degree in Choral Conducting. She is a recent summa cum laude graduate from the University of Tennessee with her bachelor’s degree in Vocal Music Education. Ms. Kitts studied voice with Dr. Kimberly Roberts, and was a part of various vocal ensembles in the university and around the Knoxville area. She served as a member of UT’s CNAfME (College National Association for Music Educators) chapter, as well as Women of UT Music, TMEA (Tennessee Music Educators Association), and ACDA (American Choral Directors Association). In addition, she gained teaching experience in both Blount County and Knox County Schools at Heritage Middle school and Farragut High school where she taught and led multiple choirs. Ms. Kitts is actively involved in the music scene at UT as well as leading worship at her church.

Vocal Studies at the University of Tennessee

https://music.utk.edu/future-students/voice/

Whether your passion is for art songs, operatic arias or sacred music, it will be kindled during your tenure under the guidance of the voice faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Music. Drawing from a wide-ranging breadth of teaching and professional performing experience, the voice faculty will encourage and guide your growth in whichever direction you choose.

Kevin Class Kimberly Roberts
Eileen Downey Stephen Salters
James Marvel Andrew Skoog
Cecily Nall Renée Tatum

 

Studies in Vocal Music Education at the University of Tennessee

https://music.utk.edu/future-students/music-education/

The University of Tennessee has a long and honored tradition in the field of Music Education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Music Education program focuses on preparing prospective music educators for teaching music in grades K-12. The program is based on the National Standards for Arts Education in Music and the requirements for licensure established by the Tennessee Department of Education. The curriculum in vocal music education consists of courses in the latest techniques, strategies and methodologies for successful teaching. The music education faculty is diverse in its expertise and is current in the profession, often making local, national and international appearances and publishing in their respective areas.

Loneka Battiste David Royse
Fuller Lyon Laura Leigh Spillane

Michael Stewart

Men’s Chorale
Abe Abbott, Brett Beard, Jake Booher, Andrew Brittain, Benjamin Clark,
Jacob Cottrell, Jea’Von Crockett, William Dieal, Jacob Engle,
Jacob Hampton, Logan Kelly, Patrick Liposky, Daniel Lynch,
Drew Mattson, Aidan Moore, Joseph Pinzur, Cooper Sarphie,
Jackson Shriver, Nathan Taylor, Grant Trivette, Owen Wakefield,
Ryan Walker, Vlad Wheeler, James Willbanks, Andrew Williams, Jack W

 

Concert Choir
Jasmyne Baker, Brett Beard, Andrew Brittain, Jamie Burnett, Kennedy Byars,
Jaden Clark, Vallie Comstock, Alexander Davis, Carolyn Gahan, Eric Grigsby,
Kobey Harris, Vivian Hirst, Jantson Hundley, Reagan Imwalle, Sarah Kitts,
Virginia Klenske, Katherine Light, Avery Lyon, Daniella Martin, Daniel Lynch,
Breyana Meyer, Dahltyn Perkins, Joseph Pinzur, Leah Pruter, Ava Purkey,
Ivanna Rivera, Regina Rossi, Adison Shaw, Michael Skoda, Kaitlyn Smith,
Macy Smith, Zöe Stiles, Keelie Whitaker, Waverly Watkins, Luke Woodard,
Erica Zacharias

 

Women’s Chorale
Caden Ashton, Jen Baez, Alexia Bell, Alex Bozun, Natalie Caufman,
Madison Cutshaw, Jordyn Forbes, Britta Gaetjens, Cecilia Gerard,
Ashleigh Gideon, Afton Howard, Izzy Johnson, Vada Kaefang,
Samara Kassab, Sidney Kiner, Alaine Kirk, Ella Knight, Haleigh Latta,
Karley Lech, Natalie Lucksinger, Ashley Majni, Abigail McCarter,
Makayla Morgon, Annabelle Nalley, Eliza Noell, Sophie Noell, MC Northcutt,
Lexi Papadopoulos, Morgon Poston, Caroline Robinson, Alandra Savage,
Katie Scott, Kate Scully, Allison Thompson, Dighton Tokoi, Ella Trisler,
Jordyn Useforge, Katie Wilhoit, Abby Zupanc

 

Chamber Singers
Jackson Ahern, Deven Asbell, Sophie Barker, Ryan Beatty,
Sophie Bennett, Sana Boghani, Andrew Brittain, Hrishi Brooks, Braden Bruce,
Kevin Creelman, Amanda Fintak, Carolyn Gahan, Evan Gill, Arnashia Gray, Kyra Green,
Jackson Guthrie, Jonathan Hamner, Emma Howard, Jantson Hundley,
Katherine Jordan, Sarah Kitts, Alexa Ligons, Mikayla Maldonado, Ally McNabb,
Kallen Miller, Sherleen Mwaura, Sofa Owens, Amara Pappas, Emma Poppert,
Jasmin Power, Jacob Rinke, Solomon Sharp, Aidan Simmons, Kaitlyn Smith,
Kilmeny Sproles, Olivia Squires, Luke Tresner, Waverly Watkins, Rhiane West,
Sadie White, Logan Williams, TJ Williams, Teyah Young, Ameila Zahn

 

