At the laying of the cornerstone for the University of the South on Oct. 10, 1860, a choir is first mentioned singing Psalm 100. Since that time, the University Choir has continued to play an important role in the musical life of the University and All Saints' Chapel through services, concerts, ceremonies, and celebrations.
The University Choir is the heart of musical life at Sewanee. Directed by Geoffrey Harris Ward, the University Choir is comprised of 50 dedicated undergraduates with a wide range of backgrounds, majors, and interests. The University Choir sings at weekly services in All Saints' Chapel, monthly Evensongs, and a variety of concerts and special events throughout the academic year. Choir membership is open to any student—no audition or previous experience is required.
The University Choir is an active touring ensemble and has performed extensively throughout the southeastern United States as well as in California, Oregon, Texas, Colorado, New York, and Canada. Since 1979, the choir has made more than 10 tours of England, singing the service of Choral Evensong in more than 20 cathedrals and abbey churches.
Each year, up to 5 scholarships, starting at $5,000, are awarded and are renewable for four years contingent upon recipients' participation in the University Choir.
These awards attract students of great music talent who wish to share their abilities with the Sewanee community. Recipients are a part of the extraordinary choral experience at Sewanee, across the country, and around the globe.
This exclusive campus visit is a deep dive in the choral experience at Sewanee. Available several times during the school year, the visit includes a meeting with Dr. Ward, singing in a University Choir rehearsal in iconic All Saints' Chapel, and dinner with University Choir members.
April 5-7, 2024 -- Make plans for the annual choir reunion to reconnect, harmonize, and celebrate the enduring bonds we've formed over the years. Register and view the preliminary schedule at the link below.
The Choral Institute is a weeklong summer experience for prospective students who love to sing. Students will be on the campus during the first week of the summer school session. Prospective students will be immersed into the academic life of Sewanee on the campus. The Office of Admission will have advising sessions that highlight the college application process.
As an active touring ensemble, the University Choir has performed extensively throughout the southeastern United States as well as in California, Texas, Oregon, Colorado, New York, and Canada. Since 1979, the choir has made more than ten tours of England, singing the service of Choral Evensong in more than 20 cathedrals and abbey churches.
The majestic beauty of All Saints' Chapel is the perfect setting for the annual service of Lessons and Carols. This reflective and festive worship service regularly attracts as many as 3,000 people to campus each year and is a signature event at the University. The University Choir features prominently in the service, offering poignant and thrilling anthems, leading the congregation in carols, and joining voices with a global, time-honored tradition.
Watch previously recorded services and livestreams of the University Choir's performances on All Saints' Chapel's Vimeo channel.
The University Choir is active on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Be sure to "like" and "follow" our feeds for information on concerts, special services, tour announcements, performance videos and photos, and behind-the-scenes looks at what it's like to sing at Sewanee.
