The Conservatory Choir (MUEN 311) is Shenandoah University’s premier chamber choral ensemble, specializing in vocal music encompassing everything from historical repertoire to the most cutting-edge contemporary choral compositions. Emphasis is placed on programming music inspired by a wide variety of world cultures and from a broad spectrum of composers. Ensemble members have the opportunity to refine their aural and sight-reading skills, apply their knowledge of music theory and history, and develop their voices in pedagogically sound ways.
The Conservatory Choir performs frequently on Shenandoah’s main campus as well as throughout the region and abroad. The ensemble regularly collaborates with other areas in the conservatory including composition, opera, theatre, dance and more. As ambassadors of the university, the ensemble is regularly asked to perform on campus at school-wide cultural and religious events as well as off-campus where the ensemble has forged relationships with local high schools, churches and communities. Additionally, the Conservatory Choir was featured on the Grammy award-winning recording for Best Choral Performance of the Year, given in the year 2000.
Membership in this choir is open by audition to both music majors and non-majors. By focusing attention on historically and culturally informed performance practice, advanced musicianship, diction, stage deportment and ensemble cohesion, the Conservatory Choir prepares singers for careers in vocal performance, choral music education, church music and the professional choral job market.