Written by Eliza Simikian | Video produced by Austin Orr
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music Men’s Chorale will perform this Thursday, March 5 at the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) Southern Regional Conference, one of the most competitive gatherings of choral musicians and educators in the region.
The Southern Division conference is held in even-numbered years, and in 2026 only 16 choirs were selected through blind adjudication from more than 100 auditioned ensembles. UT’s tenor-bass ensemble is one of just two tenor-bass choirs accepted.
“It is a huge honor,” said Andrew Skoog, professor of voice and voice area coordinator. “This was a blind audition. The panel did not know my name or that we were from the University of Tennessee. Out of more than a hundred choirs, they selected only 16. I was stunned and incredibly proud of our students.”
A Program on the Rise
In recent years, the choral and vocal studies areas within the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music expanded in both enrollment and performance opportunities. Students performed a wide range of repertoire, collaborated across disciplines, and engaged in increasingly visible performance experiences.
The Men’s Chorale became a defining ensemble within that drive, offering tenor and bass singers a focused environment to refine technique while exploring diverse literature.
“Professor Skoog’s artistry and leadership have elevated the Men’s Chorale in remarkable ways,” said Angela Batey, director of graduate studies and director of choral activities. “He brings professional-level excellence into every rehearsal, and our students rise to meet that standard. This performance is a reflection of that shared commitment.”
Leadership & Legacy
Under Skoog’s leadership, the Men’s Chorale has developed a strong artistic identity. An accomplished tenor, he has performed at Carnegie Hall in Handel’s Messiah and appeared with major orchestras in the United States and abroad. His operatic credits include leading roles such as Pinkerton in Madama Butterfly, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte and Sam Polk in Susannah.
“Most people recognize Professor Skoog from singing the national anthem at home games,” Batey said. “But he is an internationally known performer, and he brings that level of artistic excellence into rehearsal. The tenors and basses catch that fire, and it is a wonderful thing to see.”
In rehearsal, Skoog emphasizes vocal health, musical integrity and full engagement, challenging singers to engage deeply with text and style while maintaining strong ensemble discipline.
“He really cares about us as individuals and as singers,” Jackson Schriver, a junior majoring in public affairs and a member of the Men’s Chorale. “He always wants us to be our best and not leave anything on the table.”
For Skoog, the ACDA performance carries personal significance. His father, Alfred Skoog, was a charter member of the ACDA and helped build the organization in its early years.
“I never fully understood my father’s love for his men’s chorale until I stood in front of my own,” Skoog said. “It is a privilege to work with these students. They enrich my life in ways I did not understand until I experienced it myself. When I walk into rehearsal, even if I am exhausted, they rejuvenate me. I love these guys with all my heart.”
The Men’s Chorale’s appearance at the Southern Regional Conference marks a significant milestone for the ensemble and underscores the continued strength and momentum of UT’s choral and vocal studies programs.