Dedicated to performing excellence in the choral art, the choral program at SMU has a rich tradition dating back more than 40 years. Throughout this period, members of SMU choral ensembles have gone on to successful careers as vocalists, conductors, music educators and church music leaders, some achieving national and international acclaim in their field. The tradition continues this year with concerts by our outstanding mixed choirs, the Meadows Chorale and the Meadows Chamber Singers, and our superb treble ensemble, Concordia, all under the direction of Dr. Christopher Mason, Interim Director of Choral Activities. Students of all ages and academic concentrations may audition for any of the SMU choirs. For more information about the choral program, contact Dr. Mason at masonct@smu.edu.
SMU Choral Department 2023-2024
Meadows Chamber Singers (PERE 5114)
A select vocal ensemble comprised of the most advanced vocal talent in the university; open through audition to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major. Meadows Chamber Singers fulfills major ensemble requirements for SMU degree programs.
- Rehearsals: MWF 12 – 12:50 p.m.
Meadows Chorale (PERE 5113)
This large mixed choir is open through audition to all undergraduate and graduate students, regardless of major. Meadows Chorale fulfills major ensemble requirements for SMU degree programs.
- Rehearsals: MWF 3 – 3:50 p.m.
Concordia (PERE 5116)
A treble choir that performs an eclectic mix of repertoire from chamber works to opera excerpts to standard choral works. Concordia is open to all undergraduate and graduate students (regardless of major) through audition. This choir fulfills major ensemble requirements for SMU degree programs.
- Rehearsals: TTH 12:30 – 1:50 p.m.
Follow us on Facebook (SMU Choir @smuchoir) and Instagram (@smu_choir)!
FALL 2023 CHOIR PLACEMENT AUDITIONS
Sign up for an audition slot on the paper posted outside the Choral Hall (OFAC 1180)
The audition will consist of vocalization, sight-reading, and the performance of a prepared solo from the standard classical vocal repertoire, such as an art song or aria. If you do not have a song or aria, you may sing The Star Spangled Banner, My Country ‘Tis of Thee, Amazing Grace or some other hymn in a classical style.
If the times below do not work for you, contact Dr. Mason at masonct@smu.edu and an audition time will be arranged.
MONDAY, August 21st
- 12 – 5:30 p.m. (Choral Office OFAC 1182)
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22nd
- 12:30 – 1:50 p.m. (Choral Office OFAC 1182)
- 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. (Choral Office OFAC 1182)
SMU Choral Department
2023 – 2024 Concert Season
Homecoming
Thursday, October 5, 2023
7:30 p.m. | Caruth Auditorium
The season begins with a concert entitled Homecoming. The repertoire centers around themes of home, heaven, and togetherness. It also highlights music with connections to SMU such as repertoire by alum Frank Ticheli and former Director of Choral Activities Lloyd Pfautsch. The Meadows Choirs will share the concert with Duncanville High School A Cappella Choir directed by SMU alum Coretta Smith (‘13). This will be the first concert with interim Director of Choral Activities Dr. Christopher Mason (’06).
Thankfulness and Praise
Sunday, November 19, 2023
2:30 p.m. | Caruth Auditorium
In the season of gratitude, the Meadows Choirs present Thankfulness and Praise. Stephen Paulus’ Thanksgiving hymn “We Gather Together” is the cornerstone of the evening’s repertoire which celebrates gratitude and joy.
Courage to Care
Thursday, March 7, 2024
7:30 p.m. | Caruth Auditorium
Shawn Kirchner’s piece “Courage to Care” is the foundation of this concert by the Meadows Choirs. The concert’s music explores themes of bravery, human dignity, and care for our common home. The SMU Choirs will be joined by the Plano West Senior High School Chorale directed by Sarah Council.
Night and Light and Half-Light
Sunday, April 28, 2024
2:30 p.m. | Caruth Auditorium
The season concludes with a program inspired by W.B. Yeats’ poem “He wishes for the Cloths of Heaven.” Following his text “Had I the heavens’ embroidered cloths…of night and light and the half-light,” the music will survey themes of day, night, love, and mystery.