UT Singers
Matthew Bogardus, Hrishi Brooks, Braden Bruce, Zayli Christian,
Micaela DeCremer, Camden Elliot, Jacob Engle, Devan Hall,
Jasmine Hernandez, Ella Lewis, Mikayla Maldonado, Jacob Rinke,
Aidan Simmons, Georgia Smith, Luke Tresner, Teyah Young, Amelia Zahn

 

Gospel Choir
Alexander Anderson, Abbey Blalock, Jarret Bush, Karen Carter,
Jea'von Crockett, William Dieal, Jeanine Fuller, Abby Green,
Carolyn Greene, Nicole Hight, Anjanette Hile, Logan Holt,
Max Horsewood, Katie Kiser, David Lin, Kelly Mainor, Hana Maples,
Micah Owens, Rekiyah Owens, Jasmin Power, Jordan Ralls,
Jenny Ralls, Sharese Sims, Ashley Sims, Laura Taliaferro, Michael Westbrook

 

reVOLution
Sophie Barker, Evan Gill, Reagan Imwalle, Virginia Klenske, Karley Lech,
Natalie Lucksinger, Ally McNabb, Mary Chandler Northcutt, Emma Poppert,
Adison Shaw, Kilmeny Sproles, Allison Thompson, Dighton Tokoi, Sadie White

 

VOLume
Brett Beard, Ryan Beatty, Andrew Brittain, Alex Davis, Jacob Hampton,
Kobey Harris, JT Pinzur, Ryan Walker, Vlad Wheeler, TJ Williams

music.utk.edu/ensembles/choral

The University of Tennessee Choral Program has a long and rich tradition in choral excellence. Choral ensemble participation provides a rich tapestry of experiences and opportunities for students all across campus. For many years, choral music at UT has been one of the largest student participation activities on campus. Thousands of UT students have shared the adventure of preparing and presenting concerts to audiences of all kinds and sizes—regionally, nationally and internationally—and from these encounters they take away valuable musical memories and friendships. The energy generated by these singers makes UT an exciting place to sing and creates a splendid setting in which to create music, develop personal artistry, and participate in the power of voices joined in song. In short, choral music at the University of Tennessee echoes the rest of the UT experience—new ideas, new approaches, and new understandings!

UT choral ensembles offer a myriad of opportunities for singers. All students may be a part of this exciting experience by participating in one or more of the University’s choirs: Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, Women’s Chorale, or UT Singers. By singing in these choirs, students enjoy the rewards of performing a variety of great choral literature. They also benefit from these opportunities by developing lasting friendships with other students who have similar interests. All UT choirs are open to any UT student, regardless of major or previous choral background, and offer one hour of undergraduate or graduate credit as well as qualifying for the Applied Arts and Humanities requirement in VOLCore.

When you sing in choir at UT, you will find yourself performing music from across many centuries of tradition and experience. Our ensembles regularly perform with orchestra in larger works. Our singers are introduced to various languages, and are exposed to music from other cultures and epochs.

For students interested in being choral conductors, the College of Music offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs that lead to this career goal. The graduate choral conducting program features a wealth of conducting experiences in a variety of choral settings and an academic preparation that leads to successful careers in choral music. The curriculum focuses on literature, style, rehearsal techniques, score reading, and problem solving for each level of choir, and is designed to provide the student with a thorough knowledge of the choral repertoire. Graduates of the College of Music hold choral positions throughout the United States in public schools, churches, and colleges and universities.

Natalie L. Haslam Music Center • 1741 Volunteer Boulevard
 Knoxville, TN 37996-2600 • 865-974-3241 • music.utk.edu

All-East/All-State Preparatory Clinic 
August 26, 2023
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center

Fall Concert
September 26, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

UT Singers Homecoming Concert
November 3, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
Sandra G. Powell Recital Hall,
Natalie L. Haslam Music Center

Women's Chorale Showcase Concert
November 05, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Chamber Singers Outreach Concert
November 19, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Winter Concert
November 28, 2023 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Choral Arts Concert
February 06, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Spring Concert
Chamber Singers & Concert Choir
March 19, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Spring Concert
Men's and Women's Chorales, UT Gospel Choir, &
Contemporary a cappella ensembles
March 26, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
James R. Cox Auditorium,
Alumni Memorial Building

Chamber Singers Choral Evensong
April 28, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Oak Ridge

A Cappella Ensembles Concert
May 5, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
Farragut Presbyterian Church

Come Sing With Us!  All UT choirs are open to any UT student, regardless of major or previous choral experience.  Our traditional ensembles satisfy the VOLCore requirement for Applied Arts and Humanities and are a great way to meet and develop lasting friendships with other students who have similar interests. Click here to get more information.

We hope you enjoyed this performance by the UT Choirs. Private support from music enthusiasts who attend more than 200 free UT concerts every year enables us to improve educational opportunities and develop our student artists’ skills to their full potential.

If you would like to join the many others who help the UT College of Music, you may make a gift to the UT Choral Program Fund by sending a check payable to the UT Foundation with UT Choral Fund in the memo line. Please send checks to: UT College of Music, 117 Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, 1741 Volunteer Blvd., Knoxville, TN 37996.

To learn more about how you can support the College of Music, contact

Chris Cox, Director of Development, 865-974-3331 or ccox@utfi.org.

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