The Choral Institute at the University of the South returns in June 2026.
Who
The Choral Institute brings together rising junior and senior high school students as well as recent high school graduates from around the country who love to sing and want to meet other students who share the same passion for choral music. The Choral Institute is led by Dr. Geoffrey Harris Ward, University Organist and Choirmaster at Sewanee.
What
Participants rehearse a wide variety of sacred choral repertoire morning and afternoon each day in preparation for a Taizé service, Compline, and Choral Evensong in Sewanee’s exquisite All Saints’ Chapel. Participants experience authentic life at Sewanee – a week on the campus voted most beautiful in the nation, delicious meals together for every dietary preference and need at McClurg, optional hiking on some of the coolest trails in the Southeast USA, and fun events throughout the week including a talent showcase and a symphony orchestra concert. Adding to the choral and campus immersion are a zoom with Liverpool Cathedral (England) and access to the state-of-the-art Ralston Listening Library with 40,000 recordings.
When
The Choral Institute is June 14-21, 2026.
Why
The University Choir and All Saints’ Chapel beautifully exemplify the Episcopal identity of Sewanee. Continuing the heritage of the choir leading Episcopal services at All Saints’ Chapel and the major academic services at the University is a priority of Sewanee. The Choral Institute is an important part of that mission. Talented musicians from across the country experience "real life" at Sewanee as a chorister. Currently there are 60 undergraduate students from different faith backgrounds and traditions that sing in the choir, about 3 percent of the student body. The choristers have majors and minors across all academic disciplines, a rich diversity of spiritual traditions, and different levels of musical experience. Over the past ten years we have had choir members from China, Russia, Denmark, Italy, Paraguay, Canada, Mexico, and throughout the United States. They enjoy interests as diverse as you can imagine and are dedicated to the sometimes-demanding schedule and activities of the choir. Choir membership is open to any student and the singers take great pride in nurturing a sense of true community and belonging in the choir and throughout Sewanee.
