The University Chorale is the most open choir in the Department of Vocal and Choral Music. Many of the students in this ensemble are music majors who primarily study an instrument other than voice. Others enjoy singing but have decided not to pursue music as a career. Membership is open to anyone on campus without audition, and the ensemble performs annually at the Holiday Festival Concert and on their own program in the spring semester. Voice Study at WCU Voice study with one of the artist-teachers is the core of each student s vocal and choral experience at West Chester University.
Students work individually with a faculty member, building technique and exploring repertory.
Many students present junior and senior recitals under the guiding philosophy that vocal growth comes through supervised, structured public performance. Additionally, there are opportunities for solo work with the choirs and with other School of Music ensembles. West Chester students also regularly take part in competitions sponsored by the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and other groups. The Milder Lamb Sheerer Master Classes in Voice and Vocal Accompaniment regularly bring famous clinicians to campus, such as Julianne Baird and Martin Katz, who work intensively with WCU students. Opera and Musical Theatre Undergraduate and graduate voice students are chosen to participate in operatic scenes, programs and one-act chamber operas in the spring of each year.