The history of the present Marquette University Chorus really begins after the year 1930, the year in which singing with the chorus became an extra-curricular activity. Until 1930, Marquette University offered music as an academic program for credit. The chorus was weaved into the curriculum of the Music School. After the program was dropped by the University during the Great Depression, the chorus became an entirely voluntary and extra-curricular organization. During most of its history, large chorus membership has been evidence of enthusiastic student involvement.
Membership is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The chorus has had a number of directors over that time period, and a brief history of these directors serves as an equally complete history of the Chorus itself. From 1930 to 1932, Mr. William E. Brennan directed the Chorus. After stepping down as director in 1932, Mr. Brennan remained with the Chorus for the next eight years in the role of Executive Director. Mr. Alfred Hiles Bergen directed the Chorus during one of the busiest periods in its history - 1932 to 1936. In April of 1933, the Marquette Chorus performed at the Milwaukee Auditorium as the guests of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra conducted by Dr. Frederick Stock, and later that year performed at the World's Fair in Chicago.