Concert Chorale

This is the largest choral organization on campus. It is open to all music majors, and to non-majors by audition. Consisting of 50 to 60 men and women, the Concert Chorale performs literature from all style periods, from great a cappella works to larger works with orchestra. Directed by Dr. Robert Prowse, this group performs a concert on campus at the end of each semester. In addition, the Chorale has performed at various off-campus venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York City. Major works recently performed by the choir include Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Haydn’s Mass in Time of War (Paukenmesse), Stravinsky’s Symphony of Psalms and Poulenc’s Gloria. Concert Chorale meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 to 3:50 pm.

Chamber Singers

The Chamber Singers is open to any NJCU student, by audition only. Usually consisting of 12 to 16 men and women, this group seeks to take intimate ensemble singing to a higher level. A variety of music is performed, from madrigals to folk song arrangements, to small dramatic pieces and theatrical songs. The Chamber Singers performs on the choral concert at the end of each semester, and occasionally at other events. This group meets for two hours, once each week.

Jazz Vocal Ensemble

The Jazz Vocal Ensemble is a mixed group of five to eight singers consisting of undergraduate and graduate music majors. Under the direction of pianist, composer, arranger Allen Farnham, this group performs a wide variety of material drawn from groups such as New York Voices, Manhattan Transfer, Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, as well as arrangements written specifically for the group. The ensemble has recently performed at Birdland and Trumpet’s nightclubs in addition to concerts on campus every semester. Participation in this ensemble is by audition only. The Jazz Vocal Ensemble rehearses once a week for three hours.

The Unity Ensemble

Directed by Dr. Maredia Warren, the Unity Ensemble is the newest of NJCU’s vocal groups. This group performs music from the Gospel tradition and other African and African-American traditions. Open to all NJCU students by audition, this ensemble rehearses once a week. The Unity Ensemble can be heard at various campus events throughout the year.

Theatrical Opportunities

In addition to these choirs, students may experience choral singing by participating in the opera in the fall, or the musical in the spring. Leading roles and chorus are open to all students, by audition. Academic credit is available. All productions are fully staged, with costumes, scenery and an orchestra. Recent opera productions have included Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, Donizetti’s The Elixir of Love and Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro. Recent musicals include Anything Goes, The Secret Garden and A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum.

Choral Faculty: