Choirs

Welcome!

The WSU Choral Program strives to create a culture of belonging and is open to all students, campus-wide, regardless of major. The choirs aim to cultivate an atmosphere of collegiality where lasting memories and musical experiences can be gained through high artistic standards and the pursuit of excellence.

You can learn more about our faculty and our ensembles by exploring the information below.

Choral Faculty

Dr. Ryan Beeken

Professor of Choral Activities, Associate Director-School of Music, and Area Coordinator, Choral Activities

ryan.beeken@wichita.edu

(316) 978-6429

Dr. Tom Wine

Professor of Music Education and Area Coordinator, Music Education

tom.wine@wichita.edu

(316) 978-6125

Community Links

All-State Audition Workshop Shocker Sing

Ensemble Placement Information

For WSU students majoring in music, the placement process is required unless they have already been placed and received communication from Dr. Ryan Beeken, the Director of Choral Activities. The choral faculty will determine the suitable large ensemble for all voice majors.

Non-music major students, at WSU, have the option to participate in either Wu Choir or Shocker Choir without having to go through the placement process. However, if non-majors wish to be considered for Concert Chorale or Madrigal Singers, they will need to complete the placement process.

All students have the opportunity to apply for placement in any ensemble.

Shocker Choir

Shocker Choir is a bass clef (tenor/bass) voiced chorus made up of both music and non-music majors. The ensemble performs an eclectic mix of classical, folk, and popular music, reflecting the diverse musical interests of its members. The Shocker Choir performs annual fall and spring concerts, participates in the Candlelight Christmas concert, and performs as part of athletic, academic, and social functions throughout WSU's campus. Shocker Choir is open to singers campus-wide who desire a quality bass choir experience through meaningful repertoire, collegiality, and excellent performance.

Course Details

Shocker Choir (tenor/bass) - MUSP 211D, 411D, 711D
Meets M/W 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Satisfies large ensemble requirement for music majors
0-credit options are available. For more information, please email Dr. Tom Wine.

Wu Choir

Wichita State’s Wu Choir is a treble voice ensemble for both music and non-music majors. Wu Choir performs an eclectic mix of classical, folk, and popular music reflective of the diverse and inclusive musical needs of its members. They perform annual fall and spring concerts, participate in the Candlelight Christmas concert, and perform as part of athletic, academic, and social functions throughout WSU’s campus.

Course Details

Wu Choir (Soprano/Alto) - MUSP 212D, 412D, 712D
Meets T/R 12:30 - 1:45pm
Can satisfy both the large or small ensemble requirement for music majors
0-credit options are available. For more information, please email Dr. Tom Wine.

Concert Chorale

The Wichita State University Concert Chorale is the premiere choral ensemble at Wichita State University. Chorale is a highly-selective, auditioned choir open to all WSU students, regardless of major, who desire a rigorous, quality choral experience. They cultivate an atmosphere of collegiality where lasting memories and musical experiences can be gained through high artistic standards and the pursuit of excellence.

Chorale performs of a wide variety of repertoire from the Renaissance through the twenty-first century. They combine annually with other WSU choirs to present the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert and also with the WSU Symphony Orchestra for the spring ‘Oratorio.’

Chorale tours annually and is often invited to perform at professional conferences for the American Choral Directors Association and the National Association for Music Education.

Course Details

Meets:
- M/W 12:30-1:45
- T/R 12:30-1:20
Course numbers: MUSP 213F, 413F, 713F
Satisfies large ensemble requirement for music majors

Ensemble Placement Information

Madrigal Singers

Madrigal Singers is a select mixed ensemble of 16-20 voices, open by audition to all members of the WSU community. The ensemble specializes in chamber choral works, performs in the annual Candlelight Christmas Concert, and collaborate with other chamber musicians and artists. Madrigal Singers also serves as a laboratory ensemble for undergraduate and graduate student conductors during the latter portion of the spring semester.