Choral Ensembles
Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or new to choral singing, UT’s choral ensembles offer a place for every voice. Open to all students regardless of major or experience, our choirs create powerful musical experiences, lifelong friendships, and opportunities to grow as both artists and collaborators. With a variety of ensembles and repertoire, there’s a place for you in our community of song.
Discover the Art of Choral Excellence
UT’s choral ensembles are led by a team of five dedicated faculty members who guide students through an immersive, academically enriching experience. Singers explore a wide range of repertoire from across centuries, cultures, and languages—building not only vocal skill, but also global musical awareness.
Participation in Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, or Women’s Chorale fulfills the Applied Arts and Humanities (AH) requirement in the Vol Core general education curriculum for undergraduate students. Ensemble membership also earns one hour of undergraduate or graduate credit per semester.
Ensembles
Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers is a highly select, auditioned choir that performs music from a wide range of historical periods and styles. In addition to regular concerts on campus, the ensemble has an active touring history, with performances across the U.S. and abroad. Highlights include appearances at state and division conventions of the American Choral Directors Association, holiday performances at Biltmore House in Asheville, NC, and a cathedral residency in Ireland and Northern Ireland—featuring concerts at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral (Dublin), and Downpatrick Cathedral.
The Chamber Singers have also toured Russia, collaborating with choirs from the St. Petersburg and Moscow Conservatories, and have served as Chorus-in-Residence at the International Cathedral Music Festival at Oxford University in England.
Course Information:
MUEN 330/530
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30–3:45 PM
Concert Choir
Concert Choir is a large, auditioned mixed-voice ensemble composed of both undergraduate and graduate students from across the university. Known for its musical versatility, the choir performs repertoire spanning all historical eras, styles, cultures, and composer backgrounds.
In addition to regular on-campus performances, the ensemble has appeared at regional conventions and collaborated with both the UT Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Course Information:
MUEN 380/580
Mondays & Wednesdays, 12:40–2:40 PM
Men’s Chorale
Men’s Chorale is open to all UT students and focuses on building community through the choral tradition while exploring a wide range of repertoire written specifically for tenor and bass voices. In addition to regular campus performances, the ensemble often collaborates with other UT choirs on major choral works.
Course Information:
MUEN 383/583
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:05–5:20 PM
Women’s Chorale
Women’s Chorale is a treble-voice ensemble open to students from across the university. The group performs a wide range of repertoire written specifically for treble voices and appears in concerts both on and off campus. The ensemble also periodically joins the Concert Choir for collaborative performances with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.
Course Information:
MUEN 389/589
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 1:50–2:40 PM
Gospel Choir
Gospel Choir offers students an educational and inspiring introduction to the rich tradition of gospel music, from its roots in traditional spirituals to contemporary expressions of faith and praise. Open to students of all backgrounds, the ensemble emphasizes ensemble singing, musical expression, and cultural context through dynamic repertoire and real-world performance opportunities in the Knoxville community.
Auditions:
Students may be invited to audition following a traditional choral hearing or by scheduling directly with Professor Turner. Auditions include a portion of a prepared song.
Course Information:
MUEN 315/515
Thursdays, 7:15–8:30 PM
UT Singers
As the oldest vocal ensemble on campus, UT Singers has a storied history dating back to the 1950s. Originally a traditional choral group, the ensemble has evolved into a dynamic, mixed-voice contemporary a cappella group. Today, UT Singers continues to blend musical excellence with creative innovation, offering high-level performance opportunities in a modern format.
Eligibility:
Undergraduate members must maintain a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA (3.0 in music coursework for music majors). Graduate members must maintain a 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are available.
Auditions:
For the 2025 – 2026 season, you can audition in-person or virtually. Find information on the UT Singers webpage.
Course Information:
MUEN 320
Mondays & Wednesdays, 3:00–5:25 PM
A Cappella Ensembles
Contemporary a cappella is a dynamic part of the UT choral program, offering students the opportunity to explore popular music through vocal harmony, rhythm, and style. Auditions are held each fall, and membership is open to students who also participate in a traditional choir: Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Women’s Chorale, or Men’s Chorale.
reVOLution
Formed in 2010, reVOLution is a treble-voice a cappella group known for its bold, high-energy performances and signature take on contemporary favorites.
VOLume
Since 2009, VOLume has showcased tenor-bass voices through creative, crowd-pleasing arrangements of popular music, bringing excitement and flair to the choral program
Sing Around the World
Choral singers at UT have the opportunity to take their voices beyond the campus stage. Most notably, Chamber Singers have traveled to the UK and Ireland to perform in iconic venues such as St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin, Downpatrick Cathedral in Northern Ireland, and as Chorus-in-Residence at the International Cathedral Music Festival at Oxford University. These unforgettable experiences reflect the global reach and excellence of choral music at UT.
How to join a Choral Ensemble
Any student who enjoys singing can find their place in a UT choral ensemble! Choirs are open to all students, regardless of major or prior experience. Whether you’re a seasoned vocalist or trying choir for the first time, there’s a space for you in our welcoming choral community.
Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, and Women’s Chorale
Step 1: Sign up for a Choral Hearing
All traditional choral ensembles (Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale, and Women’s Chorale) require a brief choral hearing to help place you in the ensemble best suited to your voice type, skill level, and musical background.
Step 2: Attend Your Choral Hearing
Your choral hearing is a relaxed, one-on-one voice placement session with a faculty member. You’ll:
- Vocalize to determine your range and section
- Demonstrate sight-reading ability (don’t worry if you’re new!)
- Share your singing experience and musical goals
We’ll help you find the best fit whether it’s your first choir or your fifth.
Step 3: Register for the Ensemble
After your hearing, you’ll be invited to register for the choir that best fits your placement and schedule.
A cappella ensembles: reVOLution and VOLume
All singers with concurrent membership in Chamber Singers, Concert Choir, Men’s Chorale or Women’s Chorale will have the opportunity to audition for these ensembles. Auditions take place every fall semester, and will be announced in each choir class.
Gospel Choir
Contact director Shawn Turner to audition: [email protected].
UT Singers
UT Singers requires an audition. Learn more on the UT Singers webpage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect during a choral hearing?
Choral hearings are brief, low-stress voice placement sessions which take place one-on-one with a choral faculty member, and are a way for us to get to know you, your goals, and your voice. In the hearing, you will be asked to vocalize in order to determine which choral section (soprano, alto, tenor, or bass) best suits your natural range and tessitura. Then, you will be asked to demonstrate your level of musicianship through sight-reading. If you are new to reading music, don’t worry! We will walk you through the entire process. Just come ready to sing!
Can I be involved in multiple choirs?
Yes! Be sure they work for your schedule. Have questions? Reach out to your intended ensemble director(s)!
I am new to choral singing. Which choir would be best for me?
Most of our beginner singers find success in Women’s or Men’s Chorale as their first choral experience. We’ll assist you in making this decision during your choral hearing!
I am an experienced and enthusiastic choral singer. Which choir will be best for me?
Wonderful! Many of our advanced singers find themselves best suited for Chamber Singers or Concert Choir, depending on openings in the groups in any given year or semester. We’ll evaluate your best fit during your choral hearing!
I completed (or will complete) a hearing during summer orientation. Do I need to sign up here for another choral hearing?
Nope! You’re all set.
I have a different question.
We are here to help! Reach out to Professor Batey ([email protected]) or Professor Spillane ([email protected]).