UNL | Varsity Men's Chorus

UNL ‹ The Choirs at UNL ‹ Choral Ensembles

--F/--c
----
--% RH
WIND - @ --
as of --:--

Welcome
•
I want to sing! Contact Me
•
Performance Calendar
•
Festivals
•
Recordings
•
Downloads
•
Virtual Tours
•
Photo Gallery
•
Community

UNL | Choral Ensembles

Varsity Men's Chorus
directed by Dr. Peter Eklund
MUDC 243 / 443 (Degree Credit – for music majors) or MUCO 243 / 443 (Credit Only – for non-music majors)
class time: MWF 2:30-3:20 (in Westbrook rm 130)

When the Varsity Men's Chorus gathers on stage, it's much more than a concert. It's an event! One that leaves the audience spellbound and wanting more. The choir has been transformed into one of the finest of its kind in the country, as evidenced by their invitaiton to the 50th Anniversary ACDA National Convention in 2009. Those who hear them become immediate fans. It is not difficult to account for the choir's popularity. These enthusiastic singers achieve a rich and full sound, and their repertoire is unique and varied. While focusing primarily on music of the standard male chorus repertoire, they also bring new literature into this musical idiom with interesting new commissions and exciting multi-cultural works. What brings them all together is the enjoyment of making music and the special camaraderie which is such an important part of ensembles. The University of Nebraska's Varsity Men's Chorus is dedicated to the service of the University, the state, its members, and to the art of music. Membership is open to any male singer enrolled in the university. A non-auditioned group, students from throughout the University are encouraged to participate. From athletes to valedictorians, leaders in student government, and clubs/fraternities/activities, the members of this busy singing group bring with them a wide diversity in backgrounds and interests while maintaining fine GPA's. Rehearsals are held for 150 minutes per week. The chorus's tradition dates back over 100 years.

The Varsity Men's Chorus takes part in an annual inter-collegiate choral festival each fall. They have sung for state conventions of the Nebraska Choral Directors Association, the Nebraska Music Educators Association, plus appearances at the North Central Division Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association and were chosen to perform on the Intercollegiate Men's Choruses National Convention, an invitation that is extended to only the finest few collegiate men's choruses in the nation. They have recently accepted a prestigious invitation to perform at the Divisional convention of the Music Educators National Conference in January of 2003 and the National MENC Conventions in Minneapolis in 2004. The choir performed the musical soundtrack for the Nebraska Educational Television documentary "Husker Century" broadcast statewide, recorded a number of tracks for the "PRIDE OF THE HUSKERS" CD and recently released a popular CD of traditional hymns and sacred favorites.

This choir has combined with the UNL Women's Chorale for some important majors events and works. They have performed the Brahms Requiem, Lizst's Christus, Beethoven's 9th Symphony, Walton's Belshazzar's Feast, Orff's Carmina Burana, Mendelssohn's Elijah, and Fauré's Requiem (to name just a few).

Auditions:
There are no formal auditions for this nationally-recognized ensemble; that surprises many. All that is needed is a reliable work-ethic, reliability, and an attitude of collegiality. Singers must feel the need to attend practices and performances. Singers want quality of performances, not quantity. Interested singers should register for the class and/or attend one of the first class meetings. Singers need only to register for the ensemble that meets MWF at 2:30pm (for 150 minutes per week).

To become a member, register for the class and attend the first reherasal. Additional information will be dispensed at that time.